Touch Driver Circuit Synchronization Using Compensation Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display systems with multiple driver circuits for touch panels face synchronization issues due to inconsistent wire loading, leading to asynchronous touch sensing operations and complex wire connections, which can result in current leakage and design complexity.

Innovation Solution

A driving system with driver circuits connected in series through master and slave terminals, allowing for calibration and synchronization by determining path delays between adjacent circuits to ensure simultaneous touch sensing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple driver circuits are used to drive large touch panels, then the driving capability is improved, but the wire loading becomes inconsistent and synchronization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving capabilityVSAvoidwire loading consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch panel driving system is divided into multiple independent driver circuits, each responsible for a specific region. This segmentation allows each driver to handle localized wire loading variations independently while maintaining overall system capability for large panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A timing controller acts as an intermediary between the host and multiple driver circuits, coordinating their operations through synchronization signals. This mediator ensures consistent wire loading management across all drivers by centralizing the control of timing and signal distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If driver circuits operate independently, then the design flexibility is improved, but the touch sensing synchronization becomes inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidtouch sensing synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where each driver circuit reports its operational status and timing information to the timing controller. This feedback loop allows the controller to adjust synchronization signals dynamically, maintaining accurate touch sensing coordination while preserving individual driver design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing timing adjustments based on actual operational conditions. Each driver circuit can adapt its timing parameters dynamically while remaining coordinated with others through the timing controller, balancing flexibility with synchronization precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If complex wire connections are used to connect multiple driver circuits, then the coverage area is improved, but the current leakage increases and design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcurrent leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The timing controller extracts and centralizes the complex wiring coordination function, separating it from individual driver circuits. This extraction simplifies the wire connections at each driver interface while maintaining comprehensive coverage, as the centralized controller manages the overall signal distribution efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs equipotential connection strategies where multiple drivers are synchronized to operate at the same timing potential, reducing voltage differences across wire connections. This approach minimizes current leakage by ensuring balanced electrical potential across the extended coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS20260072543A1Driving system and driver circuit for calibration and synchronization in touch sensing
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP
  • US20260072543A1 patent drawing
  • US20260072543A1 patent drawing
  • US20260072543A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A driving system includes a plurality of driver circuits connected in series, wherein each of the driver circuits is connected to one or two adjacent driver circuits through a master terminal and a slave terminal. The driver circuits include a plurality of slave driver circuits and a master driver circuit. Each of the slave driver circuits outputs a notification. The master driver circuit receives the notification from the slave driver circuits, outputs a confirmation signal through the master terminal after receiving the notification from the slave driver circuits, and starts a sensing operation with a delay of a compensation time for the master driver circuit after outputting the confirmation signal. The slave driver circuits further receive the confirmation signal through the master terminal, and start the sensing operation with a delay of a compensation time for the respective slave driver circuit after receiving the confirmation signal.