Patent ID: 12236849

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and methods of accomplishing the same may be understood more readily by reference to the detailed description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments, however, may have various modifications and may be embodied in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that the present disclosure covers all the modifications, equivalents, and replacements within the idea and technical scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the aspects of the present disclosure may not be described.

Unless otherwise noted, like reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof denote like elements throughout the attached drawings and the written description, and thus, descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Further, parts that are not related to, or that are irrelevant to, the description of the embodiments might not be shown to make the description clear.

In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Additionally, the use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified.

Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Further, specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concept of the present disclosure. Thus, embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing.

For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place.

Thus, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, as those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

In the detailed description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. It is apparent, however, that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “lower side,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” “upper side,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below,” “beneath,” “or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first part is described as being arranged “on” a second part, this indicates that the first part is arranged at an upper side or a lower side of the second part without the limitation to the upper side thereof on the basis of the gravity direction.

Further, the phrase “in a plan view” means when an object portion is viewed from above, and the phrase “in a schematic cross-sectional view” means when a schematic cross-section taken by vertically cutting an object portion is viewed from the side. The terms “overlap” or “overlapped” mean that a first object may be above or below or to a side of a second object, and vice versa. Additionally, the term “overlap” may include layer, stack, face or facing, extending over, covering, or partly covering or any other suitable term as would be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The expression “not overlap” may include meaning, such as “apart from” or “set aside from” or “offset from” and any other suitable equivalents as would be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The terms “face” and “facing” may mean that a first object may directly or indirectly oppose a second object. In a case in which a third object intervenes between a first and second object, the first and second objects may be understood as being indirectly opposed to one another, although still facing each other.

It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being “formed on,” “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, layer, region, or component, it can be directly formed on, on, connected to, or coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed on, on, connected to, or coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component such that one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. In addition, this may collectively mean a direct or indirect coupling or connection and an integral or non-integral coupling or connection. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being “electrically connected” or “electrically coupled” to another layer, region, or component, it can be directly electrically connected or coupled to the other layer, region, and/or component or intervening layers, regions, or components may be present. However, “directly connected/directly coupled,” or “directly on,” refers to one component directly connecting or coupling another component, or being on another component, without an intermediate component. In addition, in the present specification, when a portion of a layer, a film, an area, a plate, or the like is formed on another portion, a forming direction is not limited to an upper direction but includes forming the portion on a side surface or in a lower direction. On the contrary, when a portion of a layer, a film, an area, a plate, or the like is formed “under” another portion, this includes not only a case where the portion is “directly beneath” another portion but also a case where there is further another portion between the portion and another portion. Meanwhile, other expressions describing relationships between components such as “between,” “immediately between” or “adjacent to” and “directly adjacent to” may be construed similarly. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ, or any variation thereof. Similarly, the expression such as “at least one of A and B” may include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, “or” generally means “and/or,” and the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression such as “A and/or B” may include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as “at least one of,” “a plurality of,” “one of,” and other prepositional phrases, when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section described below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The description of an element as a “first” element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms “first,” “second,” etc. may also be used herein to differentiate different categories or sets of elements. For conciseness, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may represent “first-category (or first-set),” “second-category (or second-set),” etc., respectively.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “have,” “having,” “includes,” and “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. “About” or “approximately,” as used herein, is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.”

Some embodiments are described in the accompanying drawings in relation to functional block, unit, and/or module. Those skilled in the art will understand that such block, unit, and/or module are/is physically implemented by a logic circuit, an individual component, a microprocessor, a hard wire circuit, a memory element, a line connection, and other electronic circuits. This may be formed using a semiconductor-based manufacturing technique or other manufacturing techniques. The block, unit, and/or module implemented by a microprocessor or other similar hardware may be programmed and controlled using software to perform various functions discussed herein, optionally may be driven by firmware and/or software. In addition, each block, unit, and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor (for example, one or more programmed microprocessors and related circuits) that performs a function different from those of the dedicated hardware. In addition, in some embodiments, the block, unit, and/or module may be physically separated into two or more interact individual blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in some embodiments, the block, unit and/or module may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG.1is a plan view illustrating a display device according to one or more embodiments, andFIG.2is a block diagram illustrating the display device ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the display device1000according to one or more embodiments may be divided into a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. In one or more embodiments, the display area DA may have a rectangular shape, and the non-display area NDA may be positioned to surround the display area DA.

A pixel PX may be located in the display area DA. The pixel PX may emit light, and an image may be displayed in the display area DA.

A gate driver GDV, a data driver DDV, a test part TP, and an electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may be located in the non-display area NDA.

The gate driver GDV may be connected to a first gate driving voltage line VGLL, a second gate driving voltage line VGHL, and a gate line GL. The gate line GL may be connected to the pixel PX, and the gate driver GDV may transmit a gate signal GS to the pixel PX.

The data driver DDV may be connected to the data line DL. The data line DL may be connected to the pixel PX, and the data driver DDV may transmit a data voltage DATA to the pixel PX.

The test part TP may be located between the display area DA and the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1. The test part TP may be connected to the data line DL and may perform an array test of the pixels PX.

In one or more embodiments, the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may be located between the test part TP and the data driver DDV. For example, the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage line VGLL, the second gate driving voltage line VGHL, a lower bias voltage line VDCL, and the data line DL. The electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may reduce or prevent the likelihood of defects due to static electricity flowing in the manufacturing process of the display device1000.

FIG.1illustrates that the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1is located adjacent to a lower end of the display area DA, but is not limited thereto. For example, the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may be located adjacent to an upper end, a left end, and/or a right end of the display area DA. Also, the display device1000may include at least two or more electrostatic protection circuits.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the display device1000may include the data driver DDV, the gate driver GDV, the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1, and a controller CON.

The data driver DDV may generate the data voltage DATA based on the output image data ODAT and the data control signal DCTRL. For example, the data driver DDV may generate the data voltage DATA corresponding to the output image data ODAT, and may output the data voltage DATA in response to the data control signal DCTRL. The output image data ODAT may be RGB data for an image displayed in the display area DA, and the data control signal DCTRL may include an output data enable signal, a horizontal start signal, and a load signal.

The gate driver GDV may generate the gate signal GS based on the first gate driving voltage VGL, the second gate driving voltage VGH, and a gate control signal GCTRL. For example, the gate driver GDV may generate the gate signal GS corresponding to the first gate driving voltage VGL and the second gate driving voltage VGH, and may output the gate signal GS in response to the gate control signal GCTRL.

In one or more embodiments, the first gate driving voltage VGL and the second gate driving voltage VGH may be constant voltage. For example, the first gate driving voltage VGL may be a constant voltage having a negative polarity, and the second gate driving voltage VGH may be a constant voltage having a positive polarity. For example, the second gate driving voltage VGH may be greater than the first gate driving voltage VGL, and the first gate driving voltage VGL may be approximately −8V, and the second gate driving voltage VGH may be approximately 8V.

The control unit CON (e.g., timing controller T-CON) may receive input image data IDAT and the control signal CTRL from an external host processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU)). For example, the input image data IDAT may be RGB data including red image data, green image data, and blue image data. The controller CON may generate the data control signal DCTRL, the output image data ODAT, and the gate control signal GCTRL based on the input image data IDAT and the control signal CTRL.

The electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may receive the first gate driving voltage VGL, the second gate driving voltage VGH, the data voltage DATA, and a lower bias voltage VDC. In the manufacturing process of the display device1000, the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may reduce or prevent the likelihood of a defect due to static electricity based on the first gate driving voltage VGL and the second gate driving voltage VGH. Also, because the lower bias voltage VDC is provided to the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1after the manufacturing process of the display device1000is completed, current leakage by the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may be reduced or prevented. For example, the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may include at least one electrostatic diode.

FIG.3is a circuit diagram illustrating a pixel included in the display device ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.3, the pixel PX may include a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, a fourth transistor T4, a capacitor CST, and a light emitting diode LD.

The first transistor T1may include a gate terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The gate terminal may be connected to the second transistor T2. The first terminal may be connected to a high-power voltage ELVDD. The second terminal may be connected to the light emitting diode LD. The first transistor T1may generate a driving current based on the high-power voltage ELVDD and the data voltage DATA.

The second transistor T2may include a gate terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The gate terminal may be connected to the first gate signal GS1. The first terminal may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The second terminal may be connected to the first transistor T1. The second transistor T2may transmit the data voltage DATA in response to the first gate signal GS1.

The third transistor T3may include a gate terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The gate terminal may be connected to the emission control signal EM. The first terminal may be connected to the high-power voltage ELVDD. The second terminal may be connected to the first transistor T1. The third transistor T3may transmit the high-power voltage ELVDD in response to the emission control signal EM.

The fourth transistor T4may include a gate terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The gate terminal may be connected to a second gate signal GS2. The first terminal may be connected to the light emitting diode LD. The second terminal may be connected to an initialization voltage VINT. The fourth transistor T4may transmit the initialization voltage VINT in response to the second gate signal GS2.

The capacitor CST may include a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal may be connected to the gate terminal of the first transistor T1. The second terminal may be connected to the second terminal of the first transistor T1.

The light emitting diode LD may include a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal may be connected to the first transistor T1. The second terminal may be connected to a low-power voltage ELVSS. The light emitting diode LD may emit light based on the driving current.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.4, the display device1000may include a substrate SUB, a back metal layer BML, a first insulating layer IL1, an active pattern ACT, a second insulating layer IL2, a first gate electrode GAT1, a third insulating layer IL3, a second gate electrode GAT2, a fourth insulating layer IL4, a first connecting electrode CE1, a second connecting electrode CE2, a fifth insulating layer IL5, a first electrode ADE, a pixel defining layer PDL, an emission layer EL, a second electrode CTE, and an encapsulation layer ENC.

The substrate SUB may include a transparent or opaque material. In one or more embodiments, examples of the material that can be used as the substrate SUB may include glass, quartz, plastic, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other.

In one or more embodiments, the back metal layer BML may be located on the substrate SUB. In one or more embodiments, the back metal layer BML may be formed of a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like. Examples of the material that can be used as the back metal layer BML may include silver (Ag), an alloy containing silver, molybdenum (Mo), an alloy containing molybdenum, aluminum (Al), an alloy containing aluminum, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), chromium nitride (CrN), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), platinum (Pt), scandium (Sc), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. Also, the back metal layer BML may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer.

The first insulating layer IL1may be located on the back metal layer BML. In one or more embodiments, the first insulating layer IL1may be formed of an insulating material. Examples of the insulating material that can be used as the first insulating layer IL1may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. Also, the first insulating layer IL1may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer.

The active pattern ACT may be located on the first insulating layer IL1. In one or more embodiments, the active pattern ACT may be formed of an oxide semiconductor material or a silicon semiconductor material. Examples of the oxide semiconductor material that can be used as the active pattern ACT may include IGZO (InGaZnO) and ITZO (InSnZnO). In addition, the oxide semiconductor material may further include indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr)), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). These may be used alone or in combination with each other. Examples of the silicon semiconductor material that can be used as the active pattern ACT may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or the like.

The second insulating layer IL2may be located on the active pattern ACT. In one or more embodiments, the second insulating layer IL2may be formed of an insulating material. Examples of the insulating material that can be used as the second insulating layer IL2may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. Also, the second insulating layer IL2may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer.

The first gate electrode GAT1may be located on the second insulating layer IL2. In one or more embodiments, the first gate electrode GAT1may be formed of a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like. Examples of the material that can be used as the first gate electrode GAT1may include silver (Ag), silver-containing alloy, molybdenum (Mo), molybdenum-containing alloy, aluminum (Al), and aluminum. alloy, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), chromium nitride (CrN), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), platinum (Pt), scandium (Sc), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. Also, the first gate electrode GAT1may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer.

In one or more embodiments, the active pattern ACT may overlap the first gate electrode GAT1by a first overlapping length L1. For example, the first overlapping length L1may be set in consideration of characteristics of a transistor.

The third insulating layer IL3may be located on the first gate electrode GAT1. In one or more embodiments, the third insulating layer IL3may be formed of an insulating material. Examples of the insulating material that can be used as the third insulating layer IL3may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. Also, the third insulating layer IL3may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer.

The second gate electrode GAT2may be located on the third insulating layer IL3. In one or more embodiments, the second gate electrode GAT2may be formed of a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like. Examples of the material that can be used as the second gate electrode GAT2may include silver (Ag), silver-containing alloy, molybdenum (Mo), molybdenum-containing alloy, aluminum (Al), and aluminum. alloy, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), chromium nitride (CrN), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), platinum (Pt), scandium (Sc), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. Also, the second gate electrode GAT2may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer.

The fourth insulating layer IL4may be located on the second gate electrode GAT2. In one or more embodiments, the fourth insulating layer IL4may be formed of an insulating material. Examples of the insulating material that can be used as the fourth insulating layer IL4may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. In addition, the fourth insulating layer IL4may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer.

The first connecting electrode CE1and the second connecting electrode CE2may be located on the fourth insulating layer IL4. The first connecting electrode CE1and the second connecting electrode CE2may be formed together (e.g., during a same process), and may include the same material. The first connecting electrode CE1and the second connecting electrode CE2may contact the active pattern ACT.

In one or more embodiments, the first connecting electrode CE1and the second connecting electrode CE2may be formed of a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like. Examples of materials that can be used as the first connecting electrode CE1and the second connecting electrode CE2may include silver (Ag), an alloy containing silver, molybdenum (Mo), an alloy containing molybdenum, aluminum (Al), alloys containing aluminum, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), chromium nitride (CrN), Titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), platinum (Pt), scandium (Sc), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and the like may be included. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. In addition, the first connecting electrode CE1and the second connecting electrode CE2may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer structure.

The fifth insulating layer IL5may be located on the first and second connecting electrodes CE1and CE2. In one or more embodiments, the fifth insulating layer IL5may be formed of an organic insulating material and/or an inorganic insulating material. Examples of the organic insulating material that can be used as the fifth insulating layer IL5may include photoresist, polyacrylic resin, polyimide resin, acrylic resin, and the like. Examples of the inorganic insulating material that can be used as the fifth insulating layer IL5may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. Also, the fifth insulating layer IL5may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer.

The first electrode ADE may be located on the fifth insulating layer IL5. In one or more embodiments, the first electrode ADE may be formed of a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like. Examples of materials that can be used as the first electrode ADE may include silver (Ag), silver-containing alloys, molybdenum (Mo), molybdenum-containing alloys, aluminum (Al), and aluminum-containing alloys. Alloys, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), chromium nitride (CrN), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), Platinum (Pt), scandium (Sc), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and the like may be included. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. In addition, the first electrode ADE may be formed of a single layer or a multilayer.

The pixel defining layer PDL may be located on the fifth insulating layer IL5. An opening exposing the first electrode ADE may be formed in, or defined by, the pixel defining layer PDL.

The emission layer EL may be located in the opening on the first electrode ADE. The light emitting layer EL may emit light in response to the driving current.

The second electrode CTE may be located on the emission layer EL.

The encapsulation layer ENC may be located on the second electrode CTE. The encapsulation layer ENC may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer, and may reduce or prevent penetration of air and/or moisture.

FIG.5is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrostatic protection circuit included in the display device ofFIG.1.FIG.6is a plan view illustrating an electrostatic protection circuit ofFIG.5.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ ofFIG.6.

Referring toFIG.5, the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may include a first electrostatic diode ED1and a second electrostatic diode ED2.

The first electrostatic diode ED1may include a first gate terminal G1, a first terminal TM1, a second terminal TM2, and a first lower gate terminal BG1. The first gate terminal G1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The first terminal TM1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The second terminal TM2may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The first lower gate terminal BG1may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

The second electrostatic diode ED2may include a second gate terminal G2, a third terminal TM3, a fourth terminal TM4, and a second lower gate terminal BG2. The second gate terminal G2may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The third terminal TM3may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The fourth terminal TM4may be connected to the second gate driving voltage VGH. The second lower gate terminal BG2may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

In one or more embodiments, the second terminal TM2and the third terminal TM3may be directly connected to each other. Also, in one or more embodiments, the lower bias voltage VDC may be a constant voltage having a negative polarity. For example, the lower bias voltage VDC may be the same as the first gate driving voltage VGL to which an offset voltage (e.g., a predetermined offset voltage) is reflected.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may include a first lower bias voltage line VDCL1, a second lower bias voltage line VDCL2, an electrostatic protection active pattern EACT, a first electrostatic protection gate electrode GE1, and a second electrostatic protection gate electrode GE2.

In one or more embodiments, the first lower bias voltage line VDCL1, the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT, and the first electrostatic protection gate electrode GE1may constitute the first electrostatic diode ED1. In addition, the second lower bias voltage line VDCL2, the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT, and the second electrostatic protection gate electrode GE2may constitute the second electrostatic diode ED2.

The first lower bias voltage line VDCL1and the second lower bias voltage line VDCL2may be located on the substrate SUB. The first lower bias voltage line VDCL1and the second lower bias voltage line VDCL2may transmit the lower bias voltage VDC.

In one or more embodiments, the first lower bias voltage line VDCL1and the second lower bias voltage line VDCL2may be formed together. For example, the first lower bias voltage line VDCL1and the second lower bias voltage line VDCL2may be formed together with (e.g., formed in a same process as) the back metal layer BML, and may include the same material.

The electrostatic protection active pattern EACT may be located on the first insulating layer IL1. In one or more embodiments, the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT may be formed together with (e.g., formed in a same process as) the active pattern ACT, and may include the same material.

The first electrostatic protection gate electrode GE1may be located on the second insulating layer IL2. In one or more embodiments, the first electrostatic protection gate electrode GE1may be formed together with (e.g., formed in a same process as) the first gate electrode GAT1, and may include the same material.

In one or more embodiments, the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT may overlap the first electrostatic protection gate electrode GE1by a second overlapping length L2. For example, the second overlapping length L2may be set in consideration of the characteristics of the electrostatic diode. Also, the second overlapping length L2may be greater than the first overlapping length L1. Accordingly, current leakage by the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may be further reduced or prevented.

The second electrostatic protection gate electrode GE2may be located on the second insulating layer IL2. In one or more embodiments, the second electrostatic protection gate electrode GE2may be formed together with (e.g., formed in a same process as) the first electrostatic protection gate electrode GE1, and may include the same material.

The first gate driving voltage line VGLL may be located on the fourth insulating layer IL4. In one or more embodiments, the first gate driving voltage line VGLL may be formed together with (e.g., formed in a same process as) the first and second connecting electrodes CE1and CE2, and may include the same material.

In one or more embodiments, the first gate driving voltage line VGLL may transmit the first gate driving voltage VGL, and may be in contact with the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT and the first electrostatic protection gate electrode GE1. Accordingly, the first gate driving voltage line VGLL may transmit the first gate driving voltage VGL to the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT and the first electrostatic protection gate electrode GE1.

The data connecting electrode DCE may be located on the fourth insulating layer IL4. In one or more embodiments, the data connecting electrode DCE may be formed together with (e.g., formed in a same process as) the first gate driving voltage line VGLL, and may include the same material.

In one or more embodiments, the data connecting electrode DCE may be in contact with the data line DL, the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT, and the second electrostatic protection gate electrode GE2. Accordingly, the data connecting electrode DCE may transmit the data voltage DATA to the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT and to the second electrostatic protection gate electrode GE2.

The second gate driving voltage line VGHL may be located on the fourth insulating layer IL4. In one or more embodiments, the second gate driving voltage line VGHL may be formed together with (e.g., formed in a same process as) the first gate driving voltage line VGLL and the data connecting electrode DCE, and may include the same material.

In one or more embodiments, the second gate driving voltage line VGHL may transmit the second gate driving voltage VGH and may be in contact with the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT. Accordingly, the second gate driving voltage line VGHL may transmit the second gate driving voltage VGH to the electrostatic protection active pattern EACT.

The display device1000may include the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1, and the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may include the first electrostatic diode ED1and the second electrostatic diode ED2. The first gate terminal G1of the first electrostatic diode ED1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL, the first terminal TM1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL, the second terminal TM2may be connected to the data voltage DATA, and the first lower gate terminal BG1may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC. The second gate terminal G2of the second electrostatic diode ED2may be connected to the data voltage DATA, the third terminal TM3may be connected to the data voltage DATA, the fourth terminal TM4may be connected to the second gate driving voltage VGH, and the second lower gate terminal BG2may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

In one or more embodiments. The lower bias voltage VDC may be a constant voltage having a negative polarity. Also, the second overlapping length L2may be set to be greater than the first overlapping length L1. Accordingly, current leakage by the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may be reduced or prevented.

FIG.8is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrostatic protection circuit included in a display device according to one or more other embodiments.

Referring toFIG.8, a display device2000according to one or more other embodiments may include an electrostatic protection circuit EPC2. However, the display device2000may be substantially the same as the display device1000, except for the electrostatic protection circuit EPC2.

The electrostatic protection circuit EPC2may include a first electrostatic diode ED1and a second electrostatic diode ED2.

The first electrostatic diode ED1may include a first gate terminal G1, a first terminal TM1, a second terminal TM2, and a first lower gate terminal BG1. The first gate terminal G1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The first terminal TM1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The second terminal TM2may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The first lower gate terminal BG1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL.

The second electrostatic diode ED2may include a second gate terminal G2, a third terminal TM3, a fourth terminal TM4, and a second lower gate terminal BG2. The second gate terminal G2may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The third terminal TM3may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The fourth terminal TM4may be connected to the second gate driving voltage VGH. The second lower gate terminal BG2may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL.

In the display device2000, as the first lower gate terminal BG1and the second lower gate terminal BG2are connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL, current leakage by the electrostatic protection circuit EPC1may be reduced or prevented.

FIG.9is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrostatic protection circuit included in a display device according to still one or more other embodiments.

Referring toFIG.9, a display device3000according to still one or more other embodiments may include an electrostatic protection circuit EPC3. However, the display device3000may be substantially the same as the display device1000, except for the electrostatic protection circuit EPC3.

The electrostatic protection circuit EPC3may include a first electrostatic dual diode EDD1, a second electrostatic dual diode EDD2, a third electrostatic dual diode EDD3, and a fourth electrostatic dual diode EDD4.

The first electrostatic dual diode EDD1may include a first gate terminal G1, a first terminal TM1, and a second terminal TM2. The first gate terminal G1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The first terminal TM1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The second terminal TM2may be connected to a first node N1.

The second electrostatic dual diode EDD2may include a second gate terminal G2, a third terminal TM3, and a fourth terminal TM4. The second gate terminal G2may be connected to the first node N1. The third terminal TM3may be connected to the first node N1. The fourth terminal TM4may be connected to the data voltage DATA.

The third electrostatic dual diode EDD3may include a third gate terminal G3, a fifth terminal TM5, and a sixth terminal TM6. The third gate terminal G3may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The fifth terminal TM5may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The sixth terminal TM6may be connected to a second node N2.

The fourth electrostatic dual diode EDD4may include a fourth gate terminal G4, a seventh terminal TM7, and an eighth terminal TM8. The fourth gate terminal G4may be connected to the second node N2. The seventh terminal TM7may be connected to the second node N2. The eighth terminal TM8may be connected to the second gate driving voltage VGH.

In one or more embodiments, the second terminal TM2and the third terminal TM3may be directly connected to each other, the fourth terminal TM4and the fifth terminal TM5may be directly connected to each other, and the sixth terminal TM6and the seventh terminal TM7may be directly connected to each other.

FIG.10is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrostatic protection circuit included in a display device according to still one or more other embodiments.

Referring toFIG.10, a display device4000according to still one or more other embodiments may include an electrostatic protection circuit EPC4. However, the display device4000may be substantially the same as the display device1000, except for the electrostatic protection circuit EPC4.

The electrostatic protection circuit EPC4may include a first electrostatic dual diode EDD1, a second electrostatic dual diode EDD2, a third electrostatic dual diode EDD3, and a fourth electrostatic dual diode EDD4.

The first electrostatic dual diode EDD1may include a first gate terminal G1, a first terminal TM1, a second terminal TM2, and a first lower gate terminal BG1. The first gate terminal G1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The first terminal TM1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The second terminal TM2may be connected to a first node N1. The first lower gate terminal BG1may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

The second electrostatic dual diode EDD2may include a second gate terminal G2, a third terminal TM3, a fourth terminal TM4, and a second lower gate terminal BG2. The second gate terminal G2may be connected to the first node N1. The third terminal TM3may be connected to the first node N1. The fourth terminal TM4may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The second lower gate terminal BG2may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

The third electrostatic dual diode EDD3may include a third gate terminal G3, a fifth terminal TM5, a sixth terminal TM6, and a third lower gate terminal BG3. The third gate terminal G3may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The fifth terminal TM5may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The sixth terminal TM6may be connected to the second node N2. The third lower gate terminal BG3may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

The fourth electrostatic dual diode EDD4may include a fourth gate terminal G4, a seventh terminal TM7, an eighth terminal TM8, and a fourth lower gate terminal BG4. The fourth gate terminal G4may be connected to the second node N2. The seventh terminal TM7may be connected to the second node N2. The eighth terminal TM8may be connected to a second gate driving voltage VGH. The fourth lower gate terminal BG4may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

In one or more embodiments, the second terminal TM2and the third terminal TM3may be directly connected to each other, the fourth terminal TM4and the fifth terminal TM5may be directly connected to each other, and the sixth terminal TM6and the seventh terminal TM7may be directly connected to each other.

In the display device4000, as the first and second electrostatic dual diodes EDD1, EDD2are implemented as dual (e.g., in tandem), the third and fourth electrostatic dual diodes EDD3, EDD4are implemented as dual, and the lower bias voltage VDC, which is a constant voltage having a negative polarity is provided to the lower gate electrode, current leakage by the electrostatic protection circuit EPC4may be reduced or prevented.

FIG.11is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrostatic protection circuit included in a display device according to one or more other embodiments.

Referring toFIG.11, a display device5000according to still one or more other embodiments may include an electrostatic protection circuit EPC5. However, the display device5000may be substantially the same as the display device1000, except for the electrostatic protection circuit EPC5.

The electrostatic protection circuit EPC5may include a first electrostatic dual diode EDD1, a second electrostatic dual diode EDD2, a third electrostatic dual diode EDD3, and a fourth electrostatic dual diode EDD4.

The first electrostatic dual diode EDD1may include a first gate terminal G1, a first terminal TM1, and a second terminal TM2. The first gate terminal G1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The first terminal TM1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The second terminal TM2may be connected to a first node N1.

The second electrostatic dual diode EDD2may include a second gate terminal G2, a third terminal TM3, and a fourth terminal TM4. The second gate terminal G2may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The third terminal TM3may be connected to the first node N1. The fourth terminal TM4may be connected to the data voltage DATA.

The third electrostatic dual diode EDD3may include a third gate terminal G3, a fifth terminal TM5, and a sixth terminal TM6. The third gate terminal G3may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The fifth terminal TM5may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The sixth terminal TM6may be connected to the second node N2.

The fourth electrostatic dual diode EDD4may include a fourth gate terminal G4, a seventh terminal TM7, and an eighth terminal TM8. The fourth gate terminal G4may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The seventh terminal TM7may be connected to the second node N2. The eighth terminal TM8may be connected to the second gate driving voltage VGH.

In one or more embodiments, the second terminal TM2and the third terminal TM3may be directly connected to each other, the fourth terminal TM4and the fifth terminal TM5may be directly connected to each other, and the sixth terminal TM6and the seventh terminal TM7may be directly connected to each other.

In the display device5000, as the first and second electrostatic dual diodes EDD1, EDD2are implemented as dual, and the third and fourth electrostatic dual diodes EDD3, EDD4are implemented as dual, current leakage by the electrostatic protection circuit EPC5may be reduced or prevented.

FIG.12is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrostatic protection circuit included in a display device according to still one or more other embodiments.

Referring toFIG.12, a display device6000according to still one or more other embodiments may include an electrostatic protection circuit EPC6. However, the display device6000may be substantially the same as the display device1000, except for the electrostatic protection circuit EPC6.

The electrostatic protection circuit EPC6may include a first electrostatic dual diode EDD1, a second electrostatic dual diode EDD2, a third electrostatic dual diode EDD3, and a fourth electrostatic dual diode EDD4.

The first electrostatic dual diode EDD1may include a first gate terminal G1, a first terminal TM1, a second terminal TM2, and a first lower gate terminal BG1. The first gate terminal G1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The first terminal TM1may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The second terminal TM2may be connected to a first node N1. The first lower gate terminal BG1may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

The second electrostatic dual diode EDD2may include a second gate terminal G2, a third terminal TM3, a fourth terminal TM4, and a second lower gate terminal BG2. The second gate terminal G2may be connected to the first gate driving voltage VGL. The third terminal TM3may be connected to the first node N1. The fourth terminal TM4may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The second lower gate terminal BG2may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

The third electrostatic dual diode EDD3may include a third gate terminal G3, a fifth terminal TM5, a sixth terminal TM6, and a third lower gate terminal BG3. The third gate terminal G3may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The fifth terminal TM5may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The sixth terminal TM6may be connected to the second node N2. The third lower gate terminal BG3may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

The fourth electrostatic dual diode EDD4may include a fourth gate terminal G4, a seventh terminal TM7, an eighth terminal TM8, and a fourth lower gate terminal BG4. The fourth gate terminal G4may be connected to the data voltage DATA. The seventh terminal TM7may be connected to the second node N2. The eighth terminal TM8may be connected to the second gate driving voltage VGH. The fourth lower gate terminal BG4may be connected to the lower bias voltage VDC.

In one or more embodiments, the second terminal TM2and the third terminal TM3may be directly connected to each other, the fourth terminal TM4and the fifth terminal TM5may be directly connected to each other, and the sixth terminal TM6and the seventh terminal TM7may be directly connected to each other.

In the display device6000, as the first and second electrostatic dual diodes EDD1, EDD2are implemented as dual, the third and fourth electrostatic dual diodes EDD3, EDD4are implemented as dual, and the lower bias voltage VDC, which is a constant voltage having a negative polarity is provided to the lower gate electrode, current leakage by the electrostatic protection circuit EPC6may be reduced or prevented.

The present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims, with functional equivalents thereof to be include therein.