TFT Semiconductor Layer Geometry for Parasitic Capacitance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of parasitic capacitance between the gate and drain of TFTs in liquid crystal display apparatuses leads to variations in pixel voltage, causing display non-uniformity and deteriorating the display quality due to fluctuations in parasitic capacitance values.
Innovation Solution
The TFT substrate is designed with a semiconductor layer and electrodes where the first and second electrodes, connected to the pixel electrode, overlap each other at a predetermined angle, with the first electrode partially covering the semiconductor layer's sides, reducing the variation in parasitic capacitance and maintaining consistent pixel voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional TFT structure with semiconductor layer inside gate electrode is used, then the pixel circuit can be formed with standard layout, but parasitic capacitance between gate and drain varies causing display non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the semiconductor layer extend beyond the gate electrode boundaries in specific regions. The semiconductor layer has different spatial configurations: it overlaps the gate electrode in the channel region, extends beyond the gate electrode width in overlapping regions, and contacts the drain electrode. This localized variation in semiconductor layer geometry controls the parasitic capacitance distribution, reducing display non-uniformity while maintaining standard TFT fabrication processes.
2Area of stationary object
If the semiconductor layer is formed inside the gate electrode, then the TFT structure is compact, but the parasitic capacitance Cgd fluctuates for each pixel leading to luminance non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar configuration where the semiconductor layer is confined within the gate electrode boundaries to a three-dimensional configuration where the semiconductor layer extends beyond the gate electrode in the overlapping region. This dimensional extension creates additional overlap area between the semiconductor layer and gate electrode, providing control over parasitic capacitance while maintaining compact TFT footprint.
3Reliability
If image data correction is applied to compensate for pull-in voltage, then display uniformity can be improved, but the correction is difficult to apply appropriately for all pixels due to varying parasitic capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by structuring the semiconductor layer to extend beyond the gate electrode boundaries before the display operation begins. This pre-configured semiconductor layer geometry establishes controlled parasitic capacitance characteristics across all pixels, eliminating the need for complex per-pixel image data correction. The structural design proactively prevents parasitic capacitance variation issues rather than requiring reactive software compensation.
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 effectively reduces display non-uniformity by minimizing the impact of parasitic capacitance variations, maintaining consistent pixel voltage and improving the overall display quality.
Implementation Method 1
a gate insulating layer 5, a semiconductor layer 6 deposited over the gate electrode 4 via the gate insulating layer 5
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal layer LC, alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer changes for each of the pixels in accordance with the difference in electric potential
Implementation Method 3
a parasitic capacitance Cgd is present between the gate and the drain of the TFT 103 because of the structure of the TFT
Data Source
AI summary
This liquid crystal display apparatus is provided with: a TFT substrate comprising a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; and a counter substrate comprising a common electrode that faces the pixel electrode via a liquid crystal layer. The thin film transistor comprises: a semiconductor layer deposited over a gate electrode via a gate insulating layer, while having a planar shape that has a first side and a second side each overlapping the gate electrode in plan view; and a first electrode which is connected to the pixel electrode and a second electrode which faces the first electrode, said first and second electrodes being formed on the semiconductor layer. The first side and the second side of the semiconductor layer are adjacent to each other at a predetermined angle; and the first electrode at least partially covers the first side and the second side.


