Subpixel Electrode Layout to Prevent Display Short-Circuit Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices with light emitting elements are prone to defects such as dark or bright spots due to short circuits between electrodes, which can lead to incomplete or incorrect image display.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a substrate with a first and second electrode, a light emitting element connected to both electrodes, and connection electrodes that ensure the same driving current is applied even if one electrode is short-circuited, preventing defects by maintaining light emission in affected sub-pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If electrodes are placed close to each other to reduce device area, then area is reduced, but short circuit risk increases causing display defects
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode is divided into multiple segments (first electrode segment, second electrode segment, third electrode segment) that are spatially separated. This segmentation allows the electrode structure to maintain electrical connectivity while reducing the risk of short circuits between adjacent electrodes, thus resolving the contradiction between compact area and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A second connection electrode is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second electrodes. This intermediate electrode provides an isolated connection path that prevents direct contact between the first and second electrodes, thereby reducing short circuit risk while maintaining the compact device layout.
2Reliability
If electrodes are spaced apart to prevent short circuits, then reliability improves, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode segments and connection electrodes are arranged in a nested or overlapping configuration where components are positioned in different spatial layers or regions. This nesting allows multiple electrode elements to coexist in a compact area while maintaining sufficient separation to prevent short circuits, thus achieving both reliability and area efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure utilizes multi-dimensional arrangement where electrode segments are positioned in different spatial dimensions (e.g., overlapping in plan view but separated in cross-section). This dimensional arrangement allows compact packaging while maintaining electrical isolation, resolving the area-reliability tradeoff.
3Reliability
If connection electrodes are added to ensure current distribution, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second connection electrode serves multiple functions: it connects the first and second electrodes electrically, provides current distribution pathways, and acts as a spacer to maintain electrode separation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection electrode structure merges the functions of electrical connection and physical spacing into a single integrated component. By combining these functions, the design achieves improved current distribution and short circuit prevention without adding separate elements that would increase complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a substrate; a first transistor on the substrate; first and second electrodes on the first transistor and extending in one direction and spaced apart from each other; a light emitting element on the first electrode and the second electrode; and a first connection electrode in contact with one end of the light emitting element and a second connection electrode in contact with another end of the light emitting element. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart from the first transistor, and the first connection electrode is connected to the first transistor and the first electrode.