Touch Panel Composite Electrodes Reduce RC-Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch panels with metal mesh structures face challenges in maintaining sensitivity and reliability as thickness decreases, with issues such as increased RC-delay, defects in manufacturing, and damage from etching processes.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel design featuring line electrodes with mesh patterns and segment electrodes connected to them, along with a specific manufacturing method that eliminates undercut structures and minimizes pad damage, using organic and inorganic layers to enhance connectivity and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent touch electrode made of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) is used, then visibility of the touch panel is improved, but resistance is high and RC-delay is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite electrode structure combining transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers with metal layers (such as aluminum or copper). This composite approach leverages the high transparency of TCO and the low resistance of metals to achieve both improved visibility and reduced RC-delay, resolving the contradiction between optical performance and electrical performance.
2Length of stationary object
If the thickness of the touch panel is decreased to improve visibility and reduce device size, then visibility is improved, but touch sensitivity deteriorates and manufacturing defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using composite electrode structures with optimized layer compositions and thicknesses, the patent achieves low RC-delay performance in thin touch panels without compromising touch sensitivity. The metal layers provide low resistance pathways while maintaining overall panel thinness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes various parameters including layer thicknesses, material compositions, and mesh patterns to achieve the desired balance between thinness and performance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent reduces RC-delay while maintaining touch sensitivity in thin-panel configurations.
3Reliability
If a metal mesh structure is used to reduce RC-delay, then resistance is decreased, but undercut structures are generated during manufacturing and connection reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The composite electrode structure with metal layers embedded in or on TCO layers provides a more robust manufacturing process that avoids the undercut issues associated with pure metal mesh structures. The layered composite approach allows for better etch control and connection reliability.
4Ease of manufacture
If dry etching process is used to form contact holes, then contact holes are formed, but etching degree is difficult to control and passivation layer is excessively etched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies etching parameters and processes to achieve precise control over etching depth and profile. By optimizing etching conditions and using the composite structure, the patent achieves accurate contact hole formation without excessive etching of the passivation layer.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a touch panel, a method of manufacturing the same, and a touch panel integrated organic light emitting display device. The touch panel includes a substrate, a plurality of connection electrodes, an over-coating layer, a first line electrode, a second line electrode, a plurality of first segment electrodes, and a plurality of second segment electrodes. The plurality of connection electrodes is disposed on the substrate to be separated from each other. The over-coating layer includes a plurality of contact holes exposing a part of each connection electrode. The second line electrode is connected with the connection electrode through the contact hole of the over-coating layer without disconnection.