Time-Interleaved Source Driver Circuit for Faster Display Refresh
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Solution Overview
Problem
The refresh rate of electronic displays is limited by the settling times of analog voltage signals in source driver circuits, which inhibit the ability to quickly output image data to display pixels, leading to delayed line times and compromised image quality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a two-phase operation mode for the source driver, where a gamma voltage is stored in a capacitor during one phase and used to drive pixels in the next phase, decoupling the settling times of the source driver and gamma circuit, allowing for reduced waiting times and increased refresh rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the source driver waits for analog voltage signals to settle before outputting image data, then the accuracy of pixel voltage is improved, but the refresh rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the gamma circuit generate and settle analog voltage signals in advance during a first time period before the source driver outputs image data during a second time period. This allows the voltage signals to stabilize beforehand, ensuring pixel voltage accuracy while enabling the source driver to quickly output data at high refresh rates without waiting for settling during the critical output phase.
2Manufacturing precision
If the line time is increased to allow voltage signals to settle, then the image quality is improved, but the refresh rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allocating a first time period specifically for the gamma circuit to generate and settle analog voltage signals before the source driver outputs image data during a second time period. This separation ensures that voltage signals are fully settled and image quality is maintained, while the source driver can operate efficiently with optimized line times to achieve higher refresh rates.
3Device complexity
If the source driver uses traditional single-phase operation, then the circuit complexity is low, but the operation speed is limited by settling times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the source driver operation into two distinct time periods: a first time period for the gamma circuit to generate and settle analog voltage signals, and a second time period for the source driver to output image data. This temporal segmentation allows each circuit to operate optimally without interfering with the other, enabling faster operation speeds while maintaining signal accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by having the gamma circuit complete its voltage signal generation and settling during the first time period before the source driver begins outputting image data in the second time period. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the source driver to wait during the output phase, significantly increasing operation speed while keeping the circuit design relatively simple.
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 approach enables higher refresh rates by reducing the time the source driver waits for voltage signals to settle, improving the speed of pixel writing and enabling higher refresh rates without compromising image quality, while also allowing the gamma circuit to scale down power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor of a source driver is coupled to a respective data line used to provide an image data to a respective pixel
Data Source
AI summary
A display device may include a plurality of pixels that display image data on a display, a digital-to-analog converter that outputs a voltage that corresponds to a luminance value to be depicted on a first pixel, and a circuit that amplifies the voltage and outputs an amplified voltage to the first pixel. The circuit may include a capacitor that receives the voltage via the digital-to-analog converter and an amplifier coupled to the capacitor. The amplifier generates the amplified voltage based on the voltage stored the capacitor. The circuit also include switches that couple a first terminal of the capacitor to an output of the amplifier during a first amount of time and couples a second terminal of the capacitor to the output of the amplifier after the first amount of time expires.