Thin Film Transistor Array Panel Single Photolithography Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing cost of liquid crystal displays increases when two field generating electrodes are disposed on a single substrate, as it requires different photo masks for each electrode, leading to higher production costs.
Innovation Solution
A thin film transistor array panel design where the organic layer, common electrode, and blocking member are formed using a single photolithography process, allowing for the exposure of the organic layer's edge by the common electrode and blocking member, which reduces the need for multiple photo masks and minimizes the planar area of the common electrode, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two field generating electrodes are disposed on a single substrate, then the display performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to requiring different photo masks for each electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of the common electrode and blocking member into a single photolithography process. The organic layer is patterned to expose its edge by both the common electrode and blocking member simultaneously, allowing two distinct functional elements to be created in one manufacturing step rather than requiring separate photo masks for each electrode
Solution Approach 2:
The organic layer serves multiple functions: it acts as an insulating layer, defines the pattern for both the common electrode and blocking member, and its exposed edge provides the interface for both electrodes. This multi-functional use of the organic layer reduces the need for multiple specialized photo masks
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple photo masks are used for forming different electrodes, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the patterning steps for the common electrode and blocking member into a single photolithography process. By designing the organic layer pattern to simultaneously define both electrodes, the complexity of using multiple photo masks is reduced while maintaining the precision needed for electrode formation
Data Source
AI summary
A thin film transistor array panel includes an insulation substrate; a gate line and a data line on the insulation substrate; a first passivation layer on the gate line and the data line; an organic layer on the first passivation layer; a first electrode on the organic layer; a second passivation layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode on the second passivation layer. An edge of the organic layer is exposed by the first electrode.