Electronic device including a sensor for an active pen

An electronic device includes: a display layer; and a sensor layer on the display layer, the sensor layer including: a first sensing electrode having a first sub-sensing electrode and a second sub-sensing electrode electrically separated from the first sub-sensing electrode; and a second sensing electrode intersecting the first sensing electrode, wherein the sensor layer is configured to sense an external input through a change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, and the sensor layer is further configured to sense an input by an active pen through a change in capacitance of each of the first sub-sensing electrode, the second sub-sensing electrode, and the second sensing electrode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No 10-2020-0063703, filed on May 27, 2020, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of some example embodiments of the present disclosure herein relate to an electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electronic device may sense an external input applied from the outside (e.g., from an external object such as a user's finger, a stylus, and the like). The external input may be a user input. The user input includes various forms of external inputs such as a part of a user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure. The electronic device may recognize the coordinates of a pen using an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) method, or may recognize the coordinates of a pen using an active electrostatic (AES) method.

SUMMARY

Aspects of some example embodiments of the present disclosure include an electronic device which may be capable of sensing an input for an active pen.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, an electronic device includes: a display layer and a sensor layer on the display layer and the sensor layer including a first sensing electrode having a first sub-sensing electrode and a second sub-sensing electrode electrically separated from the first sub-sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode intersecting the first sensing electrode, wherein the sensor layer may sense an external input through a change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode and the sensor layer sense an input by an active pen through a change in capacitance of each of the first sub-sensing electrode, the second sub-sensing electrode, and the second sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a first direction, the second sensing electrode may be extended along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode are spaced apart along the second direction, and each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may intersect the second sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a first direction, the second sensing electrode may be extended along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be spaced apart along the first direction, the first sub-sensing electrode may intersect the second sensing electrode, and the second sub-sensing electrode may be spaced apart from the second sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, a first opening and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening may be defined in the first sub-sensing electrode, and the second sub-sensing electrode may include a first sub-sensing pattern in the first opening and electrically insulated from the first sub-sensing electrode, a second sub-sensing pattern in the second opening and electrically insulated from the first sub-sensing electrode, and a sub-bridge pattern connecting the first sub-sensing pattern and the second sub-sensing pattern.

According to some example embodiments, a length of the first sub-sensing electrode may be equal to or greater than a length of the second sub-sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, the second sensing electrode may include a third sub-sensing electrode and a fourth sub-sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a first direction, each of the third sub-sensing electrode and the fourth sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may intersect the third sub-sensing electrode and the fourth sub-sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a first direction, the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be spaced apart along the first direction, each of the third sub-sensing electrode and the fourth sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the third sub-sensing electrode and the fourth sub-sensing electrode may be spaced apart along the second direction, the first sub-sensing electrode and the third sub-sensing electrode may intersect each other, and the second sub-sensing electrode may be spaced apart from the third sub-sensing electrode and the fourth sub-sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, a sensor driving circuit for driving the sensor layer may be further included, wherein the sensor driving circuit may simultaneously provide the same signal to the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode to sense the external input and sum a sensing signal received from the third sub-sensing electrode and a sensing signal received from the fourth sub-sensing electrode, and the sensor driving circuit may receive sensing signals from the first sub-sensing electrode, the second sub-sensing electrode, the third sub-sensing electrode, and the fourth sub-sensing electrode, respectively, to sense an input by the active pen.

According to some example embodiments, the display layer may include a base layer, a circuit layer on the base layer, a light emitting element layer on the circuit layer and the light emitting element layer including a first electrode, an emission layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the emission layer, and an encapsulation layer on the light emitting element layer, wherein the sensor layer may be directly on the encapsulation layer.

According to some example embodiments, a sensing region in which the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode are and a peripheral region adjacent to the sensing region may be defined in the sensor layer, and the sensor layer may further include a first sensing line electrically connected to the first sub-sensing electrode, a second sensing line electrically connected to the second sub-sensing electrode, and a third sensing line electrically connected to the second sensing electrode, wherein each of the first sensing line, the second sensing line, and the third sensing line may be in the peripheral region.

According to some example embodiments, each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a first direction, and a width of the sensing region in the first direction may be equal to or greater than a length of the first sub-sensing electrode in the first direction.

According to some example embodiments, each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a first direction, and a width of the sensing region in the first direction may be equal to or greater than a sum of the length of the first sub-sensing electrode in the first direction and a length of the second sub-sensing electrode in the first direction.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, an electronic device includes: a base layer, a circuit layer on the base layer, a light emitting element layer on the circuit layer, and a sensor layer on the display layer, having a sensing region and a peripheral region, and the sensor layer including a first sensing electrode in the sensing region and having a first sub-sensing electrode and a second sub-sensing electrode, a second sensing electrode in the sensing region and intersecting the first sensing electrode, a first sensing line electrically connected to the first sub-sensing electrode and in the peripheral region, a second sensing line electrically connected to the second sub-sensing electrode and in the peripheral region, and a third sensing line electrically connected to the second sensing electrode and in the peripheral region, wherein the sensor layer may sense an external input through a change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode and sense an input by an active pen through a change in capacitance of each of the first sub-sensing electrode, the second sub-sensing electrode, and the second sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a first direction, the second sensing electrode may be extended along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode are spaced apart along the second direction, and each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may intersect the second sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, each of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be extended along a first direction, the second sensing electrode may be extended along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode may be spaced apart along the first direction, the first sub-sensing electrode may intersect the second sensing electrode, and the second sub-sensing electrode may be spaced apart from the second sensing electrode.

According to some example embodiments, a width of the sensing region in the first direction may be equal to or greater than a sum of a length of the first sub-sensing electrode in the first direction and a length of the second sub-sensing electrode in the first direction.

According to some example embodiments, a length of the first sub-sensing electrode in the first direction may be equal to or greater than a length of the second sub-sensing electrode in the first direction.

According to some example embodiments, a first opening and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening are defined in the first sub-sensing electrode, and the second sub-sensing electrode may include a first sub-sensing pattern in the first opening and electrically insulated from the first sub-sensing electrode, a second sub-sensing pattern in the second opening and electrically insulated from the first sub-sensing electrode, and a sub-bridge pattern connecting the first sub-sensing pattern and the second sub-sensing pattern.

According to some example embodiments, a sensor driving circuit for driving the sensor layer may be further included the second sensing electrode may include a third sub-sensing electrode and a fourth sub-sensing electrode, wherein the sensor driving circuit may simultaneously provide the same signal to the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode to sense the external input and sum a sensing signal received from the third sub-sensing electrode and a sensing signal received from the fourth sub-sensing electrode, and the sensor driving circuit may receive sensing signals from the first sub-sensing electrode, the second sub-sensing electrode, the third sub-sensing electrode, and the fourth sub-sensing electrode, respectively, to sense an input by the active pen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present disclosure, when an element (or a region, a layer, a portion, etc.) is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it means that the element may be directly on/located on/connected to/coupled to the other element, or that a third element may be located therebetween.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements. Also, in the drawings, the thickness, the ratio, and the dimensions of elements are exaggerated for an effective description of technical contents.

The term “and/or,” includes all combinations of one or more of which associated configurations may define.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments of the inventive concept. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In addition, terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like are used to describe the relationship of the configurations shown in the drawings. The terms are used as a relative concept and are described with reference to the direction indicated in the drawings.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the inventive concept pertains. It is also to be understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art, and are expressly defined herein unless they are interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

It should be understood that the terms “comprise”, or “have” are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof in the disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, aspects of some example embodiments of the inventive concept will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an electronic device according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.1, an electronic device1000may be a device activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device1000may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation system, a game machine, or a wearable device, but embodiments according to the inventive concept are not limited thereto. InFIG.1, the electronic device1000is illustrated, as an example, as being a mobile phone, but embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The electronic device1000may display an image through an active region1000A. The active region1000A may include a plane defined by a first direction DR1and a second direction DR2. The thickness direction of the electronic device1000may be parallel to a third direction DR3intersecting the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2. Therefore, a front surface (or an upper surface) and a rear surface (or a lower surface) of members constituting the electronic device1000may be defined on the basis of the third direction DR3.

The electronic device1000may sense inputs applied from the outside of the electronic device1000. The external input may be a user input. The user input may include various forms of external inputs such as a part of a users body, an active pen2000, light, heat, a pen, or pressure.

The electronic device1000illustrated inFIG.1may sense an input by a user's touch and an input by the active pen2000. The electronic device1000and the active pen2000may communicate in a bidirectional manner. The electronic device1000may provide an up-link signal to the active pen2000. For example, the up-link signal may include a synchronization signal or information on the electronic device1000, but embodiments according to the inventive concept are not particularly limited thereto. The active pen2000may provide a down-link signal to the electronic device1000. The down-link signal may include a synchronization signal or information on the state of the active pen2000. For example, the down-link signal may include the coordinate information of an active pen2000, the battery information of an active pen2000, the slope information of an active pen2000, and/or various information stored in an active pen2000, but the embodiments according to the inventive concept are not particularly limited thereto.

FIG.2AandFIG.2Bare perspective views of an electronic device according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.2AandFIG.2B, an electronic device1000_1may display an image through an active region1000A_1. When the electronic device1000_1is unfolded, the active region1000A_1may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2.

The active region1000A_1may include a first region1000A1, a second region1000A2, and a third region1000A3. The second region1000A2may be bent on the basis of a folding axis1000FX extending along the second direction DR2. Therefore, the first region1000A1and the third region1000A3may be referred to as non-folding regions, and the second region1000A2may be referred to as a folding region.

When the electronic device1000_1is folded, the first region1000A1and the third region1000A3may face each other. Therefore, in a completely folded state, the active region1000A_1may not be exposed to the outside, which may be referred to as in-folding. However, this is only example. The operation of the electronic device1000_1is not limited thereto.

For example, according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, when the electronic device1000_1is folded, the first region1000A1and the third region1000A3may oppose each other. Therefore, in a folded state, the active region1000A_1may be exposed to the outside, which may be referred to as out-folding.

The electronic device1000_1may perform only one operation of in-folding or an out-folding. Alternatively, the electronic device1000_1may perform both an in-folding operation and an out-folding operation. In this case, the same region of the electronic device1000_1, for example, the second region1000A2may be in-folded and out-folded.

InFIG.2AandFIG.2B, one folding region and two non-folding regions are illustrated as an example. However, the number of folding regions and non-folding regions is not limited thereto, and there may be fewer or additional folding regions according to the design of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device1000_1may include a plurality of more than 2 non-folding regions and a plurality of folding regions located between non-folding regions adjacent to each other.

InFIG.2AandFIG.2B, the folding axis1000FX is illustrated as extending in the second direction DR2, but embodiments according to the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the folding axis1000FX may extend along a direction parallel to the first direction DR1. In this case, the first region1000A1, the second region1000A2, and the third region1000A3may be sequentially arranged along the second direction DR2.

The active region1000A_1may overlap at least one electronic module. For example, electronic modules may include a camera module, a proximity illuminance sensor, and the like. The electronic modules may receive an external input transmitted through the active region1000A_1, or may provide an output through the active region1000A_1. A portion of the active region1000A_1overlapping the camera module, the proximity illuminance sensor, and the like may have a higher transmittance than other portions of the active region1000A_1. Therefore, it may not be necessary to provide a region in which a plurality of electronic modules are to be located to a peripheral region1000NA around the active region1000A_1. As a result, the area ratio of the active region1000A_1to a front surface of the electronic device1000_1may be increased.

The electronic device1000_1and the active pen2000may communicate in a bidirectional manner. The electronic device1000_1may provide an up-link signal to the active pen2000. The active pen2000may provide a down-link signal to the electronic device1000_1. The electronic device1000_1may sense the coordinates of the active pen2000using a signal provided from the active pen2000.

FIG.3is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device and an active pen according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.3, the electronic device1000may include a display layer100and a sensor layer200.

The display layer100may be a component for substantially generating an image. The display layer100may be a light-emitting type display layer. For example, the display layer100may be an organic light emitting display layer, a quantum-dot display layer, a micro-LED display layer, or a nano-LED display layer.

The sensor layer200may be located on the display layer100. The sensor layer200may sense an external input applied from the outside. The sensor layer200may sense both an input by a users body3000and an input by the active pen2000.

The sensor layer200may be operated by time division driving. For example, the sensor layer200may be alternately driven in the first mode and the second mode. The first mode may be a mode for sensing an input by the users body3000, and the second mode may be a mode for sensing an input by the active pen2000.

When the second mode is started, the sensor layer200may provide an up-link signal ULS to the active pen2000. When the active pen2000receives the up-link signal ULS to be synchronized with the electronic device1000, the active pen2000may provide a down-link signal DLS toward the sensor layer200.

The active pen2000may include a power2100, a memory2200, a controller2300, a transmitter2400, a receiver2500, and a pen tip2600. However, components constituting the active pen2000are not limited to the components listed above. For example, the active pen2000may further include an electrode switch for switching the pen tip2600to a signal transmission mode or a signal reception mode, a pressure sensor for sensing pressure, a rotation sensor for sensing rotation, or the like.

The power2100may include a battery for supplying power to the active pen2000. The memory2200may store function information of the active pen2000. The controller2300may control the operation of the active pen2000. Each of the transmitter2400and the receiver2500may communication with the electronic device1000through the pen tip2600. The transmitter2400may be referred to as a signal generator or a transmission circuit, and the receiver2500may be referred to as a signal receiver or a reception circuit.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.4, the display layer100may include a base layer110, a circuit layer120, a light emitting element layer130, and an encapsulation layer140.

The base layer110may be a member which provides a base surface on which the circuit layer120is located. The base layer110may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a plastic substrate, or the like. However, the embodiments according to the inventive concept are not limited thereto, and the base layer110may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

The base layer110may have a multi-layered structure. For example, the base layer110may have a three-layered structure of a synthetic resin layer, an adhesive layer, and a synthetic resin layer. Particularly, the synthetic resin layer may include a polyimide-based resin. In addition, the synthetic resin layer may include at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, or a perylene-based resin. Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, “˜˜”-based resin means that a functional group of “˜˜” is included.

The circuit layer120may be located on the base layer110. The circuit layer120may include an insulation layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, and the like. The insulation layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer are formed on the base layer110by coating, deposition, and the like, and thereafter, the insulation layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned through performing a photolithography process a plurality of times. Thereafter, the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line, all included in the circuit layer120, may be formed.

At least one inorganic layer is formed on an upper surface of the base layer110. The inorganic layer may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer may be formed as a multi-layered inorganic layer. The multi-layered inorganic layers may constitute the barrier layer and/or the buffer layer. According to some example embodiments, the display layer100is illustrated as including a buffer layer BFL.

The buffer layer BFL may improve the bonding force between the base layer110and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer, and the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer may be alternately stacked.

The semiconductor pattern may be located on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon. However, the embodiments according to the inventive concept are not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern may include amorphous silicon, or oxide semiconductor.

FIG.4only illustrates a portion of the semiconductor pattern, and the semiconductor pattern may be further located in another region. The semiconductor pattern may be arranged across pixels according to a specific rule. The semiconductor pattern may have different electrical properties depending on whether or not the semiconductor pattern is doped. The semiconductor pattern may include a first region having high conductivity and a second region having low conductivity. The first region may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. A P-type transistor may include a doped region which has been doped with the P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor may include a doped region which has been doped with the N-type dopant. The second region may be a non-doped region or a region doped with a lower concentration than the first region.

The first region is more conductive than the second region, and may substantially serve as an electrode or a signal line. The second region may substantially correspond to an active (or a channel) of a transistor. In other words, a portion of the semiconductor pattern may be the active of the transistor, another portion thereof may be a source or a drain of the transistor, and the other portion thereof may be a connection electrode or a connection signal line.

Each of the pixels may have an equivalent circuit including seven transistors, one capacitor, and a light emitting element, and the equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel may be modified in various forms.FIG.4illustrates an example of one transistor100PC and a light emitting element100PE included in a pixel.

A source SC1, an active A1, and a drain D1of the transistor100PC may be formed from the semiconductor pattern. The source SC1and the drain D1may be extended in opposite directions from the active A1on a cross section.FIG.4illustrates a portion of a connection signal line SCL formed from the semiconductor pattern. Although not separately illustrated, the connection signal line SCL may be electrically connected to the drain D1of the transistor100PC on a plane.

A first insulation layer10may be located on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulation layer10commonly overlaps a plurality of pixels, and may cover the semiconductor pattern. The first insulation layer10may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure. The first insulation layer10may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide. According to some example embodiments, the first insulation layer10may be a silicon oxide layer of a single layer. Not only the first insulation layer10but also an insulation layer of the circuit layer120to be described may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the above-described materials, but the embodiments according to the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

A gate G1of the transistor100PC is located on the first insulation layer10. The gate G1may be a portion of a metal pattern. The gate G1overlaps the active A1. In a process of doping the semiconductor pattern, the gate G1may function as a mask.

A second insulation layer20is located on the first insulation layer10, and may cover the gate G1. The second insulation layer20may commonly overlap pixels. The second insulation layer20may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure. According to some example embodiments, the second insulation layer20may be a silicon oxide layer of a single layer.

A third insulation layer30may be located on the second insulation layer20, and according to some example embodiments, the third insulation layer30may be a silicon oxide layer of a single layer.

A first connection electrode CNE1may be located on the third insulation layer30. The first connection electrode CNE1may be connected to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole CNT-1passing through the first to third insulation layers10,20, and30.

A fourth insulation layer40may be located on the third insulation layer30. The fourth insulation layer40may be a silicon oxide layer of a single layer. A fifth insulation layer50may be located on the fourth insulation layer40. The fifth insulation layer50may be an organic layer.

A second connection electrode CNE2may be located on the fifth insulation layer50. The second connection electrode CNE2may be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1through a contact hole CNT-2passing through the fourth insulation layer40and the fifth insulation layer50.

A sixth insulation layer60is located on the fifth insulation layer50, and may cover the second connection electrode CNE2. The sixth insulation layer60may be an organic layer. The light emitting element layer130may be located on the circuit layer120. The light emitting element layer130may include a light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element layer130may include an organic light emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED, or a nano LED. A light emitting element100PE may include a first electrode AE, a emission layer EL, and a second electrode CE.

The first electrode AE may be located on the sixth insulation layer60. The first electrode AE may be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2through a contact hole CNT-3passing through the sixth insulation layer60.

A pixel definition film70is located on the sixth insulation layer60, and may cover a portion of the first electrode AE. In the pixel definition film70, an opening70-OP is defined. The opening70-OP of the pixel definition film70exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE. According to some example embodiments, a light emitting region PXA is defined to correspond to some regions of the first electrode AE exposed by the opening70-OP. A non-light emitting region NPXA may surround the light emitting region PXA.

The emission layer EL may be located on the first electrode AE. The emission layer EL may be located in the opening70-OP. That is, the emission layer EL may be divided and formed in each of the pixels. When the emission layer EL is divided and formed in each of the pixels, each of the emission layers EL may emit light of at least one color of blue, red, or green. However, the embodiments according to the inventive concept are not limited thereto, and the emission layer EL may be connected to the pixels and commonly provided. In this case, the emission layer EL may provide blue light or white light.

The second electrode CE may be located on the emission layer EL. The second electrode CE has an integral shape, and may be commonly utilized by the plurality of pixels. The second electrode CE may be provided with a common voltage, and the second electrode CE may be referred as a common electrode.

According to some example embodiments, a hole control layer may be located between the first electrode AE and the emission layer EL. The hole control layer may be commonly located in the light emitting region PXA and the non-light emitting region NPXA. The hole control layer includes a hole transport layer, and may further include a hole injection layer. An electron control layer may be located between the emission layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer includes an electron transport layer, and may further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly formed in the plurality of pixels using an open mask. The encapsulation layer140may be located on the light emitting element layer130. The encapsulation layer140may include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer sequentially stacked, but layers constituting the encapsulation layer140are not limited thereto.

The inorganic layers may protect the light emitting element layer130from moisture and oxygen, and the organic layer may protect the light emitting element layer130from foreign materials such as dust particles. The inorganic layers may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum oxide layer, or the like. The organic layer may include an acrylic organic layer, but the embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

The sensor layer200may be formed on the display layer100through a series of processes. In this case, the sensor layer200may be expressed as being directly located on the display layer100. Being directly located may mean that a third component is not located between the sensor layer200and the display layer100. That is, a separate adhesive member may not be located between the sensor layer200and the display layer100. In this case, the electronic device1000may become thinner. In addition, as the display layer100and the sensor layer200become thinner, the flexibility thereof improves, the display layer100and the sensor layer200may be applied to a foldable electronic device10001(see, e.g.,FIG.2A).

The sensor layer200may include a base layer201, a first conductive layer202, a sensing insulation layer203, a second conductive layer204, and a cover insulation layer205.

The base layer201may be an inorganic layer including any one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide. Alternatively, the base layer201may be an organic layer including an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, or an imide-based resin. The base layer201may have a single-layered structure, or a multi-layered structure in which layers are stacked along the third direction DR3.

Each of the first conductive layer202and the second conductive layer204may have a single-layered structure, or a multi-layered structure in which layers are stacked along the third direction DR3.

A conductive layer of a single-layered structure may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), or the like. In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, a metal nanowire, graphene, and the like.

A conductive layer of a multi-layered structure may include metal layers. The metal layers may have, for example, a three-layered structure of titanium/aluminum/titanium. The conductive layer of a multi-layered structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

At least one of the sensing insulation layer203or the cover insulation layer205may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide.

At least one of the sensing insulation layer203or the cover insulation layer205may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least any one among an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

Parasitic capacitance Cb may be generated between the sensor layer200and the second electrode CE. The parasitic capacitance Cb may be referred to as base capacitance. The value of the parasitic capacitance Cb may be increased as the sensor layer200and the second electrode CE become closer to each other. As the parasitic capacitance Cb increases, the ratio of the amount of change in capacitance to a reference value may decrease. The amount of change in capacitance means the change in capacitance generating before and after an input by an input means, for example, the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) or the user's body3000(e.g., a user's finger or other body part) (see, e.g.,FIG.3).

A driving chip for processing a signal sensed from the sensor layer200may perform a leveling operation for eliminating a value corresponding to the parasitic capacitance Cb from the sensed signal. By the leveling operation, the ratio of the amount of change in capacitance to a reference value is increased, so that sensing sensitivity may be improved.

However, depending on the specifications of the drive chip, there may be a difference in the ability to eliminate the value corresponding to the parasitic capacitance Cb. For example, if a maximum parasitic capacitance Cb is 500 picofarads, and a capacitance value which the driving chip may eliminate from a signal sensed by the sensor layer200is 200 picofarads, a reference value may not sufficiently lowered by the driving chip. In this case, because the ratio of the amount of change in capacitance to the reference value is insignificant, the driving chip may recognize the amount of change in capacitance as a noise or may not recognize, so that a malfunction in which touch coordinates are not sensed may occur. According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, by modifying the electrode structure of the sensor layer200, a maximum value of the parasitic capacitance Cb may be provided below a value (e.g., a set or predetermined value). In this case, even in the case in which the performance of the driving chip is relatively low, the accuracy of coordinate recognition may be improved. The value (e.g., the set or predetermined value) may be 200 picofarads, but embodiments according to the present disclosure are not particularly limited thereto.

FIG.5is a plan view illustrating a sensor layer according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.5, the sensor layer200may include a sensing region200A and a peripheral region200N. The sensing region200A may be a region activated by an electrical signal. For example, the sensing region200A may be a region which senses an input. The peripheral region200N may surround the sensing region200A.

The sensor layer200may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes210(hereinafter, first sensing electrodes), a plurality of second sensing electrodes220(hereinafter, second sensing electrodes), and a plurality of sensing lines230. The first sensing electrodes210and the second sensing electrodes220may be located in the sensing region200A. The sensing lines230may be located in the peripheral region200N.

The sensor layer200may be operated in a first mode in which information on an external input is obtained through the change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrodes210and the second sensing electrodes220, or in a second mode in which an input by the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) is sensed through the change in capacitance of each of the first sensing electrodes210and the second sensing electrodes220.

Each of the first sensing electrodes210may be extended in the first direction DR1. The first sensing electrodes210may be spaced apart and arranged in the second direction DR2. Each of the second sensing electrodes220may be extended in the second direction DR2. The second sensing electrodes220may be spaced apart and arranged in the first direction DR1. The first sensing electrodes210and the second sensing electrodes220may intersect each other.

Each of the first sensing electrodes210may include a first sub-sensing electrode210s1and a second sub-sensing electrode210s2. Each of the second sensing electrodes220may include a third sub-sensing electrode220s1and a fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2.

The first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2may be electrically separated in the sensor layer200, and the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2may be electrically separated in the sensor layer200. Therefore, the maximum parasitic capacitance generated in the sensor layer200may be reduced.

The maximum parasitic capacitance may be generated between opposing electrodes in the sensor layer200and the second electrode CE (see, e.g.,FIG.4). The opposing electrode may be a conductive pattern having the largest area among the components in the sensor layer200. For example, the opposing electrode may be one sensing line230electrically connected to one first sub-sensing electrode210s1and one first sub-sensing electrode210s1, or one sensing line230electrically connected to one third sub-sensing electrode220s1and one third sub-sensing electrode220s1.

Each of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2may be extended along the first direction DR1. The first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2may be spaced apart along the second direction DR2intersecting the first direction DR1.

Each of the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2may be extended along the second direction DR2. The third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2may be spaced apart along the first direction DR1.

Each of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2may intersect the second sensing electrode220. Each of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2may intersect both the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2.

A length210s1L of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1in the first direction DR1and a length210s2L of the second sub-sensing electrode210s2in the first direction DR1may be substantially the same. In addition, a width200AW1of the sensing region200A in the first direction DR1may be equal to or greater than each of the length210s1L of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1in the first direction DR1and the length210s2L of the second sub-sensing electrode210s2in the first direction DR1.

A length220s1L of the third sub-sensing electrode220s1in the second direction DR2and a length220s2L of the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same. In addition, a width200AW2of the sensing region200A in the second direction DR2may be equal to or greater than each of the length220s1L of the third sub-sensing electrode220s1in the second direction DR2and the length220s2L of the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2in the second direction DR2.

FIG.6is a plan view illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of the sensor layer illustrated inFIG.5.FIG.7is a plan view illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of the sensor layer illustrated inFIG.6.

Referring toFIG.5,FIG.6, andFIG.7, a portion of one first sensing electrode210and a portion of one second sensing electrode220may be defined as one sensing unit200U. One sensing unit200U may include all of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1, the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, the third sub-sensing electrode220s1, and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2.

The sensing lines230may include a first sensing line231connected to the first sub-sensing electrode210s1, a second sensing line232connected to the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, a third sensing line233connected to the third sub-sensing electrode220s1, and a fourth sensing line234connected to the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2.

Because the first to fourth sub-sensing electrodes210s1,210s2,220s1, and220s2located in one sensing unit200U is electrically connected to the first to fourth sensing lines231,232,233, and234, respectively, the first to fourth sub-sensing electrodes210s1,210s2,220s1, and220s2may be electrically separated from each other.

Each of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2may include an extension portion210seextending along the first direction DR1and a plurality of branch portions210sbprotruding along the second direction DR2from the extension portion210se.

Each of the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2may include a plurality of sensing patterns220sp(hereinafter, sensing patterns) and a plurality of bridge patterns220sb(hereinafter, bridge patterns).

The sensing patterns220spdo not overlap the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2and may be spaced apart from the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2. Each of the sensing patterns220spmay have a shape interlocking with the plurality of branch portions210sb.

The bridge patterns220sbmay be electrically connected to two sensing patterns220spspaced apart having either the first sub-sensing electrode210s1or the second sub-sensing electrode210s2interposed therebetween. When viewed in the third direction DR3, the bridge patterns220sbmay overlap either the first sub-sensing electrode210s1or the second sub-sensing electrode210s2.

In a region in which the first sub-sensing electrode210s1, the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, the third sub-sensing electrode220s1, and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2are not located, a dummy pattern200fpmay be located. The dummy pattern200fpmay be a pattern electrically floated.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the first sub-sensing electrode210s1, the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, the sensing patterns220sp, and the dummy pattern200fpmay be located on the same layer. The bridge patterns220sbmay be electrically insulated from the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2. Therefore, the bridge patterns220sbmay be located on a different layer from the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2.

For example, the bridge patterns220sbmay be included in the first conductive layer202(see, e.g.,FIG.4), and the first sub-sensing electrode210s1, the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, the sensing patterns220sp, and the dummy pattern200fpmay be included in the second conductive layer204(see, e.g.,FIG.4). However, the embodiments according to the inventive concept are not limited thereto. According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the bridge patterns220sbmay be included in the second conductive layer204(see, e.g.,FIG.4), and the first sub-sensing electrode210s1, the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, the sensing patterns220sp, and the dummy pattern200fpmay be included in the first conductive layer202(see, e.g.,FIG.4).

The first sub-sensing electrode210s1, the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, the sensing patterns220sp, and the dummy pattern200fpmay have a mash structure.FIG.7illustrates a portion of the dummy pattern200fp, a portion of the sensing pattern220sp, and a portion of the second sub-sensing electrode210s2. An opening220opdefined by the mesh structure may overlap the light emitting region PXA described with reference toFIG.4.

FIG.8Ais a view for describing the operation of a sensor layer in a first mode.FIG.8Bis a view for describing the operation of a sensor layer in a second mode.

Each ofFIG.8AandFIG.8Billustrates an example of one sensing unit200U and a sensor driving circuit240.

Referring toFIG.5,FIG.8A, andFIG.8b, the sensor driving circuit240is a circuit for controlling the operation of the sensor layer200, and may include at least one driving chip. The sensor driving circuit240may be provided in the form of a circuit board on which a chip is mounted, and the sensor driving circuit240may be electrically connected to the sensor layer200illustrated inFIG.5.

One sensing unit200U may include a portion of one first sensing electrode210and a portion of one second sensing electrode220. Each of the first sensing electrode210and the second sensing electrode220may be divided into at least two sub-sensing electrodes.

Referring toFIG.5andFIG.8A, in the first mode, the first sensing electrode210may operate as a TX electrode and the second sensing electrode220may operate as an RX electrode. In the first mode, the sensor driving circuit240may sense an external input by sensing the amount of change in mutual capacitance formed between the first sensing electrode210and the second sensing electrode220.

The sensor driving circuit240may provide a driving signal to the first sensing electrode210. According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the first sensing electrode210includes the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2. Therefore, the sensor driving circuit240may provide a first signal S1to the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and may provide a second signal S2to the second sub-sensing electrode210s2. The first signal S1and the second signal S2may have the same waveform, and the first signal S1and the second signal S2may be simultaneously provided to each of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2.

The sensor driving circuit240may receive a sensing signal from the second sensing electrode220. According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the second sensing electrode220includes the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2, the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2may be electrically separated from each other. Therefore, the sensor driving circuit240may receive a first sensing signal S3from the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and may receive a second sensing signal S4from the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2.

The sensor driving circuit240may have an algorithm for summing the first sensing signal S3and the second sensing signal S4. That is, the sensor driving circuit240may sum the first sensing signal S3and the second sensing signal S4.

When the second sensing electrode220is not divided into the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2, a waveform of a signal received from the second sensing electrode220may be substantially the same as the sum of a waveform of a signal received from the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and a waveform of a signal received from the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2. Therefore, even when the second sensing electrode220is divided into the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2, the mutual capacitance and the amount of change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrode210and the second sensing electrode220may be none or insignificance.

That is, according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2electrically separated from each other in the sensor layer200and the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2electrically separated from each other in the sensor layer200may define one sensing unit node.

Referring toFIG.8B, when the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) approaches the sensor layer200(see, e.g.,FIG.3), the sensor layer200(see, e.g.,FIG.3) may enter an active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) sensing mode (i.e., the second mode) from the first mode.

In the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) sensing mode, each of the first sensing electrode210and the second sensing electrode220may sense a TX signal provided from the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) and output a sensing signal having a modified waveform to the sensor driving circuit240. For example, in the second mode, the sensor driving circuit240may receive a first sensing signal Sa from the first sub-sensing electrode210s1, a second sensing signal Sb from the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, a third sensing signal Sc from the third sub-sensing electrode220s1, and a fourth sensing signal Sd from the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2.

That is, when the sensor layer200(see, e.g.,FIG.3) enters the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) sensing mode, the first sensing electrode210and the second sensing electrode220may all operate as the RX electrodes.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the first sensing electrode210may be electrically separated into the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, and the second sensing electrode220may be electrically separated into the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2. Therefore, a parasitic capacitance component which each of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2has may be reduced to equal to or less than half compared to the first sensing electrode before being separated. In addition, a parasitic capacitance component which each of the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2has may also be reduced to equal to or less than half compared to the second sensing electrode before being divided. That is, as the parasitic capacitive component is reduced, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer200may be improved.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ illustrated inFIG.5according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.5andFIG.9, one first sensing electrode210is divided into at least two sub-sensing electrodes (e.g., first and second sub-sensing electrodes210s1and210s2), and the sensing lines230are connected to the first and second sub-sensing electrodes210s1and210s2, respectively. That is, the number of the sensing lines230located in the peripheral region200N may increase.

In order to secure a region in which the sensing lines230are to be located, some of the sensing lines230a(hereinafter, first sensing lines) among the sensing lines230may be located between the base layer201and the sensing insulation layer203, and the other sensing lines230b(hereinafter, second sensing lines) among the sensing lines230may be located between the sensing insulation layer203and the cover insulation layer205.

When viewed in the third direction DR3, the first sensing lines230aand the second sensing lines230bmay be alternately arranged one by one. Therefore, the size of parasitic capacitance which may be generated between the first sensing lines230aand the second sensing lines230bmay be reduced or the parasitic capacitance may be eliminated.

Each of the first sensing lines230aand the second sensing lines230bmay be composed of one conductive layer. For example, the first sensing lines230amay be included in the first conductive layer202(see, e.g.,FIG.4), and the second sensing lines230bmay be included in the second conductive layer204(see, e.g.,FIG.4). In this case, in order to compensate for the increase in resistance when compared to a case in which a line pattern included in the first conductive layer202(see, e.g.,FIG.4) and a line pattern included in the second conductive layer204(see, e.g.,FIG.4) are all included, thicknesses Tk1and Tk2of the first sensing lines230aand the second sensing lines230bmay be provided to be equal to or greater than a thickness (e.g., a set or predetermined thickness). A thickness Tk1of the first sensing lines230amay be provided to be in a level similar to a thickness Tk2of the second sensing lines230b.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, even when the thicknesses Tk1and Tk2of the first sensing lines230aand the second sensing lines230bare increased, the first sensing lines230amay be covered by the sensing insulation layer203including an organic material, and the second sensing lines230bmay be covered by the cover insulation layer205including an organic material. Because the thickness of the sensing insulation layer203may be greater when the sensing insulation layer203includes an organic material than when the sensing insulation layer203includes an inorganic material, the probability that the first sensing lines230aand the second sensing lines230bare short-circuited to each other may be reduced or eliminated.

FIG.10is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ illustrated inFIG.5according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.5andFIG.10, some sensing lines230x(hereinafter, a first sensing line) among the sensing lines230may be located between the sensing insulation layer203and the cover insulation layer205, and the other sensing lines230y(hereinafter, a second sensing line) among the sensing lines230may be located between the base layer201and the sensing insulation layer203.

A width LW1of the first sensing line230xin the first direction DR1may be less than a width LW2of the second sensing line230yin the first direction DR1. Referring toFIG.5, the length of the second sensing line230ymay be greater than the length of the first sensing line230x. Therefore, by providing the width LW2of the second sensing line230yto be greater than the width LW1of the first sensing line230x, it is possible to decrease the difference between the resistance of the second sensing line230yand the resistance of the first sensing line230x.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, unlike what is illustrated inFIG.10, the first sensing line230xmay be located between the base layer201and the sensing insulation layer203, and the second sensing line230ymay be located between the sensing insulation layer203and the cover insulation layer205.

In addition, according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the sensor layer200further include, in addition to the embodiments described and illustrated with respect to inFIG.9andFIG.10, a line layer located on the cover insulation layer205and an additional cover insulation layer for covering the line layer.

FIG.11is a plan view illustrating a sensor layer according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.FIG.12is a plan view illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of the sensor layer illustrated inFIG.11.

Referring toFIG.11andFIG.12, a sensor layer200_1may include a plurality of the first sensing electrodes210(hereinafter, first sensing electrodes), a plurality of second sensing electrodes2201(hereinafter, second sensing electrodes), and a plurality of sensing lines230_1. The first sensing electrodes210and the second sensing electrodes220_1may be located in the sensing region200A. The sensing lines230_1may be located in the peripheral region200N.

The first sensing electrodes210may include a first sub-sensing electrode210s1and a second sub-sensing electrode210s2. One sensing unit200U1may include the first sub-sensing electrode210s1, the second sub-sensing electrode210s2, and one second sensing electrode220_1.

The sensor layer200_1may be operated in a first mode in which information on an external input is obtained through the change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrode210and the second sensing electrode220_1, or in a second mode in which an input by the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) is sensed through the change in capacitance of each of the first sensing electrode210and the second sensing electrode220_1.

When operated in the first mode, the same driving signal may be simultaneously provided to the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2. Thereafter, a sensor driving circuit may receive a sensing signal from the second sensing electrode220_1.

When operated in the second mode, each of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sensing electrode220_1may sense a TX signal provided from the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) and output a sensing signal having a modified waveform to the sensor driving circuit.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the first sub-sensing electrode210s1and the second sub-sensing electrode210s2simultaneously provided with the same signal in the first mode may be electrically separated in the sensor layer200. Therefore, a maximum parasitic capacitance component generated between the sensor layer200and the second electrode CE (see, e.g.,FIG.4) may be reduced. Accordingly, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer200_1may be improved.

FIG.13is a plan view illustrating a sensor layer according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.FIG.14is a plan view illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of the sensor layer illustrated inFIG.13.

Referring toFIG.13andFIG.14, a sensor layer200_2may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes210_1(hereinafter, first sensing electrodes), a plurality of the second sensing electrodes220(hereinafter, second sensing electrodes), and a plurality of sensing lines230_2. The first sensing electrodes210_1and the second sensing electrodes220may be located in the sensing region200A. The sensing lines230_2may be located in the peripheral region200N.

The second sensing electrodes220may include the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2. One sensing unit200U2may include the third sub-sensing electrode220s1, the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2, and one first sensing electrode210_1.

The sensor layer200_2may be operated in a first mode in which information on an external input is obtained through the change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrode210_1and the second sensing electrode220, or in a second mode in which an input by the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) is sensed through the change in capacitance of each of the first sensing electrode210_1and the second sensing electrode220.

When operated in the first mode, a driving signal may be provided to the first sensing electrode210_1. Thereafter, a sensor driving circuit receives a sensing signal from each of the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2. The sensor driving circuit may sum a sensing signal respectively received from the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2.

When operated in the second mode, each of the first sensing electrode210_1, the third sub-sensing electrode220s1, and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2may sense a TX signal provided from the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) and output a sensing signal having a modified waveform to the sensor driving circuit.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the third sub-sensing electrode220s1and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2outputting a signal summed in the sensor driving circuit in the first mode may be electrically separated in the sensor layer200_2. Therefore, a maximum parasitic capacitance component generated between the sensor layer200_2and the second electrode CE (see, e.g.,FIG.3) may be reduced. Accordingly, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer200_2may be improved.

FIG.15is a plan view illustrating a sensor layer according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.FIG.16is a plan view illustrating an enlarged view of the area BB′ ofFIG.15. InFIG.16, four sensing units200U3are illustrated.

Referring toFIG.15andFIG.16, a sensor layer200_3may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes2102(hereinafter, first sensing electrodes), a plurality of second sensing electrodes2202(hereinafter, second sensing electrodes), and a plurality of sensing lines230_3. The first sensing electrodes210_2and the second sensing electrodes220_2may be located in the sensing region200A. The sensing lines230_3may be located in the peripheral region200N.

The first sensing electrodes210_2may include a first sub-sensing electrode210s1aand a second sub-sensing electrode210s2aelectrically separated in the sensor layer2003. Each of the second sensing electrodes220_2may include a third sub-sensing electrode220s1aand a fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2aelectrically separated in the sensor layer200_3.

The first sub-sensing electrode210s1amay have a shape surrounding the second sub-sensing electrode210s2a, and the third sub-sensing electrode220s1amay have a shape surrounding the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2a. For example, the second sub-sensing electrode210s2amay be located between a portion of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1aand the other portion of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1a. In addition, the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2amay be located between a portion of the third sub-sensing electrode220s1aand the other portion of the third sub-sensing electrode220s1a.

The sensor layer200_3may be operated in a first mode in which information on an external input is obtained through the change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrode210_2and the second sensing electrode220_2, or in a second mode in which an input by the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) is sensed through the change in capacitance of each of the first sensing electrode210_2and the second sensing electrode220_2.

When operated in the first mode, the same driving signal may be simultaneously provided to the first sub-sensing electrode210s1aand the second sub-sensing electrode210s2a. Thereafter, a sensor driving circuit receives a sensing signal from each of the third sub-sensing electrode220s1aand the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2a. The sensor driving circuit may sum sensing signals received from the third sub-sensing electrode220s1aand the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2a.

When operated in the second mode, each of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1a, the second sub-sensing electrode210s2a, the third sub-sensing electrode220s1a, and the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2amay sense a TX signal provided from the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) and output a sensing signal having a modified waveform to the sensor driving circuit.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the first sub-sensing electrode210s1aand the second sub-sensing electrode210s2asimultaneously provided with the same signal in the first mode may be electrically separated in the sensor layer200_3. In addition, the third sub-sensing electrode220s1aand the fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2aoutputting a signal summed in the sensor driving circuit in the first mode may be electrically separated in the sensor layer200_3. Therefore, a maximum parasitic capacitance component generated between the sensor layer200_3and the second electrode CE (see, e.g.,FIG.3) may be reduced. Accordingly, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer200_3may be improved.

In the first sub-sensing electrode210s1a, a plurality of openings may be defined. The plurality of openings may include a first opening210op1and a second opening210op2. The first opening210op1and the second opening2100p2may be spaced apart along an extension direction of the first sub-sensing electrode210s1aand defined. The first opening210op1and the second opening2100p2may be spaced apart along the first direction DR1.

The second sub-sensing electrode210s2amay include a first sub-sensing pattern210sp1, a second sub-sensing pattern210sp2, and a sub-bridge pattern210spb. The first sub-sensing pattern210sp1may be located in the first opening210op1, and the second sub-sensing pattern210sp2may be located in the second opening210op2. The sub-bridge pattern210spbmay be connected to the first sub-sensing pattern210sp1and the second sub-sensing pattern210sp2spaced apart from each other.

The third sub-sensing electrode220s1amay include a plurality of first sensing patterns220sp1and a plurality of bridge patterns220sb1. The fourth sub-sensing electrode220s2amay include a plurality of second sensing patterns220sp2, and a plurality of first bridge patterns220sb2, and a plurality of second bridge patterns220sb3.

One second sensing pattern220sp2may be located between one first sensing pattern220sp1and one first sub-sensing electrode210s1a. Two adjacent second sensing patterns220sp2may be spaced apart from each other having the first sensing pattern220sp1interposed therebetween, or may be spaced apart from each other having the first sub-sensing electrode210s1ainterposed therebetween.

The first bridge patterns220sb2may be connected to two second sensing patterns220sp2spaced apart from each other having the first sensing pattern220sp1interposed therebetween, and the second bridge patterns220sb3may be connected to two second sensing patterns220sp2spaced apart from each other having the first sub-sensing electrode210s1ainterposed therebetween. That is, the first bridge patterns220sb2may overlap the first sensing patterns220sp1, and the second bridge patterns220sb3may overlap the first sub-sensing electrode210s1a.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the sub-bridge pattern210spb, the plurality of bridge patterns220sb1, the plurality of first bridge patterns220sb2, and the plurality of second bridge patterns220sb3are located on the same layer, and may not overlap each other. The first sub-sensing electrode210s1a, the first sub-sensing pattern210sp1, the second sub-sensing pattern210sp2, the plurality of first sensing patterns220sp1, and the plurality of second sensing patterns220sp2are located on the same layer, and may not overlap each other.

FIG.17is a plan view of a sensor layer according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.17, a sensor layer200_4may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes210_3(hereinafter, first sensing electrodes), a plurality of second sensing electrodes2203(hereinafter, second sensing electrodes), and a plurality of sensing lines230_4. The first sensing electrodes210_3and the second sensing electrodes220_3may be located in the sensing region200A. The sensing lines230_4may be located in the peripheral region200N.

Each of the first sensing electrodes210_3may include a first sub-sensing electrode211and a second sub-sensing electrode212. Each of the second sensing electrodes220may include a third sub-sensing electrode221and a fourth sub-sensing electrode222.

The first sub-sensing electrode211and the second sub-sensing electrode212may be electrically separated in the sensor layer200_4, and the third sub-sensing electrode221and the fourth sub-sensing electrode222may be electrically separated in the sensor layer200_4. Therefore, the maximum parasitic capacitance generated in the sensor layer200_4may be reduced.

Each of the first sub-sensing electrode211and the second sub-sensing electrode212may be extended along the first direction DR1. The first sub-sensing electrode211and the second sub-sensing electrode212may be spaced apart along the first direction DR1.

Each of the third sub-sensing electrode221and the fourth sub-sensing electrode222may be extended along the second direction DR2. The third sub-sensing electrode221and the fourth sub-sensing electrode222may be spaced apart along the second direction DR2.

If the first sub-sensing electrode211intersects the third sub-sensing electrode221, the second sub-sensing electrode212may not intersect the third sub-sensing electrode221intersecting the first sub-sensing electrode211. That is, the second sub-sensing electrode212may be spaced apart from the third sub-sensing electrode221intersecting the first sub-sensing electrode211. In addition, the second sub-sensing electrode212may be also spaced apart from the fourth sub-sensing electrode222intersecting the first sub-sensing electrode211.

A length211L of the first sub-sensing electrode211in the first direction DR1and a length212L of the second sub-sensing electrode212in the first direction DR1may be substantially the same. In addition, the width200AW1of the sensing region200A in the first direction DR1may be greater than each of the length211L of the first sub-sensing electrode211in the first direction DR1and the length212L of the second sub-sensing electrode212in the first direction DR1. The width200AW1of the sensing region200A in the first direction DR1may be greater than or substantially the same as the sum of the length211L of the first sub-sensing electrode211in the first direction DR1and the length212L of the second sub-sensing electrode212in the first direction DR1.

A length221L of the third sub-sensing electrode221in the second direction DR2and a length222L of the fourth sub-sensing electrode222in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same. In addition, the width200AW2of the sensing region200A in the second direction DR2may be greater than each of the length221L of the third sub-sensing electrode221in the second direction DR2and the length222L of the fourth sub-sensing electrode222in the second direction DR2. The width200AW2of the sensing region200A in the second direction DR2may be greater than or substantially the same as the sum of the length221L of the third sub-sensing electrode221in the second direction DR2and the length222L of the fourth sub-sensing electrode222in the second direction DR2.

The sensor layer200_4may be operated in a first mode in which information on an external input is obtained through the change in mutual capacitance between the first sensing electrode210_3and the second sensing electrode220_3, or in a second mode in which an input by the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) is sensed through the change in capacitance of each of the first sensing electrode210_3and the second sensing electrode220_3.

When operated in the first mode, the same driving signal may be simultaneously provided to the first sub-sensing electrode211and the second sub-sensing electrode212. Thereafter, a sensor driving circuit may receive a sensing signal from the second sensing electrode220_3. Unlike the embodiments described above with reference toFIG.5toFIG.15, the third sub-sensing electrode221and the fourth sub-sensing electrode222of the second sensing electrode220_3may be included in a different sensing unit. Therefore, the sensor driving circuit may sense sensing signals of the third sub-sensing electrode221and the fourth sub-sensing electrode222, respectively, and calculate position coordinates.

When operated in the second mode, each of the first sub-sensing electrode211, the second sub-sensing electrode212, the third sub-sensing electrode221, and the fourth sub-sensing electrode222may sense a TX signal provided from the active pen2000(see, e.g.,FIG.3) and output a sensing signal having a modified waveform to the sensor driving circuit.

FIG.18is a plan view of a sensor layer according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.18, a sensor layer200_5may include a plurality of the first sensing electrodes210_3(hereinafter, first sensing electrodes), a plurality of the second sensing electrodes2201(hereinafter, second sensing electrodes), and a plurality of sensing lines230_5. The first sensing electrodes210_3and the second sensing electrodes220_1may be located in the sensing region200A. The sensing lines230_5may be located in the peripheral region200N.

The first sensing electrode210_3may be the same as the first sensing electrodes210_3described with reference toFIG.17, and the second sensing electrodes220_1may be the same as the second sensing electrodes220_1described with reference toFIG.11.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the second sensing electrodes220_1may be substituted by the second sensing electrodes220illustrated inFIG.5or the second sensing electrodes220_2illustrated inFIG.15.

FIG.19is a plan view of a sensor layer according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.19, a sensor layer200_6may include a plurality of the first sensing electrodes210_1(hereinafter, first sensing electrodes), a plurality of the second sensing electrodes220_3(hereinafter, second sensing electrodes), and a plurality of sensing lines230_6. The first sensing electrodes210_1and the second sensing electrodes220_3may be located in the sensing region200A. The sensing lines230_6may be located in the peripheral region200N.

The first sensing electrode210_1may be the same as the first sensing electrodes210_1described with reference toFIG.13, and the second sensing electrodes220_3may be the same as the second sensing electrodes220_3described with reference toFIG.17.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, the first sensing electrodes210_1may be substituted by the first sensing electrodes210illustrated inFIG.5or the first sensing electrodes210_2illustrated inFIG.15.

FIG.20is a plan view of a sensor layer according to some example embodiments of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.20, a sensor layer200_7may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes210_4a,210_4b, and210_4c, a plurality of second sensing electrodes220_4a,220_4b, and220_4c, and a plurality of sensing lines230_7. The plurality of the first sensing electrodes210_4a,210_4b, and210_4cand the plurality of the second sensing electrodes220_4a,220_4b, and220_4cmay be located in the sensing region200A. The sensing lines230_7may be located in the peripheral region200N.

A first sensing electrode210_4amay include a first sub-sensing electrode211aand a second sub-sensing electrode212a, a first sensing electrode210_4bmay include a first sub-sensing electrode211band a second sub-sensing electrode212b, and a first sensing electrode210_4cmay include a first sub-sensing electrode211cand a second sub-sensing electrode212c. When different reference numerals are used for components having the same component name, it should be understood that the components are different components with reference to the description and drawings.

The length of the first sub-sensing electrode211ain the first direction DR1may be less than the length of the second sub-sensing electrode212ain the first direction DR1. The length of the first sub-sensing electrode211bin the first direction DR1may be the same as the length of the second sub-sensing electrode212bin the first direction DR1. The length of the first sub-sensing electrode211cin the first direction DR1may be greater than the length of the second sub-sensing electrode212cin the first direction DR1.

A second sensing electrode220_4amay include a third sub-sensing electrode221aand a fourth sub-sensing electrode222a, a second sensing electrode220_4bmay include a third sub-sensing electrode221band a fourth sub-sensing electrode222b, and a second sensing electrode220_4cmay include a third sub-sensing electrode221cand a fourth sub-sensing electrode222c.

The length of the third sub-sensing electrode221ain the second direction DR2may be less than the length of the fourth sub-sensing electrode222ain the second direction DR2. The length of the third sub-sensing electrode221bin the second direction DR2may be the same as the length of the fourth sub-sensing electrode222bin the second direction DR2. The length of the third sub-sensing electrode221cin the second direction DR2may be greater than the length of the fourth sub-sensing electrode222cin the second direction DR2.

A sensor layer may be operated in a first mode in which information on an external input is obtained through the change in mutual capacitance between a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode, or in a second mode in which an input by an active pen is sensed through the change in capacitance of each of the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode. At least one of the first sensing electrode or the second sensing electrode may be separated into a plurality of sub-sensing electrodes. The plurality of sub-sensing electrodes may be electrically separated in the sensor layer. Therefore, the maximum parasitic capacitance generated between the sensor layer and a common electrode in a display layer may be reduced, and accordingly, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer may be improved.

Although the inventive concept has been described with reference to some example embodiments of the inventive concept, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Accordingly, the technical scope of the inventive concept is not intended to be limited to the contents set forth in the detailed description of the specification, but is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.