TFT ESD Protection Layout for Display Signal Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ESD protection circuits in display devices face limitations due to a narrow width-to-length ratio of Thin Film Transistors (TFTs) perpendicular to data or gate lines, restricting their ESD-damage-prevention performance.

Innovation Solution

The ESD protection circuit design includes TFTs with channels parallel to the extension direction of signal lines, allowing for a reduced width-to-length ratio and improved ESD-damage-prevention performance by increasing channel length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the channel direction of TFT is perpendicular to data line or gate line extension direction, then the TFT can be disposed in limited space, but the channel length is limited and ESD-damage-prevention performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveESD-damage-prevention performanceVSAvoidchannel length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional channel orientation by making it parallel to the data line or gate line extension direction instead of perpendicular. This inversion allows the channel length to extend along the line direction, achieving a smaller width-to-length ratio and improved ESD protection performance without increasing the area occupied by the TFT.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the TFT by adjusting the channel width and length relationship. By orienting the channel parallel to the data line or gate line, the effective channel length increases while the channel width decreases, resulting in an optimized width-to-length ratio that enhances ESD damage prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the channel direction of TFT is perpendicular to data line or gate line extension direction, then the TFT can be disposed in limited space, but the width-to-length ratio is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveESD-damage-prevention performanceVSAvoidwidth-to-length ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional channel orientation by making it parallel to the data line or gate line extension direction instead of perpendicular. This inversion allows the channel length to extend along the line direction, achieving a smaller width-to-length ratio and improved ESD protection performance without increasing the area occupied by the TFT.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the TFT by adjusting the channel width and length relationship. By orienting the channel parallel to the data line or gate line, the effective channel length increases while the channel width decreases, resulting in an optimized width-to-length ratio that enhances ESD damage prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances the ESD-damage-prevention performance by optimizing the layout and connection of TFTs, reducing space occupation and improving protection against electrostatic damage.

Implementation Method 1

electro-static discharge protection circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-static discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentEP3846206B1Electro-static discharge protection circuit, display panel, and display device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3846206B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3846206B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3846206B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ESD protection circuit including a TFT arranged between a to-be-protected signal line and a discharging line is provided, wherein a length direction of a channel of the TFT is parallel to an extension direction of the to-be-protected signal line. A display panel and a display device are also provided.