TFT Semiconductor Layer Geometry for Parasitic Capacitance Control

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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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard TFT fabricationVSAvoiddisplay uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTFT areaVSAvoidpixel voltage consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay uniformityVSAvoidimage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal electro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParasitic capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11435638B2Liquid crystal display device
Publication Date: 2022.09.06 SAKAI DISPLAY PROD
  • US11435638B2 patent drawing
  • US11435638B2 patent drawing
  • US11435638B2 patent drawing

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.