Stacked Driver Circuit Layout for Narrow-Bezel Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices have wide bezels due to the large area occupied by driver circuits, which limits their ability to be designed with narrow bezels and high visibility.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a driver circuit that includes a selection circuit and a buffer circuit, where the transistors in the driver circuit are stacked to reduce the area occupied, allowing for a narrower bezel and integration of transistors with the same conductivity type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If driver circuits are formed using conventional CMOS circuits or transistors with different conductivity types, then the circuit functionality is achieved, but the bezel width increases due to large area occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies stacking technology to arrange transistors in the vertical direction (third dimension) rather than only in the planar direction. Specifically, a first transistor and a second transistor are stacked such that their channel formation regions overlap in the planar view, with the second transistor positioned above the first transistor. This three-dimensional arrangement dramatically reduces the horizontal area occupied by the driver circuit, thereby narrowing the bezel width while maintaining full circuit functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second transistor within the vertical space above the first transistor. The channel formation region of the second transistor is positioned directly above the channel formation region of the first transistor, creating a nested configuration where one transistor is effectively 'inside' the vertical envelope of the other. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall footprint of the driver circuit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transistors with the same conductivity type are used in the driver circuit, then design flexibility and integration are improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transistors with the same conductivity type (either all n-type or all p-type) throughout the driver circuit, including both the selection circuit and buffer circuit. This universal approach allows the same transistor design and fabrication process to be used for all switching elements, simplifying manufacturing while providing design flexibility. The stacked configuration of these identical-conductivity transistors enables the circuit to achieve both selection and buffering functions without requiring mixed conductivity types.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device with a narrow bezel is provided. The display device includes a pixel circuit and a driver circuit which are provided on the same plane. The driver circuit includes a selection circuit and a buffer circuit. The selection circuit includes a first transistor. The buffer circuit includes a second transistor. The first transistor has a region overlapping with the second transistor. One of a source and a drain of the first transistor is electrically connected to a gate of the second transistor. One of a source and a drain of the second transistor is electrically connected to the pixel circuit.