Jin-Oh Kwag

18.3: Implementation of a New Wide Viewing Angle Mode for TFT-LCDs

Compare to the conventional twisted nematic (TN) mode TFT-LCD fabrication process, so far suggested method for the wide viewing angle modes require extra mask-counts. Patterning of the color filter common electrode to achieve the multi-domain vertical alignment (VA) mode costs additional process step. In addition, to avoid improper disclinations, strict alignment margin is necessary. Enhanced vertical alignment (EVA) mode has been developed where the multi-domain cell is formed by the interaction between fringe fields of the pixel electrodes and protrusions on the TFT-array panel. Compared to the TN-mode, since the common electrode is not patterned, EVA mode does not require any additional mask-count. Using the combinations of multi-layer overlap patterns with gate metal, gate dielectrics, passivation nitride, and source/drain metal, protrusions can be formed during the normal TFT-array fabrication process. Viewing angle of the EVA mode can even surpass other wide viewing modes.

A Study on Application of Stepwise Gate Signal for a-Si Gate Driver

This paper investigated the a-si:H gate driver with the stepwise gate signal. In 1-chip type mobile LCD application the stepwise gate signal for low power consumption can be used by adding simple switching circuit. The power consumption of the a-Si:H gate driver can be decreased by employing the stepwise gate signal in the conventional circuit. In conventional one, the effect of stepwise gate signal can decrease slew rate and increase the fluctuation of gate-off state voltage, In order to increase the slew rate and decrease the gate off state fluctuation, we proposed a new a-Si:H TFT gate driver circuit. The simulation data of the new circuit show that the slew rate and the gate-off state fluctuation are improved, so the circuit can work reliably.