Electronic device

An electronic device includes a first sensing electrode provided in an active region, in which a center is defined, the first sensing electrode including a plurality of first sensing patterns, each of which is spaced apart from the center by a first distance, a second sensing electrode including a plurality of second sensing patterns, each of which is spaced apart from the center by the first distance, a first sensing routing line electrically connected to the first sensing electrode, and a second sensing routing line electrically connected to one of the plurality of second sensing patterns. In the active region, a portion of the first sensing routing line and a portion of the second sensing routing line may have a rotational symmetry.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0142136, filed on Oct. 29, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an electronic device with improved sensing sensitivity.

Discussion of the Background

Multimedia electronic devices, such as television sets, portable phones, tablet computers, navigation systems, and gaming machines, include a device, which is used to display an image. The electronic devices include a touch-sensing type input sensor, which allows a user to easily input information or commands in an intuitive and easy manner, in addition to conventional input means, such as buttons, a keyboard, and a mouse.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the inventive concept provides an electronic device with improved sensing sensitivity.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, an electronic device may include a first sensing electrode provided in an active region, in which a center is defined, the first sensing electrode including a plurality of first sensing patterns, each of which is spaced apart from the center by a first distance, a second sensing electrode including a plurality of second sensing patterns, each of which is spaced apart from the center by the first distance, a first electrode including a plurality of first patterns, which are arranged in a direction away from the center, a second electrode including a plurality of second patterns, which are arranged in a direction away from the center, a first sensing routing line electrically connected to the first sensing electrode and disposed in the active region and a peripheral region around the active region, and a second sensing routing line electrically connected to one of the plurality of second sensing patterns and disposed in the active region and the peripheral region. In the active region, a portion of the first sensing routing line and a portion of the second sensing routing line may have a rotational symmetry.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a third electrode including a plurality of third patterns arranged in a direction away from the center and a fourth electrode including a plurality of fourth patterns arranged in a direction away from the center. The active region may be divided into four quadrants. The quadrants may have a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant, in which the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode are respectively disposed.

In an embodiment, the first electrode may further include a first connection line connecting the plurality of first patterns, the second electrode may further include a second connection line connecting the plurality of second patterns, the third electrode may further include a third connection line connecting the plurality of third patterns, and the fourth electrode may further include a fourth connection line connecting the plurality of fourth patterns. Each of the first connection line, the second connection line, the third connection line, and the fourth connection line may be extended in a direction crossing reference lines, which defines the first to fourth quadrants.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a first routing line electrically connected to the first electrode, a second routing line electrically connected to the second electrode, a third routing line electrically connected to the third electrode, and a fourth routing line electrically connected to the fourth electrode. The first routing line, the second routing line, the third routing line, and the fourth routing line may be disposed in the peripheral region enclosing the active region. The first routing line and the second routing line may be symmetric to each other, about a reference line, which defines the first quadrant and the second quadrant and may be extended in a specific direction. The third routing line and the fourth routing line may be symmetric to each other, about the reference line.

In an embodiment, the active region may include a center region at the center and a first ring region enclosing the center region. The plurality of first sensing patterns and the plurality of second sensing patterns may be disposed in the first ring region. The first sensing electrode may further include a first sensing connection line connecting the plurality of first sensing patterns, and the first sensing connection line may have a shape enclosing a portion of the center region.

In an embodiment, each of the first sensing routing line and the second sensing routing line may have a serpentine shape, in the active region. The first sensing routing line may be extended from the active region to the peripheral region, at one of boundaries between the first fourth quadrants, and the second sensing routing line may be extended from the active region to the peripheral region, at another of the boundaries between the first to fourth quadrants.

In an embodiment, the plurality of second sensing patterns may be spaced apart from each other with the first sensing connection line interposed therebetween.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a second opposite sensing routing line, which is electrically connected to another of the plurality of second sensing patterns. The second opposite sensing routing line may be disposed in one of the first to fourth quadrants.

In an embodiment, the first to fourth quadrants may have borders that are defined by first to fourth boundaries. The first sensing routing line may be extended from the active region to the peripheral region enclosing the active region, at the third boundary, the second sensing routing line may be extended from the active region to the peripheral region at the second boundary, and the second opposite sensing routing line may be extended from the active region to the peripheral region at the fourth boundary.

In an embodiment, in the active region, the first sensing routing line, the second sensing routing line, and the second opposite sensing routing line may be provided to have a rotational symmetry.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a center electrode disposed in the center region and a center routing line electrically connected to the center electrode. The center routing line may have a serpentine shape in two quadrants of the first to fourth quadrants.

In an embodiment, the active region may further include a second ring region enclosing the first ring region. The electronic device may further include a third sensing electrode including two third sensing patterns disposed in the second ring region, a fourth sensing electrode including two fourth sensing patterns disposed in the second ring region, a fifth sensing electrode including four fifth sensing patterns disposed in the second ring region, and a sixth sensing electrode including four sixth sensing patterns disposed in the second ring region. The third sensing pattern, the fifth sensing pattern, the sixth sensing pattern, the fourth sensing pattern, the sixth sensing pattern, and the fifth sensing pattern may be arranged repeatedly twice in the second ring region in a clockwise direction.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a third sensing routing line electrically connected to one of the two third sensing patterns, a third opposite sensing routing line electrically connected to the other of the two third sensing patterns, a fourth sensing routing line electrically connected to one of the two fourth sensing patterns, a fourth opposite sensing routing line electrically connected to the other of the two fourth sensing patterns, a fifth sensing routing line electrically connected to two ones of the four fifth sensing patterns, which face each other with the one of the two third sensing patterns interposed therebetween, a fifth opposite sensing routing line electrically connected to the other two ones of the four fifth sensing patterns, which face each other with the other of the two third sensing patterns interposed therebetween, a sixth sensing routing line electrically connected to two ones of the four sixth sensing patterns, which face each other with one of the two fourth sensing patterns interposed therebetween, and a sixth opposite sensing routing line electrically connected to the other two ones of the four sixth sensing patterns, which face each other with the other of the two fourth sensing patterns interposed therebetween.

In an embodiment, in the active region, the third sensing routing line, the third opposite sensing routing line, the fourth sensing routing line, and the fourth opposite sensing routing line may be provided to have a rotational symmetry. In the active region, the fifth sensing routing line, the fifth opposite sensing routing line, the sixth sensing routing line, and the sixth opposite sensing routing line may be provided to have a rotational symmetry.

In an embodiment, the first to fourth quadrants may have borders that are defined by first to fourth boundaries. Two lines of the third sensing routing line, the third opposite sensing routing line, the fourth sensing routing line, the fourth opposite sensing routing line, the fifth sensing routing line, the fifth opposite sensing routing line, the sixth sensing routing line, and the sixth opposite sensing routing line may be extended from the active region to the peripheral region enclosing the active region, at the first boundary. Other two lines may be extended from the active region to the peripheral region at the second boundary. Still other two lines may be extended from the active region to the peripheral region at the third boundary, and the remaining two lines may be extended from the active region to the peripheral region at the fourth boundary.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include an electrically-floated pattern. The electrically-floated pattern may be disposed in a region, which is enclosed by one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of second patterns.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, an electronic device may include a first electrode disposed in a first quadrant of an active region, a second electrode disposed in a second quadrant of the active region, a third electrode disposed in a third quadrant of the active region, a fourth electrode disposed in a fourth quadrant of the active region, a center electrode disposed in a center of the active region, a plurality of sensing patterns disposed in a ring region of the active region enclosing the center electrode and spaced apart from the center electrode, and a plurality of routing lines electrically connected to the plurality of sensing patterns. The plurality of routing lines may be arranged in each of regions, which are divided by a first cross line, which passes through the center and is extended in a first cross direction, and a second cross line, which is extended in a second cross direction perpendicular to the first cross direction, under a same rule.

In an embodiment, each of the regions may include two portions, which are respectively included in two quadrants of the first to fourth quadrants.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include an electrically-floated pattern. The first electrode may include a plurality of first patterns arranged in a direction away from the center of the active region. The electrically-floated pattern may be defined by a cutting pattern, which is provided in at least one of the plurality of first patterns.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, an electronic device may include a first transmission electrode disposed in a first quadrant of an active region, a second transmission electrode disposed in a second quadrant of the active region, a third transmission electrode disposed in a third quadrant of the active region, a fourth transmission electrode disposed in a fourth quadrant of the active region, a plurality of first reception patterns disposed in a first ring region of the active region enclosing a center of the active region, and a plurality of second reception patterns disposed in a second ring region of the active region enclosing the first ring region of the active region. Each of the first to fourth transmission electrodes may include a plurality of patterns, which are arranged in a direction away from the center of the active region, and a connection portion, which is extended from the plurality of patterns to electrically connect the plurality of patterns to each other. An extension direction of the connection portion may cross reference lines defining the first to fourth quadrants.

In an embodiment, a size of one of the plurality of second reception patterns, which is overlapped with one of the reference lines, may be different from a size of another of the plurality of second reception patterns, which is adjacent to the one of the second reception patterns.

In an embodiment, number of the plurality of second reception patterns may be greater than number of the plurality of first reception patterns.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a center electrode disposed in the center of the active region and a center routing line electrically connected to the center electrode. In the active region, a first portion of the center routing line may be disposed in the first quadrant, a second portion of the center routing line may be disposed in the second quadrant, and a length of the first portion of the center routing line may be longer than a length of the second portion of the center routing line.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a plurality of first reception routing lines, which are electrically connected to the plurality of first reception patterns. In the active region, a portion of a first line, which is one of the plurality of first reception routing lines, may be disposed in the second quadrant, a portion of a second line, which is another of the plurality of first reception routing lines, may be disposed in the third quadrant, and a portion of a third line, which is other of the plurality of first reception routing lines, may be disposed in the fourth quadrant. The portion of the first line, the portion of the second line, and the portion of the third line may be provided to have a rotational symmetry.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a plurality of second reception routing lines, which are electrically connected to the plurality of second reception patterns. A portion of the plurality of second reception routing lines overlapped with the first quadrant, another portion of the plurality of second reception routing lines overlapped with the second quadrant, other portion of the plurality of second reception routing lines overlapped with the third quadrant, and a still other portion of the plurality of second reception routing lines overlapped with the fourth quadrant may be provided to have a rotational symmetry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Further, the DR1-axis, the DR2-axis, and the DR3-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x, y, and z-axes, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. Additional axes DR1c, DR2c, DR3c, and DR4c are provided for additional explanation of embodiments described herein. For example, the DR1-axis, the DR2-axis, and the DR3-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to one another. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.1, an electronic device1000may be used as a wearable device1000WA or a part thereof.

The electronic device1000may display information on time or weather or icons, which allow a user to execute various applications or operations. The electronic device1000may be controlled by a touch event produced by a user. The electronic device1000may have a circular shape, but are not limited thereto. The electronic device may take a shape of a square, rectangle, or other polygon.

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.2, an electronic device1000-1may be used as a part of a car1000CA such as on a console or dashboard thereof, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The electronic device1000-1may be located on other parts of a car that are visible to a driver or passengers such as on a car door, on the back of seats, between seats, and other places readily viewable.

The electronic device1000-1may display an image and may sense an external input provided from the outside thereof. For example, the electronic device1000-1may display some pieces of information used for car driving (e.g., navigation information) or icons, which are used to control an air conditioning system, a heater, an audio system, and an air ventilation system, or an image obtained by a rear view camera. The electronic device1000-1may be controlled by a touch event made by a user.

FIGS.1and2illustrate two examples of the electronic devices1000and1000-1, to which the inventive concept is applied, but the inventive concept is not limited to these examples.

FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.FIG.4is a sectional view taken along a line I-I′ ofFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.3, an active region1000A and a peripheral region1000N may be defined in the electronic device1000. The peripheral region1000N may be provided near the active region1000A to enclose the active region1000A.

The electronic device1000may display an image on the active region1000A and may sense an input provided from the outside of the electronic device1000. The active region1000A may include a flat surface defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2, but the inventive concept is not limited to this example. For example, the active region1000A may include a curved surface or may include both flat and curved surfaces. In the present specification, a third direction DR3, which is not parallel to the first and second directions DR1 and DR2, may be referred to as a thickness direction of the electronic device1000.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, the electronic device1000may include a display layer100and a sensor layer200. The electronic device1000may include display pads100PD, which are electrically connected to the display layer100, and sensor pads200PD (hereinafter, refer to pads), which are electrically connected to the sensor layer200. A single printed circuit film may be attached to the display pads100PD and the sensor pads200PD, but the inventive concept is not limited to this example. For example, a first printed circuit film may be attached to the display pads100PD, and a second printed circuit film may be attached to the sensor pads200PD.

The display layer100may be an element, which is used to substantially produce an image. The display layer100may be a light-emitting type display layer (e.g., an organic light emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro-LED display layer, or a nano-LED display layer). The description that follows will refer to an example in which the display layer100is the organic light emitting display layer, but the inventive concept is not limited to this example.

The sensor layer200may be disposed on the display layer100. The sensor layer200may sense an external input provided from the outside. An example of the external input is an input provided from a user. The user's input may include various types of external inputs, such as a portion of the user's body, a pen, light, heat, or pressure.

The sensor layer200may be formed on the display layer100in a successive manner. In this case, it may be expressed that the sensor layer200is directly disposed on the display layer100. In the present specification, this expression refers to that another element or layer is not disposed between the sensor layer200and the display layer100. In other words, an additional adhesive layer may not be disposed between the sensor layer200and the display layer100.

The display layer100may include a base layer101, a circuit layer102, a light-emitting element layer103, and an encapsulation layer104.

The base layer101may be an element providing a base surface, on which the circuit layer102will be disposed. The base layer101may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and in an embodiment, the base layer101may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite layer.

The base layer101may have a multi-layered structure. For example, the base layer101may include a first synthetic resin layer, a silicon oxide (SiOx) layer disposed on the first synthetic resin layer, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer disposed on the silicon oxide layer, and a second synthetic resin layer disposed on the amorphous silicon layer. The silicon oxide layer and the amorphous silicon layer may be referred to as a base barrier layer.

Each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may be formed of or include at least one of polyimide-based resins. In addition, each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may include at least one of acrylate-based resins, methacrylate-based resins, polyisoprene-based resins, vinyl-based resins, epoxy-based resins, urethane-based resins, cellulose-based resins, siloxane-based resins, polyamide-based resins, or perylene-based resins. In the present specification, the expression “X-based resins” are used to refer to that such materials include functional groups of the material “X”.

The circuit layer102may be disposed on the base layer101. The circuit layer102may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, or the like. The formation of the circuit layer102may include forming an insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer on the base layer101using a coating or deposition method and then performing a photolithography process several times to selectively pattern the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer. As a result of the patterning, the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line of the circuit layer102may be formed.

At least one inorganic layer may be formed on a top surface of the base layer101. The inorganic layer may be formed of or include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide. For example, the at least one inorganic layer may include a plurality of inorganic layers of a multi-layered structure. The multi-layered inorganic layers may be used as a barrier layer and/or a buffer layer. In the present embodiment, the display layer100is illustrated to include a buffer layer BFL.

The buffer layer BFL may improve a bonding strength between the base layer101and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may be formed of or include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. For example, the buffer layer BFL may have a multi-layered structure, in which at least one silicon oxide layer and at least one silicon nitride layer are alternately stacked.

The semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may be formed of or include polysilicon. But the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and the semiconductor pattern may be formed of or include at least one of amorphous silicon, low-temperature poly silicon, or oxide semiconductor materials.

FIG.4illustrates a portion of the semiconductor pattern, but the semiconductor pattern may include another portion disposed in other regions. In an embodiment, the semiconductor patterns may be arranged with a certain rules throughout the pixels. Electrical characteristics of the semiconductor pattern may vary depending on its doping state. The semiconductor pattern may include a first region with high conductivity and a second region with low conductivity. The first region may be doped with n-type or p-type dopants. A p-type transistor may include regions doped with p-type dopants, and an n-type transistor may include regions doped with n-type dopants. The second region may be an undoped region or a region, which is doped to have a lower concentration than that of the first region.

The first region may have higher conductivity than that of the second region and may be substantially used as an electrode or a signal line. The second region may substantially correspond to an active or channel region of a transistor. In other words, a portion of the semiconductor pattern may be used as the active region or channel region of the transistor, another portion may be used as the source or drain electrode of the transistor, and other region may be used as a connection electrode or a connection signal line.

Each of the pixels may be configured to have a circuit structure including seven transistors, one capacitor, and a light-emitting element for light-emitting light, but the circuit structure of the pixel may be variously changed.FIG.4illustrates an example of the pixel, in which a transistor100PC and a light-emitting element100PE are included.

A source SC, an active region AL, and a drain DR of the transistor100PC may be parts of the semiconductor pattern. The source SC and the drain DR may be extended in opposite directions from the active region AL, when viewed in a sectional view.FIG.4illustrates a portion of a connection signal line SCL, which is formed from the semiconductor pattern. Although not illustrated, the connection signal line SCL may be connected to the drain DR of the transistor100PC, when viewed in a plan view.

A first insulating layer10may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer10may be overlapped with a plurality of pixels in common to cover the semiconductor pattern. The first insulating layer10may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer and may have a single- or multi-layered structure. The first insulating layer10may be formed of or include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide. In the present embodiment, the first insulating layer10may be a single layer formed of silicon oxide. The first insulating layer10as well as an insulating layer of the circuit layer102to be described below may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer and may have a single- or multi-layered structure. The inorganic layer may be formed of or include at least one of the afore-described material, but the inventive concept not limited to this example.

A gate GT of the transistor100PC may be disposed on the first insulating layer10. The gate GT may be a portion of a metal pattern. The gate GT may be overlapped with the active region AL. In an embodiment, the gate GT may be used as a mask in a process of doping the semiconductor pattern.

A second insulating layer20may be disposed on the first insulating layer10to cover the gate GT. The second insulating layer20may be overlapped in common with the pixels. The second insulating layer20may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer and may have a single- or multi-layered structure. The second insulating layer20may be formed of or include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. In the present embodiment, the second insulating layer20may have a multi-layered structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

A third insulating layer30may be disposed on the second insulating layer20. The third insulating layer30may have a single- or multi-layered structure. For example, the third insulating layer30may have a multi-layered structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

A first connection electrode CNE1may be disposed on the third insulating layer30. The first connection electrode CNE1may be coupled to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole CNT-1, which is formed to penetrate the first, second, and third insulating layer10,20,30.

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

A second connection electrode CNE2may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer50. The second connection electrode CNE2may be coupled to the first connection electrode CNE1through a contact hole CNT-2, which is formed to penetrate the fourth insulating layer40and the fifth insulating layer50.

A sixth insulating layer60may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer50to cover the second connection electrode CNE2. The sixth insulating layer60may be an organic layer.

The light-emitting element layer103may be disposed on the circuit layer102. The light-emitting element layer103may include a light-emitting element100PE. For example, the light-emitting element layer103may be formed of or include an organic light emitting material, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro-LEDs, or nano-LEDs. The description that follows will refer to an example, in which the light-emitting element100PE is an organic light emitting element, but the inventive concept is not limited to this example.

The light-emitting element100PE may include a first electrode AE, an emission layer EL, and a second electrode CE.

The first electrode AE may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer60. The first electrode AE may be coupled to the second connection electrode CNE2through a contact hole CNT-3penetrating the sixth insulating layer60.

A pixel definition layer70may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer60to cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An opening70-OP may be defined in the pixel definition layer70. The opening70-OP of the pixel definition layer70may expose at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

The active region1000A (e.g., seeFIG.3) may include a light-emitting region PXA and a non-light-emitting region NPXA adjacent to the light-emitting region PXA. The non-light-emitting region NPXA may enclose the light-emitting region PXA. In the present embodiment, the light-emitting region PXA may be defined to correspond to a region of the first electrode AE exposed through the opening70-OP.

The emission layer EL may be disposed on the first electrode AE. The emission layer EL may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening70-OP. In other words, the emission layer EL may be formed to include a plurality of portions, which are respectively or separately disposed in the pixels. In the case where the emission layer EL includes the portions, which are respectively and separately disposed in the pixels, each portion of the emission layer EL may emit one of blue, red, and green lights. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and in an embodiment, the emission layer EL may be provided in two or more pixels in common. In this case, the emission layer EL may be configured to emit a blue or white light.

The second electrode CE may be disposed on the emission layer EL. The second electrode CE may be a single pattern that is disposed in common throughout a plurality of pixels.

Although not illustrated, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode AE and the emission layer EL. The hole control layer may be disposed in common in the light-emitting region PXA and the non-light-emitting region NPXA. The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer and, in an embodiment, may further include a hole injection layer. An electron control layer may be disposed between the emission layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer and, in an embodiment, may further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electron control layer may be formed in common on a plurality of pixels, using an open mask.

The encapsulation layer104may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer103. The encapsulation layer104may include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer, which are sequentially stacked, but the structure of the encapsulation layer104is not limited to this example.

The inorganic layer may protect the light-emitting element layer103from moisture or oxygen, and the organic layer may protect the light-emitting element layer103from foreign substances (e.g., 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 inventive concept is not limited thereto.

The sensor layer200may include a base layer201, a conductive layer202, and a cover insulating layer203.

The base layer201may be an inorganic layer that is formed of or includes at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or silicon oxide. Alternatively, the base layer201may be an organic layer, which is formed of or include at least one of epoxy-based resins, acrylate-based resins, or imide-based resins. The base layer201may have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure including a plurality of layers, which are stacked in a third direction DR3.

The conductive layer202may have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure including a plurality of layers, which are stacked in a third direction DR3.

The conductive layer202of the single-layered structure may be formed of or include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may be formed of or include at least one of molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). In certain embodiments, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer (e.g., PEDOT), metal nanowires, or graphene.

The conductive layer202of the multi-layered structure may include a plurality of metal layers. For example, such metal layers constituting the conductive layer202may have a triple-layered structure including, for example, titanium/aluminum/titanium layers. The conductive layer202of the multi-layered structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

The cover insulating layer203may include an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer may be formed of or include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide.

FIG.5is a plan view illustrating a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.5, an active region2000A and a peripheral region2000N may be defined in the sensor layer200. The peripheral region2000N may be provided to enclose the active region2000A. The active region2000A may correspond to the active region1000A of (e.g., seeFIG.3) the electronic device1000(e.g., seeFIG.3), and the peripheral region2000N may correspond to the peripheral region1000N (e.g., seeFIG.3) of the electronic device1000(e.g., seeFIG.3).

The sensor layer200may include a plurality of electrodes210and a plurality of sensing electrodes220. Each of the electrodes210and the sensing electrodes220may be disposed in the active region2000A. The electronic device1000(e.g., seeFIG.1) may sense a change in capacitance between the electrodes210and the sensing electrodes220, which is caused by an external input and, thereby, may sense the external input.

In an embodiment, a driving or transmit (hereinafter, refer to TX) signal may be provided to each of the electrodes210. The electrodes210may be referred to as transmission or TX electrodes. Each of the sensing electrodes220may provide an analog signal, which is called the receive (hereinafter, refer to RX) signal, to a sensor driving part. The sensing electrodes220may be referred to as reception or RX electrodes, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the electrodes210may be used as the reception electrodes, and the sensing electrodes220may be used as the transmission electrodes.

In the present specification, the electrodes210and the sensing electrodes220are used to differentiate two elements, but the use of these terms does not always mean that the electrodes210serve as only the transmission electrodes and the sensing electrodes220serve as the reception electrodes. The sensing electrodes220may be referred to as opposite electrodes or mutual electrodes.

Each of the electrodes210may include a plurality of patterns210P, which are arranged in a direction away from a center2000C of the active region2000A. Each of the sensing electrodes220may include a plurality of sensing patterns220P, which are spaced apart from the center2000C by a same distance. This will be described in more detail herein.

Each of the patterns210P and the sensing patterns220P may have a mesh structure. In this case, at least one opening may be defined in each of the patterns210P and the sensing patterns220P. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and in an embodiment, each of the patterns210P and the sensing patterns220P may be composed of a transparent single electrode.

FIG.6is a plan view illustrating some elements constituting the sensor layer200according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.6, the active region2000A may be divided into four quadrants. For example, a first quadrant2000Q1, a second quadrant2000Q2, a third quadrant2000Q3, and a fourth quadrant2000Q4may be defined in the counter-clockwise direction, based on a first reference line SL1and a second reference line SL2extending in the first and second directions DR1 and DR2, respectively. The first and second reference lines SL1and SL2may cross each other at the center2000C.

The electrodes210(e.g., seeFIG.5) may include a first electrode211disposed in the first quadrant2000Q1, a second electrode212disposed in the second quadrant2000Q2, a third electrode213disposed in the third quadrant2000Q3, and a fourth electrode214disposed in the fourth quadrant2000Q4. The first to fourth electrodes211,212,213, and214may be referred to as first to fourth transmission electrodes211,212,213, and214.

The first electrode211may include first patterns211P, which are arranged in a direction away from the center2000C or a center region CA of the active region2000A, and first connection portions211C, which connect the first patterns211P. Each of the arced patterns in the quadrants may represent a pattern. The first patterns211P may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first cross direction DR1c, and the first connection portions211C may be extended in the first cross direction DR1c to connect the first patterns211P. The first cross direction DR1c may cross extension directions of the first and second reference lines SL1and SL2.

The second electrode212may include second patterns212P, which are arranged in a second cross direction DR2c away from the center2000C or a center region CA of the active region2000A, and second connection portions212C, which are extended in the second cross direction DR2c to connect the second patterns212P.

The third electrode213may include third patterns213P, which are arranged in a third cross direction DR3c away from the center2000C or a center region CA of the active region2000A, and third connection portions213C, which are extended in the third cross direction DR3c to connect the third patterns213P.

The fourth electrode214may include fourth patterns214P, which are arranged in a fourth cross direction DR4c away from the center2000C or a center region CA of the active region2000A, and fourth connection portions214C, which are extended in the fourth cross direction DR4c to connect the fourth patterns214P.

The first cross direction DR1c may be defined as a direction between the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second cross direction DR2c may be a direction that is orthogonal to the first cross direction DR1c. The third cross direction DR3c may be a direction, which is directly opposite to the first cross direction DR1c and is orthogonal to the second cross direction DR2c. The fourth cross direction DR4c may be a direction, which is directly opposite to the second cross direction DR2c and is orthogonal to the third cross direction DR3c. The first cross direction DR1c, the second direction DR2, the second cross direction DR2c, the third cross direction DR3c, and the fourth cross direction DR4c may be sequentially defined from the first direction DR1 in the counter-clockwise direction.

The sensor layer200may include a first routing line211R electrically connected to the first electrode211, a second routing line212R electrically connected to the second electrode212, a third routing line213R electrically connected to the third electrode213, and a fourth routing line214R electrically connected to the fourth electrode214. The first to fourth routing lines211R,212R,213R, and214R may be disposed in the peripheral region2000N. The first to fourth routing lines211R,212R,213R, and214R may be electrically connected to corresponding pads of the pads200PD (e.g., seeFIG.3), respectively.

The first routing line211R and the second routing line212R may be symmetric to each other about the second reference line SL2, by which the first quadrant2000Q1and the second quadrant2000Q2are divided. In an embodiment, the third routing line213R and the fourth routing line214R may also be symmetric to each other about the second reference line SL2.

Each of the first patterns211P may have a shape that is defined by a first arc ARC1, a second arc ARC2longer than the first arc ARC1, and first and second sides S1and S2connecting the first arc ARC1to the second arc ARC2. Each of the second to fourth patterns212P,213P, and214P may also have substantially the same shape as the first patterns211P, and thus, a description thereof will be omitted.

An area of a first pattern211Pn, which is one of the first patterns211P and is most adjacent to the center region CA, may be smaller than an area of a first pattern211Pf, which is another of the first patterns211P and is farthest from the center region CA. Because the sizes of the first patterns211P get larger as they fan out from the center region CA, each of lengths of the first and second arcs ARC1and ARC2of the first pattern211Pn may be smaller than each of lengths of the first and second arcs ARC1and ARC2of the first pattern211Pf.

A distance T1between the first and second arcs ARC1and ARC2of the first pattern211Pn may be larger than a distance T2between the first and second arcs ARC1and ARC2of the first pattern211Pf. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example. In some example embodiments, T1may be equal to T2, or T2may be greater than T1.

A first ring region RA1, a second ring region RA2, and a third ring region RA3may be defined in the active region2000A. The first ring region RA1may be provided to enclose the center region CA. The second ring region RA2may be provided to enclose the first ring region RA1. The third ring region RA3may be provided to enclose the second ring region RA2. The first to fourth patterns211P,212P,213P, and214P may not be disposed in the center region CA and the first to third ring regions RA1, RA2, and RA3.

The first patterns211P may be spaced apart from each other by a specific distance, and the first to third ring regions RA1, RA2, and RA3may be defined in regions between the first patterns211P. Each of the first to fourth connection portions211C,212C,213C, and214C may be disposed in the first to third ring regions RA1, RA2, and RA3.

FIG.7is a plan view illustrating some elements constituting a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG.7illustrates a center electrode230and a center routing line230R, which are included in the sensor layer200.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the center electrode230may be disposed in the center region CA, and the center routing line230R may be electrically connected to the center electrode230. The center electrode230may have a shape corresponding to the center region CA. For example, the center electrode230may have a circular shape. In the embodiment ofFIGS.6and7, the center electrode230may be provided to face the first electrode211, the second electrode212, the third electrode213, and the fourth electrode214.

The center routing line230R may be electrically connected to the center electrode230. The sensor layer200may include a single conductive layer (e.g., the conductive layer202ofFIG.4). The center routing line230R may be disposed on the same layer as the electrodes210(e.g., seeFIG.5) and the sensing electrodes220(e.g., seeFIG.5). Thus, the center routing line230R may be disposed along a region, in which the electrodes210(e.g., seeFIG.5) and the sensing electrodes220(e.g., seeFIG.5) are not disposed. Accordingly, the center routing line230R may have a serpentine shape, in the active region2000A.

The center routing line230R may be electrically connected to a corresponding pad of the pads200PD (e.g., seeFIG.3) via some of the first to fourth quadrants2000Q1,2000Q2,2000Q3, and2000Q4(e.g., the second and first quadrants2000Q2and2000Q1) and the peripheral region2000N. For example, the center routing line230R may include a first portion and a second portion, which are respectively disposed in the first quadrant2000Q1and the second quadrant2000Q2. The center routing line230R may be mainly disposed to be overlapped with the first quadrant2000Q1, and a length of the first portion may be larger than a length of the second portion. The serpentine shape of the center routing line230R may be present more in the first quadrant2000Q1than present in the second quadrant2000Q2, but embodiments are not limited to. Depending on the design, the serpentine shape of the center routing line230R may be present more in a different quadrant than the first quadrant2000Q1.

The center routing line230R may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N, at a portion that is located near a boundary between the first and second quadrants2000Q1and2000Q2.

FIG.8is a plan view illustrating some elements constituting a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG.8illustrates a first sensing electrode221, a second sensing electrode222, a first sensing routing line221R, a second sensing routing line222R1, and a second opposite sensing routing line222R2, which are disposed in the sensor layer200. The first sensing electrode221and the second sensing electrode222may be elements constituting the sensing electrodes220(e.g., seeFIG.5).

The first sensing electrode221may include first sensing patterns221P, which are spaced apart from the center2000C of the active region2000A by the same distance, and a first sensing connection line221C, which connects the first sensing patterns221P to each other. The first sensing patterns221P may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2 with the center region CA interposed therebetween. The first sensing connection line221C may have a shape enclosing a portion of the center region CA. For example, a portion of the first sensing connection line221C may have a semi-circular arc shape.

The second sensing electrode222may include second sensing patterns222P1and222P2, which are spaced apart from the center2000C of the active region2000A by a same distance. The second sensing patterns222P1and222P2may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 with the center region CA interposed therebetween. All of the first sensing patterns221P and the second sensing patterns222P1and222P2may be disposed in the first ring region RA1. The second sensing routing line222R1may be electrically connected to the second sensing pattern222P1of the second sensing patterns222P1and222P2, and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may be electrically connected to the other (i.e., the second sensing pattern222P2) of the second sensing patterns222P1and222P2. The second sensing routing line222R1and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may be electrically connected to corresponding pads of the pads200PD (e.g., seeFIG.3), respectively. The second sensing patterns222P1and222P2may correspond to the same channel.

In the active region2000A, the first sensing routing line221R may be disposed in the third quadrant2000Q3, the second sensing routing line222R1may be disposed in the second quadrant2000Q2, and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may be disposed in the fourth quadrant2000Q4. In other words, a portion of the first sensing routing line221R overlapped with the active region2000A may be disposed in the third quadrant2000Q3, a portion of the second sensing routing line222R1overlapped with the active region2000A may be disposed in the second quadrant2000Q2, and a portion of the second opposite sensing routing line222R2overlapped with the active region2000A may be disposed in the fourth quadrant2000Q4.

In the active region2000A, the first sensing routing line221R, the second sensing routing line222R1, and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may be provided to have a rotational symmetry. For example, a portion of the first sensing routing line221R, a portion of the second sensing routing line222R1, and a portion of the second opposite sensing routing line222R2disposed in the active region2000A may have substantially the same shape, and be positioned at same intervals about the active region2000A.

The first sensing routing line221R, the second sensing routing line222R1, and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may be disposed on the same layer as the electrodes210(e.g., seeFIG.5) and the sensing electrodes220(e.g., seeFIG.5). Thus, the first sensing routing line221R, the second sensing routing line222R1, and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may

be extended along a region, in which the electrodes210(e.g., seeFIG.5) and the sensing electrodes220(e.g., seeFIG.5) are not disposed. Accordingly, the first sensing routing line221R, the second sensing routing line222R1, and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may have a serpentine shape, in the active region2000A.

The first sensing routing line221R, the second sensing routing line222R1, and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may be arranged in at least a portion of each of regions divided by first and second cross lines CSL1and CSL2extending in the first and second cross directions DR1c and DR2c, respectively, under the same rule.

Each of the regions, which are divided by the first and second cross lines CSL1and CSL2, may include two portions, which are respectively included in two quadrants of the first to fourth quadrants2000Q1,2000Q2,2000Q3, and2000Q4. For example, the first one of the regions may include a half portion of the first quadrant2000Q1and a half portion of the second quadrant2000Q2, the second one of the regions may include the remaining half portion of the second quadrant2000Q2and a half portion of the third quadrant2000Q3, the third one of the regions may include the remaining half portion of the third quadrant2000Q3and a half portion of the fourth quadrant2000Q4, and the fourth one of the regions may include the remaining half portion of the fourth quadrant2000Q4and the remaining half portion of the first quadrant2000Q1.

The first sensing routing line221R may be extended from the first sensing pattern221P in the second direction DR2 (or an opposite direction of the second direction DR2), may be extended to a region, in which the first cross line CSL1is defined, in the clockwise direction, may be extended in the first cross direction DR1c (or an opposite direction of the first cross direction DR1c), may be extended to a region, in which the second reference line SL2(seeFIG.7) is defined, in the counter-clockwise direction, may be extended in the second direction DR2 (or an opposite direction of the second direction DR2), may be extended to a region, in which the first cross line CSL1is defined, in the clockwise direction, may be extended in the first cross direction DR1c (or an opposite direction of the first cross direction DR1c), may be extended to a region, in which the second reference line SL2(seeFIG.7) is defined, in the counter-clockwise direction, and then may be extended to the peripheral region2000N in the second direction DR2 (or an opposite direction of the second direction DR2).

First to fourth boundaries20QB1,20QB2,20QB3, and20QB4may be defined to define borders of the first to fourth quadrants2000Q1,2000Q2,2000Q3, and2000Q4. For example, the first boundary20QB1may be defined between the first quadrant2000Q1and the second quadrant2000Q2, the second boundary20QB2may be defined between the second quadrant2000Q2and the third quadrant2000Q3, the third boundary20QB3may be defined between the third quadrant2000Q3and the fourth quadrant2000Q4, and the fourth boundary20QB4may be defined between the fourth quadrant2000Q4and the first quadrant2000Q1.

The first sensing routing line221R may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N at the third boundary20QB3, and the second sensing routing line222R1may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N at the second boundary20QB2, and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N at the fourth boundary20QB4.

The first sensing patterns221P and the second sensing patterns222P1and222P2disposed in the first ring region RA1may also be referred to as first reception patterns221P,222P1, and222P2. The first sensing routing line221R, the second sensing routing line222R1, and the second opposite sensing routing line222R2may also be referred to as first reception routing lines221R,222R1, and222R2.

The first reception routing lines221R,222R1, and222R2may be electrically connected to the first reception patterns221P,222P1, and222P2, respectively. In the active region2000A, a portion of the first reception routing line222R1, which is one of the first reception routing lines221R,222R1, and222R2, may be disposed in the second quadrant2000Q2and extend into the peripheral region2000N in the third quadrant2000Q3. In the active region2000A, a portion of the first reception routing line221R, which is another of the first reception routing lines221R,222R1, and222R2, may be disposed in the third quadrant2000Q3and extend into the peripheral region2000N. In the active region2000A, a portion of the first reception routing line222R2, which is other of the first reception routing lines221R,222R1, and222R2, may be disposed in the fourth quadrant2000Q4and extend into the peripheral region2000N. The portion of the first reception routing line222R1, the portion of the first reception routing line221R, and the portion of the first reception routing line222R2may be provided to have a rotational symmetry. They may also have serpentine shapes in the active region2000A.

FIG.9is a plan view illustrating some elements constituting a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG.9illustrates a third sensing electrode223, a fourth sensing electrode224, a fifth sensing electrode225, a sixth sensing electrode226, a third sensing routing line223R1, a third opposite sensing routing line223R2, a fourth sensing routing line224R1, a fourth opposite sensing routing line224R2, a fifth sensing routing line225R1, a fifth opposite sensing routing line225R2, a sixth sensing routing line226R1, and a sixth opposite sensing routing line226R2, which are included in the sensor layer200. The key in the bottom right ofFIG.9illustrates the elements that make up the third sensing electrode223, the fourth sensing electrode224, the fifth sensing electrode225, and the sixth sensing electrode226.

The third sensing electrode223may include two third sensing patterns223P1and223P2, which are spaced apart from each other with the center region CA interposed therebetween. The fourth sensing electrode224may include two fourth sensing patterns224P1and224P2, which is are spaced apart from each other with the center region CA interposed therebetween. The third sensing patterns223P1and223P2may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, and the fourth sensing patterns224P1and224P2may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

The fifth sensing electrode225may include four fifth sensing patterns225P1,225P2,225P3, and225P4, which are spaced apart from each other, and the third sensing patterns223P1and223P2may be interposed between respective corresponding pairs of the fifth sensing patterns225P1,225P2,225P3, and225P4. The sixth sensing electrode226may include four sixth sensing patterns226P1,226P2,226P3, and226P4, which are spaced apart from each other, and the fourth sensing patterns224P1and224P2may be interposed between respective corresponding pairs of the sixth sensing patterns226P1,226P2,226P3, and226P4.

For example, the fifth sensing patterns225P1and225P2may be spaced apart from each other with the third sensing pattern223P1interposed therebetween, and the fifth sensing patterns225P3and225P4may be spaced apart from each other with the third sensing pattern223P2interposed therebetween. The sixth sensing patterns226P1and226P2may be spaced apart from each other with the fourth sensing pattern224P1interposed therebetween, and the sixth sensing patterns226P3and226P4may be spaced apart from each other with the fourth sensing pattern224P2interposed therebetween. The third sensing pattern223P1, the fifth sensing pattern225P1, the sixth sensing pattern226P1, the fourth sensing pattern224P1, the sixth sensing pattern226P2, the fifth sensing pattern225P3, the third sensing pattern223P2, the fifth sensing pattern225P4, the sixth sensing pattern226P3, the fourth sensing pattern224P2, the sixth sensing pattern226P4, and the fifth sensing pattern225P2may be sequentially disposed in the second ring region RA2in the counter-clockwise direction.

The fifth sensing electrode225may further include a first cross connection portion225C1and a second cross connection portion225C2. The sixth sensing electrode226may further include a third cross connection portion226C1and a fourth cross connection portion226C2. The first cross connection portion225C1may electrically connect the fifth sensing patterns225P1and225P2to each other, and the second cross connection portion225C2may electrically connect the fifth sensing patterns225P3and225P4to each other. The third cross connection portion226C1may electrically connect the sixth sensing patterns226P1and226P2to each other, and the fourth cross connection portion226C2may electrically connect the sixth sensing patterns226P3and226P4to each other.

The third sensing routing line223R1may be connected to the third sensing pattern223P1, and the third opposite sensing routing line223R2may be connected to the third sensing pattern223P2. The fourth sensing routing line224R1may be connected to the fourth sensing pattern224P1, and the fourth opposite sensing routing line224R2may be connected to the fourth sensing pattern224P2.

The fifth sensing routing line225R1may be connected to the fifth sensing pattern225P1. The fifth sensing patterns225P1and225P2and the first cross connection portion225C1may be electrically connected to the fifth sensing routing line225R1. The fifth opposite sensing routing line225R2may be connected to the fifth sensing pattern225P4. The fifth sensing patterns225P3and225P4and the second cross connection portion225C2may be electrically connected to the fifth opposite sensing routing line225R2.

The sixth sensing routing line226R1may be connected to the sixth sensing pattern226P2. The sixth sensing patterns226P1and226P2and the third cross connection portion226C1may be electrically connected to the sixth sensing routing line226R1. The sixth opposite sensing routing line226R2may be connected to the sixth sensing pattern226P4. The sixth sensing patterns226P3and226P4and the fourth cross connection portion226C2may be electrically connected to the sixth opposite sensing routing line226R2.

The third sensing routing line223R1, the third opposite sensing routing line223R2, the fourth sensing routing line224R1, the fourth opposite sensing routing line224R2, the fifth sensing routing line225R1, the fifth opposite sensing routing line225R2, the sixth sensing routing line226R1, and the sixth opposite sensing routing line226R2may be electrically connected to corresponding pads of the pads200PD (e.g., seeFIG.3), respectively.

The third sensing routing line223R1and the sixth opposite sensing routing line226R2may be disposed in the first quadrant2000Q1and the fourth quadrant2000Q4, the fifth sensing routing line225R1and the fourth sensing routing line224R1may be disposed in the second quadrant2000Q2and the third quadrant2000Q3, the sixth sensing routing line226R1and the third opposite sensing routing line223R2may be disposed in the third quadrant2000Q3, and the fifth opposite sensing routing line225R2and the fourth opposite sensing routing line224R2may be disposed in the fourth quadrant2000Q4.

In the active region2000A, the third sensing routing line223R1, the fourth opposite sensing routing line224R2, the third opposite sensing routing line223R2, and the fourth sensing routing line224R1may be provided to have a rotational symmetry. For example, a portion of the third sensing routing line223R1, a portion of the fourth opposite sensing routing line224R2, a portion of the third opposite sensing routing line223R2, and a portion of the fourth sensing routing line224R1, which are disposed in the active region2000A, may have substantially the same shape.

In the active region2000A, the fifth sensing routing line225R1, the sixth sensing routing line226R1, the fifth opposite sensing routing line225R2, and the sixth opposite sensing routing line226R2may be provided to have a rotational symmetry. For example, a portion of the fifth sensing routing line225R1, a portion of the sixth sensing routing line226R1, a portion of the fifth opposite sensing routing line225R2, and a portion of the sixth opposite sensing routing line226R2, which are disposed in the active region2000A, may have substantially the same shape.

The third sensing routing line223R1and the fifth sensing routing line225R1may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N, at the first boundary20QB1. The fourth sensing routing line224R1and the sixth sensing routing line226R1may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N, at the second boundary20QB2. The third opposite sensing routing line223R2and the fifth opposite sensing routing line225R2may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N, at the third boundary20QB3. The fourth opposite sensing routing line224R2and the sixth opposite sensing routing line226R2may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N, at the fourth boundary20QB4.

The third sensing patterns223P1and223P2, the fourth sensing patterns224P1and224P2, the fifth sensing patterns225P1,225P2,225P3, and225P4, and the sixth sensing patterns226P1,226P2,226P3, and226P4, which are disposed in the second ring region RA2, may also be referred to as second reception patterns223P1,223P2,224P1,224P2,225P1,225P2,225P3,225P4,226P1,226P2,226P3, and226P4.

The third sensing routing line223R1, the third opposite sensing routing line223R2, the fourth sensing routing line224R1, the fourth opposite sensing routing line224R2, the fifth sensing routing line225R1, the fifth opposite sensing routing line225R2, the sixth sensing routing line226R1, and the sixth opposite sensing routing line226R2may also be referred to as second reception routing lines223R1,223R2,224R1,224R2,225R1,225R2,226R1, and226R2.

A size of the second reception pattern223P1,223P2,224P1, or224P2, which is one of the second reception patterns223P1,223P2,224P1,224P2,225P1,225P2,225P3,225P4,226P1,226P2,226P3, and226P4and is overlapped with the first and second reference lines SL1and SL2(e.g., seeFIG.7), may be larger than a size of the other (e.g., the second reception pattern225P1,225P2,225P3,225P4,226P1,226P2,226P3, or226P4). The other (i.e., the second reception pattern225P1,225P2,225P3,225P4,226P1,226P2,226P3, or226P4) may be one of the second reception patterns, which are not overlapped with the first and second reference lines SL1and SL2(e.g., seeFIG.7).

The second reception patterns223P1,223P2,224P1,224P2,225P1,225P2,225P3,225P4,226P1,226P2,226P3, and226P4may be disposed outside the first reception patterns221P,222P1, and222P2(e.g., seeFIG.8), and the number of the second reception patterns223P1,223P2,224P1,224P2,225P1,225P2,225P3,225P4,226P1,226P2,226P3, and226P4may be greater than the number of the first reception patterns221P,222P1, and222P2(e.g., seeFIG.8).

A portion of the second reception routing lines223R1,223R2,224R1,224R2,225R1,225R2,226R1, and226R2overlapped with the first quadrant2000Q1(e.g., seeFIG.7), another portion of the second reception routing lines223R1,223R2,224R1,224R2,225R1,225R2,226R1, and226R2overlapped with the second quadrant2000Q2(e.g., seeFIG.7), other portion of the second reception routing lines223R1,223R2,224R1,224R2,225R1,225R2,226R1, and226R2overlapped with the third quadrant2000Q3(e.g., seeFIG.7), and still other portion of the second reception routing lines223R1,223R2,224R1,224R2,225R1,225R2,226R1, and226R2overlapped with the fourth quadrant2000Q4(e.g., seeFIG.7) may be provided to have a rotational symmetry.

FIG.10is a plan view illustrating some elements constituting a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIG.10illustrates a seventh sensing electrode227, an eighth sensing electrode228, a ninth sensing electrode229, a tenth sensing electrode2210, an eleventh sensing electrode2211, a twelfth sensing electrode2212, and twelve sensing routing lines220R1,220R2,220R3, and220R4, which are included in the sensor layer200.

The twelve sensing routing lines220R1,220R2,220R3, and220R4may include first sensing routing lines220R1, second sensing routing lines220R2, third sensing routing lines220R3, and fourth sensing routing lines220R4.

The first sensing routing lines220R1may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N, at the first boundary20QB1. The second sensing routing line220R2may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N, at the second boundary20QB2. The third sensing routing line220R3may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N, at the third boundary20QB3. The fourth sensing routing line220R4may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N at the fourth boundary20QB4.

In the active region2000A, the first sensing routing lines220R1, the second sensing routing lines220R2, the third sensing routing lines220R3, and the fourth sensing routing lines220R4may be provided to have a rotational symmetry. For example, portions of the first sensing routing lines220R1, portions of the second sensing routing lines220R2, portions of the third sensing routing lines220R3, and portions of the fourth sensing routing lines220R4, which are disposed in the active region2000A, may have substantially the same shape.

As described with reference toFIGS.7to10, some of the routing lines may be provided to have the rotational symmetry, with respect to others of the routing lines. Referring toFIGS.7to10, in each of the first to fourth boundaries20QB1,20QB2,20QB3, and20QB4, six routing lines200R (e.g., seeFIG.5) may be extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N. According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the routing lines, which are extended from the active region2000A to the peripheral region2000N, may not be concentrated on a region near a specific boundary.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, near the first to fourth boundaries20QB1,20QB2,20QB3, and20QB4, the electrodes may be spaced apart from each other by a substantially constant distance. In detail, the distance between the first electrode211and the second electrode212, the distance between the second electrode212and the third electrode213, and the distance between the third electrode213and the fourth electrode214may be substantially uniform, as illustrated inFIG.6. In addition, a distance between nodes defined in the sensor layer200may become uniform. Here, the node may be defined as a region including at least a portion of a single TX electrode and at least a portion of a single RX electrode.

In the case where, near the first to fourth boundaries20QB1,20QB2,20QB3, and20QB4, the distance between the electrodes is substantially uniform, a variation in distance between the nodes may be reduced. Furthermore, the distance between the nodes may have symmetry. In this case, it may be possible to improve linearity of touch points, which are sensed when inputs are successively applied in a linear manner. That is, the sensing performance of the sensor layer200may be improved.

FIG.11Ais a plan view illustrating a sensor layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.FIG.11Bis an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion BB′ ofFIG.11A. In the following description ofFIGS.11A and11B, elements previously described with reference toFIGS.5to10may be identified by the same reference number without repeating an overlapping description thereof, for the sake of brevity.

Referring toFIG.11A, a sensor layer200-1may further include an electrically-floated pattern200D (hereinafter, a dummy pattern). In an embodiment, a plurality of dummy patterns200D may be provided to have at least two different sizes, depending on their positions. For example, the dummy pattern200D may be completely enclosed by the pattern210P or the sensing pattern220P. The dummy pattern200D may be electrically separated from the pattern210P and the sensing pattern220P.

For example, the larger the number or area of the dummy pattern200D, which is provided in each electrode210or each sensing electrode220, the lower the base capacitance of the electrode210or the sensing electrode220. The base capacitance may be called a parasitic capacitance and may refer to an electrostatic capacitance between the second electrode CE (e.g., seeFIG.4) and each of the electrodes210and the sensing electrodes220.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the base capacitance of each electrode210and each sensing electrode220may be controlled by the dummy pattern200D. This may make it possible to reduce a positional variation in sensitivity of the sensor layer200-1.

Referring toFIGS.11A and11B, the dummy pattern200D may be defined by a cutting pattern200CP, which is provided in the pattern210P or the sensing pattern220P. For example, each of the pattern210P and the sensing pattern220P may have a mesh structure. The cutting pattern200CP may be defined as a region, which is formed by cutting a portion of the mesh structure. In other words, the cutting pattern200CP may correspond to a line-shaped region, which is are formed by partially removing the mesh structure. The dummy pattern200D may be provided by the cutting pattern200CP.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, at least two lines of routing lines may be provided to have a rotational symmetry. Here, the routing lines may be extended from an active region to a peripheral region, near first to fourth boundaries of the active region. That is, the routing lines, which are extended from the active region to the peripheral region, may not be concentrated on a region near a specific boundary. Thus, a distance between electrodes near the first to fourth boundaries may be substantially uniform and moreover a distance of nodes defined in a sensor layer may be substantially uniform. In this case, it may be possible to improve linearity of touch points, which are sensed when inputs are successively applied in a linear manner. That is, the sensing performance of the sensor layer may be improved.

In addition, the sensor layer may further include an electrically-floated pattern. The larger the number or an area of a dummy pattern, which is provided in a single electrode or a single sensing electrode, the lower the base capacitance of the electrode or the sensing electrode. In other words, the base capacitance of each of the electrodes and the sensing electrodes may be controlled by the dummy pattern. This may make it possible to reduce a positional variation in sensitivity of the sensor layer.