Row drive for EL panels and the like with inductor coupling

Abstract: A simplified row driver switching circuit for display panels and the like, including particularly electrolumines­ cent (EL) panels, as well as plasma panels, using induc­ tance coupling between the power supply and the row electrodes. The circuit limits energy transfer to each row electrode of the EL panel through the inductance coupling, minimizing the effects of destructive arcing caused by inter-electrode shorts. The circuit is energy conservative and eliminates the need for, for example, -160V and +220V power supplies. Two row driver circuits are disclosed ( Figs. 4 & 6 ), the latter allowing the row electrodes to be driven to negative, as well as positive, voltages. Inductor(s) ( L of Fig. 4 ; L₁ & L₂ of Fig. 6 ) are used to store and transfer energy to the row electrode load ( C panel ) and then back to the power source ( V in ), as various switches are pulsed "on" and released. The same power supply can be used for both the row driver and the column driver.

Description: Reference to Related Application This application relates to some of the same subject matter as co-pending application EP-A-0 377 956 filed concurrently herewith, entitled "Row Driver for Electroluminscent Panels And the Like With Transformer Coupling" by the same inventors hereof, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field This invention relates to electrical panels used for, for example, displays of information, including particularly electroluminescent (EL) panels, as well as, for further example, plasma panels, and more particularly to a row driver therefor. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to the use of inductor coupling in such circuits. Background Art An electrically driven panel, such as an electroluminescent (EL) panel, is used to display indicia in response to appropriate electrical signals imposed upon its electrodes. The typical electrical model of an electroluminescent (EL) display panel includes horizontal (row) and vertical (column) electrodes of finite resistance with an interelectrode capacitance evenly distributed along the length of each electrode, with such a model being illustrated in Figure 1. A row driver working through row switches appropriately drives the row electrodes. A column driver (not illustrated) drives the column electrodes through a bank of column switches. Separate power supplies (not illustrated) typically are provided to separately power the row and column drivers. The row driver for such an EL panel has two separate modes of operation. In the write mode, each row typically is pulsed sequentially down to -160V (volts), while the column voltages determine the pixel intensities along the row being addressed. In the refresh mode, all rows are typically simultaneously pulsed up to +220V, while the columns are all maintained at zero volts. A typical, prior art row drive wave form is graphically illustrated in Figure 2 , showing the relative voltage levels which occur in the row driver through each cycle. The column electrodes have a relatively high resistance, since they are generally made of a thin-film transparent material. For this reason each column driver sees a load equivalent to a delay line. Each row electrode, however, has a low resistance, and for all practical purposes the row driver sees a purely capacitive load. This type of load enables the use of the resonant row drive scheme of the present invention. It is noted that some EL panels do not exhibit purely capacitive loads or characteristics, but even these types of panels effectively could be made into a purely capacitive load by adding external capacitance to the panel. Such a panel, so modified or supplemented, would then present an essentially capacitive load, then allowing the use of the resonant row drive scheme of the present invention. Figure 3 schematically shows a typical row driver circuit of the prior art. Initially all switches are "off" except switch S₁ . In order to produce a -160V write pulse on the EL panel's row electrodes, schematically illustrated in the circuit as the capacitive load C panel , switch S₄ is turned "on," coupling the panel C panel to -160V through switch S₁ , diode D₃ , and switch S₄ . If switch S₄ is released and switches S₅ and S₆ are activated, the capacitative row panel load C panel switches back to zero volts. Now, with switch S₁ "off" and S₂ activated, the bottom or negative side of the capacitor C₁ is raised to +60V, while the top (positive side) of capacitor C₁ is raised to +220V, since capacitor C₁ already had a charge of + 160V across it. A +220V refresh pulse can now be generated at the panel load C panel by switching switch S₃ "on." When the switch S₃ is released and switches S₅ and S₆ are activated, the panel load C panel again will return to zero volts. The foregoing described the typical prior art row driver system for EL panels, and such a circuit has significant disadvantages. It requires dual regulated, relatively high voltage supplies (-160V & +60V) to drive the EL panel's row electrode load C panel . Also, such a prior art drive scheme is not energy efficient. Additionally, in the prior art design an electrode short on the panel could destroy expensive driver integrated circuits (ICs) and cause the electrode to burn out on the panel itself. US 4707692 discloses an electroluminescent display which incorporates an energy recovering circuit for supplying resonant mode drive pulses to the display, the circuit including inductors and capacitors. 'New PWM Switched-Mode Convertor Topologies', PESC 88 Record, 19th Annual IEEE Power Electronics Specialist Conference, vol. 1, 11-14, April 1988, pages 150-156, Kyots, JP' G.-c. HUA et al , discloses some variations on the standard buck and boost converters in the field of standard dc-to-dc converters. Disclosure of Invention The row driver circuit of the present invention has significant advantages over the previous designs. As noted, the previous linear row drive scheme of Figure 3 requires dual regulated, relatively high voltage supplies to drive the EL panel C panel . The new driver circuit, as described in detail with respect to, for example, either Figures 4 or 6, requires only one power source, which can be unregulated, if so desired. In fact, the row driver of the invention can use the same +60V power source typically required in the EL column driver circuit. In the present invention electrical energy from the power supply is stored in an inductor and then transferred to the row electrode. The inductor then is re-energised and dumps the energy back to the power supply. This makes the driver more energy efficient. Thus, the invention's driver circuit is power conservative, since almost all of the energy transferred to the panel's row electrode load C panel is eventually returned to the power source. One of the most significant advantage of the drive concept of the present invention is that it limits damage due to inter-electrode shorts on the EL panel, by limiting energy transfer to each row. In the previous, prior art design, as noted above, an electrode short on the panel could destroy expensive driver integrated circuits (ICs) or semiconductor components and cause the electrode on the panel itself to burn out. In the prior art design, since the row electrodes of the panel are connected directly through switch S₁ , diode D₃ & switch S₄ during the "write" pulse, the load C panel is connected directly to the -160V power supply, which is capable of destructive current levels. In contrast, in the design of the invention, the row electrodes of the panel are connected to the power supply only through the inductor coupling, and therefore can receive only a limited amount of energy during each "write" pulse. As pulses are applied to the inductor drive switch ( S₁ below), the energy stored in the inductor ( L below) is limited by the "on" time of the drive switch. The row load therefore will never "see" any energy in excess of that amount. By the invention's limiting the energy transfer to the row, IC component stresses are reduced to non-destructive levels, and a short on the EL panel will not have sufficient energy to destroy the electrode and require panel and/or integrated circuit or semiconductor component replacement. The circuit concepts, described herein in connection with Figures 4 & 6 and an EL panel, may be applied to other like panels, including alternating current (AC), thin film plasma panels. However, the invention is particularly applicable to electroluminescent drive schemes. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following further description and drawings. Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a generalized schematic of an electrical model of an exemplary, standard, electroluminescent panel, including its horizontal and vertical electrodes of finite resistance with an inter-electrode capacitance evenly distributed along the length of each electrode, of the prior art, with which EL panel the row driver circuit of the present invention can be used. Figure 2 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary row driver wave form of the prior art showing the varying positive and negative voltage levels of the prior art row driver during each cycle. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary row driver circuit of the prior art for the model of Figure 1 producing the wave form of Figure 2 . Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the row driver circuit of the present invention. Figure 5 is a graphical illustration concurrently showing the respective voltage levels across the switch S₁ and the panel's essentially capacitive row electrode load C panel , which occur in the row driver circuit of Figure 4 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternate, exemplary embodiment of the row driver circuit of the present invention, which alternate circuit is used to switch the EL panel to negative voltages, as well as positive voltages. Figure 7 is a generalized, block circuit diagram of an EL panel with its row and column drivers, with the two drivers being powered by the same power supply, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention With reference to the inventive circuit of Figure 4 , switches S₂ and S₃ are paired with diodes D₂ and D₃ , so that, when the switches are "off," they need not withstand a bi-directional voltage swing. Assuming initially that the voltage across the EL panel's effectively or essentially capacitive row electrode load C panel is zero volts and that all switches are "off," if switch S₁ is pulsed "on," current will ramp up through the inductor L to a stored energy level of: ½ I² L = ½ L (V in ▴t/L)² = V in ² ▴t² / 2L where: I is the final inductor current, L is the inductance, and ▴t is the "on" time of switch S₁ . As switch S₃ is turned "on" and S₁ is released, the inductor current flows through diode D₃ , and the voltage across the panel's row electrode load C panel rings up, resonating with the inductance L to a final voltage V o , as shown by the row driver wave form in Figure 5 . By these means only the amount of energy needed to charge up the capacitive row electrode is actually transferred to the panel row. This limited amount of energy is not sufficient to damage the row electrode and the panel, even if a short circuit condition exits in the panel. The final energy stored in panel C panel , ignoring the negligible energy losses in the switching components, is equal to the energy that was stored in the inductor L, namely: ½ C panel V o ² = V in ² ▴t² / 2L The final voltage V o is therefore given by: V o = V in ▴t / √ (L C panel ) Now, if switch S₂ is pulsed "on" and switch S₃ is turned "off," the voltage across the panel C panel rings down, resonating with the inductor L towards zero volts. As switch S₂ is released, current flowing through the inductor L now flows through D₁, and the electrical energy stored in the inductor L is finally dumped back into the power source V in . This dumping back of the stored energy substantially improves the row driver's energy efficiency. To insure that the final voltage across the panel C panel is zero volts, switch S₄ is turned "on," serving as a residual energy dumping switch means. The situation becomes much more complex, if one wishes to switch the load, namely the essentially capacitive panel row load C panel , down to negative voltages as well. In the circuit of Figure 4 , switch S₄ would have to withstand bi-directional voltage swings, and additional circuitry would be required for negative drive. Such a bi-direction, positive & negative voltage system is achieved in the alternate circuit of Figure 6 . The bottom half of the circuit of Figure 6 , which is used to drive the capacitive row electrode low to positive voltages, is virtually identical in its components and operation, as the circuit of Figure 4 . Thus, its operation will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. However, negative voltages for the panel's row electrode load C panel will now be considered. Assuming initially that the voltage on the panel row load C panel is zero volts and that all switches are "off," if switch S₅ is pulsed "on," current ramps through inductor L₂ to a stored energy level, as described above. As switch S₇ is turned "on" and switch S₅ is released, the inductor current flows through D₇ , and the voltage across the panel's row load C panel rings down, resonating with the inductor L₂ to a final voltage V o . Similarly to the circuit of Figure 4 , the transferred energy yields a final voltage V o , as follows: V o = -(V in ▴t) / √ (L₂ C panel ) where ▴t is the "on" time of switch S₅ . To return the output voltage V o back to zero, switch S₆ is pulsed "on" and switch S₇ is turned "off." The panel C panel will ring, that is, resonate, with the inductor L₂ up to ground. As switch S₆ is released, current flowing through the inductor L₂ now flows through diode D₅ , and the energy stored in inductor L₂ is finally dumped back into the power source V in . To insure that the final voltage across the load C panel is zero volts, switches S₄ and S₈ are turned "on." The circuit shown in Figure 6 thus provides all of the switching elements required to drive the load C panel to both positive and negative voltages. It should be noted that the only critical timing wave forms required in the circuit of Figure 6 are for switches S₁ and S₅ , which control the peak positive and negative voltages applied across the row electrode load C panel . These peak voltages can be regulated using conventional pulse width modulator techniques. For example, a sample hold could be used to monitor the row pulse voltages and feed them back to a pulse width controller, which would adjust the critical pulse widths applied to the switches S₁ & S₅ , thereby maintaining output regulation. This allows the use of an unregulated power source V in with the addition of feed forward control to the pulse width modulator. Typically, most, if not all, of the circuit components of the circuits of Figures 4 & 6 would each be combined on a common printed circuit (PC) board B₁ & B₂ , respectively. As is standard in the art, the row drive wave form from, for example, the row drive circuit of either Figure 4 or Figure 6 , is switched and sequenced for each row by standard chip circuitry (not illustrated), which circuitry is not part of the present invention, but is generally illustrated in Figure 7 . Likewise appropriate driver and sequencing circuitry is used, such as, for example, one of the standard circuits of the prior art, for the panel columns, which circuity is also not part of the present invention. As should be understood from the foregoing, the driver circuit of the present invention, as described in detail with respect to, for example, either Figures 4 or 6 , requires only one power source, which can be unregulated, if so desired. In fact, the row driver of the invention can use the same +60V power source typically required in the EL column driver circuit, as generally illustrated in Figure 8 . As should be understood from the foregoing and the circuitry of Figures 4 & 6 , the row drivers of the present invention will limit damage due to any inter-electrode shorts on the EL panel by limiting the energy transfer to each row. By limiting energy transfer to the row, IC component stresses are reduced to non-destructive levels, and the short on the EL panel will not have sufficient energy to destroy the electrode, which, if it would occur, would require panel replacement. Additionally, although ground connections for the switches S₁ , S₄ & S₈ , diode D₁ and the capacitive load C panel , as illustrated, are preferred, they could be connected to some other common voltage reference level, if so desired. Likewise, although the diodes of the circuits are used as unidirectional current limiting devices in association with the switches, some switches inherently have unidirectional current limiting flow characteristics, and for those types of components, the diodes would not be necessary. The circuit concepts described herein may be applied to alternating current (AC), thin film plasma panels, as well as to electroluminescent drive schemes.

Claims: A row driver for a display panel having orthogonally disposed row and column electrodes, comprising: a single electrical power source for providing a signal V in ; a first node; an inductor (L) having two terminals, a first terminal disposed to receive said signal V in , and a second terminal connected to said first node; a first diode (D1) whose cathode is connected to said first node and whose anode is tied to a first voltage potential; a first two pole electrical switch (S1) connected electrically in parallel to said first diode (D1) having a first pole connected to said first node and a second pole connected to said first voltage potential; said first switch when closed allowing said power source to provide a current flow through said inductor, storing electrical energy in it; a second node; a second diode (D2) whose cathode is connected to said first node; a third diode (D3) whose anode is connected to said first node; a second two pole electrical switch (S2), having a first pole connected to the anode of said second diode (D2) and a second pole connected to said second node; the opening of said first switch and closing of said second switch causing the electrical energy in said inductor to be provided to said capacitive row electrode load through said second switch, driving and charging said capacitive row electrode load; a third two pole electrical switch (D3) having a first pole connected to the cathode of said third diode (D3) and a second pole connected to said second node; the opening of said second switch and the closing of said third switch allowing the charged electrical energy in said inductor to be provided back from said capacitive row electrode load to said inductor through said third switch, re-energizing said inductor: the opening of said third switch allowing the energy in the re-energized inductor to be dumped back to said row driver power source; and a fourth two pole switch (S4) having a first pole connected to said second node and a second pole connected to said first voltage potential, the closing of said fourth switch dissipating any remaining voltage charge on said capacitive row electrode load after it has re-energized said inductor. A row driver for a display panel having orthogonally disposed row and column electrodes, comprising: a single electrical power source for providing a signal V in ; a first node; an inductor (L1) having two terminals, a first terminal disposed to receive said signal V in , and a second terminal connected to said first node; a first diode (D1) whose cathode is connected to said first node and whose anode is tied to a first voltage potential; a first two pole electrical switch (S1) connected electrically in parallel to said first diode (D1), having a first pole connected to said first node and a second pole connected to said first voltage potential; said first switch when closed allowing said power source to provide a current flow through said inductor, storing electrical energy in it; a second node; a second diode (D2) whose cathode is connected to said first node; a third diode (D3) whose anode is connected to said first node; a second two pole electrical switch (S2) having a first pole connected to the anode of said second diode (D2) and a second pole connected to said second node; the opening of said first switch and closing of said second switch causing the electrical energy in said inductor to be provided to said capacitive row electrode load through said second switch, driving and charging said capacitive row electrode load; a third two pole electrical switch (S3) having a first pole connected to the cathode of said third diode (D3) and a second pole connected to said second node; the opening of said second switch and the closing of said third switch allowing the charged electrical energy in said inductor to be provided back from said capacitive row electrode load to said inductor through said third switch, re-energizing said inductor: the opening of said third switch allowing the energy in the re-energized inductor to be dumped back to said row driver power source; and a fourth diode (D4) whose anode is connected to said second node; a fourth two pole switch (S4) having a first pole connected to the cathode of said fourth diode (D4) and a second pole connected to said first voltage potential; the closing of said fourth switch dissipating any remaining voltage charge on said capacitive row electrode load after it has re-energized said inductor; a third node; a fifth diode (D5) whose cathode is disposed to receive said signal V in , and whose anode is connected to said third node; a fifth two pole switch (S5), having a first pole disposed to receive said signal V in , and a second pole connected to said third node; said fifth switch when closed allowing said power source to provide a current flow through said second inductor, storing electrical energy in it; a second inductor (L2) having two terminals, a first terminal connected to said third node, and a second terminal connected to said first voltage potential; a sixth diode (D6) whose anode is connected to said third node; a seventh diode (D7) whose cathode is connected to said third node; a sixth two pole switch (S6) having a first pole connected to the cathode of said sixth diode (D6) and a second pole connected to said second node; the opening of said fifth switch and closing of said sixth switch causing the electrical energy in said second inductor to be provided to said capacitive row electrode load through said sixth switch, driving and charging said capacitive row electrode load; a seventh two pole switch (S7), having a first pole connected to the anode of said seventh diode (D7), and a second pole connected to said second node; the opening of said sixth switch and the closing of said seventh switch allowing the charged electrical energy in said second inductor to be provided back from said capacitive row electrode load to said second inductor through said seventh switch, re-energizing said second inductor; the opening of said seventh switch allowing the energy in the re-energized said second inductor to be dumped back to said row driver power source; an eighth diode (D8) whose cathode is connected to said second node and whose anode is connected to said first voltage potential; and an eighth two pole switch (S8), having a first pole connected to the anode of said eighth diode (D8), and a second pole connected to said first voltage potential, the closing of said eighth means dissipating any remaining voltage charge on said capacitive row electrode load after it has re-energized said second inductor.

Inventors: KAPOOR MOHAN L, YOUNG EDWARD L, KAPOOR, MOHAN L., YOUNG, EDWARD L.
Applicants: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP, UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Application year: 1989
Main classification: G09G3
IPC codes: G09G3, H05B33, H03K17