JP2007249215A - Liquid crystal display device, its driving method, and method of driving portable information device using liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal display device enabling low power consumption in displaying still pictures, and to provide a portable information device using the liquid crystal display device. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal display device for displaying images by inputting digital signals of n bits (n: natural number) incorporates n storing circuits per one pixel. The digital signals of the n bits stored in the n storing circuits are converted into corresponding analog signals by a D/A convertor formed at each pixel to be input to a liquid crystal element. Thus, in displaying the still pictures, after the digital signals are written in the storing circuit temporarily, the stored digital signals are used by repeating. Then, a source signal drive circuit and the other drive can be stopped. Power consumption of the liquid crystal display device is reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a semiconductor display device (hereinafter referred to as a display device), and more particularly to an active matrix display device having a thin film transistor formed over an insulator. In particular, the present invention relates to an active matrix liquid crystal display device using a digital signal as a video signal. The present invention also relates to a portable information device using this display device. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable information device such as a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable personal computer, a portable navigation system, and an electronic book using an active matrix liquid crystal display device.

  In recent years, a display device in which a semiconductor thin film is formed over an insulator, particularly a glass substrate, in particular, an active matrix display device using a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as TFT) has become widespread. An active matrix display device using TFTs has hundreds of thousands to millions of TFTs arranged in a matrix, and displays an image by controlling the charge of each pixel.

  Furthermore, as a recent technology, in addition to the pixel TFT constituting the pixel, a technology related to a polysilicon TFT in which a drive circuit is simultaneously formed using a TFT in the peripheral portion of the pixel portion has been developed. It greatly contributes to power consumption. Accordingly, a liquid crystal display device has become an indispensable device for a display unit of a mobile device whose application field has been remarkably expanded in recent years.

  FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a normal digital liquid crystal display device. A pixel portion 1308 is arranged in the center. A source signal line driver circuit 1301 for controlling the source signal line is disposed on the upper side of the pixel portion. The source signal line driver circuit 1301 includes a shift register circuit 1303, a first latch circuit 1304, a second latch circuit 1305, a D / A conversion circuit (D / A converter) 1306, an analog switch 1307, and the like. On the left and right sides of the pixel portion, gate signal line driving circuits 1302 for controlling the gate signal lines are arranged. In FIG. 13, the gate signal line driver circuit 1302 is disposed on both the left and right sides of the pixel portion, but may be disposed on one side. However, the two-sided arrangement is desirable from the viewpoint of driving efficiency and driving reliability.

  The source signal line driver circuit 1301 has a configuration as shown in FIG. The driving circuit shown as an example in FIG. 14 is a source signal line driving circuit corresponding to a horizontal resolution of 1024 pixels and a 3-bit digital gradation signal, and includes a shift register circuit (SR) 1401 and a first latch circuit (LAT1) 1402. , A second latch circuit (LAT2) 1403, a D / A conversion circuit (D / A) 1404, and the like. Although not shown in FIG. 14, a buffer circuit, a level shifter circuit, and the like may be arranged as necessary.

  The operation will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. First, a clock signal (S-CLK, S-CLKb) and a start pulse (S-SP) are input to a shift register circuit 1303 (indicated as SR in FIG. 14), and pulses are sequentially output. Subsequently, these pulses are input to a first latch circuit 1304 (denoted as LAT1 in FIG. 14), and hold digital signals (Digital Data) input to the first latch circuit 1304, respectively. Here, D1 is the most significant bit (MSB: Most Significant Bit), and D3 is the least significant bit (LSB: Least Significant Bit). When the holding of the digital signal for one horizontal period is completed in the first latch circuit 1304, the digital signal held in the first latch circuit 1304 is input as a latch signal (Latch Pulse) during the blanking period. Accordingly, the data is transferred all at once to the second latch circuit 1305 (indicated as LAT2 in FIG. 14).

  Thereafter, the shift register circuit 1303 operates again, and holding of digital signals for the next horizontal period is started. At the same time, the digital signal held in the second latch circuit 1305 is converted into an analog signal by a D / A converter 1306 (denoted as D / A in FIG. 14). This analog signal is written into the pixel via the source signal line. By repeating this operation, an image is displayed.

  A portable information terminal device using the above-described conventional liquid crystal display device will be described.

  A portable information terminal will be described as an example of the portable information device. FIG. 34 shows a block diagram of a conventional portable information terminal. In the portable information terminal, the user is required to extract the required information as necessary. The information is first stored in a storage device (DRAM 1509, flash memory 1510, etc.) in the portable information terminal, or stored in a memory card 1503 inserted into the portable information terminal, external interface port 1505 There are things that obtain information by connecting to external devices via the Internet. These pieces of information are processed by the CPU 1506 based on user instructions input from the pen input tablet 1501, and the liquid crystal display device 1513 performs display.

  Specifically, a signal input from pen input doublet 1501 is detected by detection circuit 1502 and input to doublet interface 1518. This input signal is processed by the doublet interface 1518 and input to the video signal input circuit 1507 and the like. Necessary data is processed by the CPU 1506, converted into image data based on the image format stored in the VRAM 1511, and sent to the LCD controller 1512. Here, the LCD controller 1512 generates a signal for driving the liquid crystal display device 1513, drives the display device, and performs display.

  A mobile phone will be described as an example of the portable information device. FIG. 35 shows a block diagram of a conventional mobile phone. The cellular phone has a transmission / reception circuit 1615 for transmitting / receiving radio waves, a voice processing circuit 1602 for processing voice signals received, a speaker 1614, a microphone 1608, a keyboard 1601 for inputting data, and a keyboard for processing signals input from the keyboard 1601. An interface 1618 and the like are included.

  Based on user instructions input from the keyboard, those stored in a storage device (DRAM 1609, flash memory 1610, etc.) or stored in a memory card 1603 inserted into a mobile phone, an external interface port 1605 Information obtained by connecting to an external device via the CPU 1606 is processed by the CPU 1606, and the liquid crystal display device 1613 performs display.

Specifically, a signal input from the keyboard 1601 is processed by the keyboard interface 1618 and input to the video signal processing circuit 1607 and the like.
The CPU 1606 processes necessary data, converts it into image data based on the image format stored in the VRAM 1611, and sends it to the LCD controller 1612. Here, the LCD controller 1612 generates a signal for driving the liquid crystal display device 1613, drives the display device, and performs display.

  Note that FIG. 26 illustrates an example of the structure of the transmission / reception circuit 1615.

  The transmission / reception circuit 1615 includes an antenna 2662, filters 2663, 2667, 2668, 2672, 2676, a switch 2664, amplifiers 2665, 2666, 2677, a first frequency conversion circuit 2669, a second frequency conversion circuit 2673, a frequency conversion circuit 2671, and an oscillation circuit. 2670, 2675, an orthogonal transformer 2675, a data demodulation circuit 2678, and a data modulation circuit 2679.

  In a general active matrix liquid crystal display device, the screen display is updated about 60 times per second in order to smoothly display a moving image. That is, it is necessary to supply a digital signal for each frame and write to the pixel each time. Even if the video is a still image, the same signal must be continuously supplied for each frame, so that it is necessary for an external circuit, a drive circuit, and the like to repeatedly process the same digital signal continuously.

  There is a method in which a digital signal of a still image is once written in an external storage circuit, and thereafter, the digital signal is supplied from the external storage circuit to the liquid crystal display device every frame. The drive circuit must continue to operate.

Further, in the conventional portable information device, when the built-in display device displays an image, even if the image is a still image, the same video data is continuously sent to the display device 60 times per second. It was. 34, a portion surrounded by a broken line (video signal processing circuit 1507 in CPU 1506, VRAM 1511, LCD controller 1512, source signal line driving circuit and gate signal line driving circuit of liquid crystal display device 1513, pen input doublet 1501, detection The circuit 1502 and the doublet interface 1518) continued to operate as long as images were displayed.
In FIG. 35, a portion surrounded by a broken line (video signal processing circuit 1607 in the CPU 1606, VRAM 1611, LCD controller 1612, source signal line drive circuit and gate signal line drive circuit of the liquid crystal display device 1613, keyboard 1601, keyboard interface 1618 ) Continued to operate as long as the image was displayed.

  Here, some passive matrix display devices with a small number of pixels include a memory circuit built in the driver IC or controller of the display device and stop the VRAM. In a display device using these pixels, it is impractical to have a memory circuit in the driver or in the controller from the viewpoint of chip size. Therefore, in the conventional portable information device, even when a still image is displayed, many circuits have to continue to operate, which hinders reduction in power consumption.

  In mobile devices, low power consumption is highly desired. In addition, in this mobile device, although it is mostly used in the still image mode, the drive circuit continues to operate even when displaying a still image as described above. This is a drag on power consumption.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to reduce the power consumption of a drive circuit and the like when displaying a still image.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention uses the following means.

  A plurality of storage circuits are stored in the pixel, and a digital signal is stored for each pixel. In the case of a still image, once writing is performed, the information written to the pixels thereafter is the same. Therefore, by reading the signal stored in the storage circuit without inputting the signal every frame, Can be displayed continuously. That is, when displaying a still image, it is possible to stop the source signal line driving circuit, the image signal processing circuit, etc. after performing the signal processing operation for at least one frame, and accordingly, the power Consumption can be greatly reduced.

  The liquid crystal display device of the present invention and the configuration of a portable information device using the same will be described below.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display device having a pixel, wherein the pixel includes a plurality of storage circuits and a D / A converter.

  According to the present invention, in the liquid crystal display device having pixels, the pixels convert n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) memory circuits and digital signals stored in the n memory circuits to analog signals. A liquid crystal display device having a D / A converter is provided.

  According to the present invention, in the liquid crystal display device in which the pixel has a liquid crystal element and an analog signal is input to the liquid crystal element, the pixel has n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) memories. There is provided a liquid crystal display device comprising a circuit and a D / A converter for converting a digital signal stored in the n number of storage circuits into the analog signal.

  According to the present invention, in the liquid crystal display device having pixels, the pixels include n × m (n and m are natural numbers of 2 or more) memory circuits and n bits stored in the n × m memory circuits. And a D / A converter that converts a digital signal of minutes into an analog signal.

  According to the present invention, in a driving method of a liquid crystal display device having pixels, the pixels are stored in n × m (n and m are natural numbers of 2 or more) memory circuits and the n × m memory circuits. And a D / A converter that converts a digital signal for n bits into an analog signal, and the pixel stores a digital signal for m frames.

  A liquid crystal display device having a source signal line, wherein the memory circuit and the D / A converter are arranged to overlap the source signal line.

  The liquid crystal display device may include a gate signal line, and the memory circuit and the D / A converter may be arranged to overlap the gate signal line.

  According to the present invention, the pixel includes a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal element. The pixel includes a source signal line, n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) gate signal lines, and n number of gate signal lines. A TFT, n memory circuits, and a D / A converter, wherein the gate electrodes of the n TFTs are respectively connected to one of the n gate signal lines, One of the drain regions is connected to the source signal line, the other is connected to one input terminal of each of the n memory circuits, and the output terminals of the n memory circuits are A liquid crystal display device is provided, wherein the liquid crystal display device is connected to an input terminal of a D / A converter, and an output terminal of the D / A converter is connected to a liquid crystal element.

  According to the present invention, the pixel includes a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal element. The pixel includes n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) source signal lines, gate signal lines, and n number of source signal lines. A TFT, n memory circuits, and a D / A converter, wherein the gate electrodes of the n TFTs are connected to the gate signal line, and one of the source region and the drain region is the n Each of the source signal lines is connected to one input terminal of the n memory circuits, and the output terminals of the n memory circuits are respectively connected to the one of the source signal lines. A liquid crystal display device is provided, wherein the liquid crystal display device is connected to an input terminal of a D / A converter, and an output terminal of the D / A converter is connected to the liquid crystal element.

  A source signal line driving circuit, the source signal line driving circuit comprising: a shift register; a first latch circuit that holds an n-bit digital signal by a sampling pulse from the shift register; and the first latch circuit. The second latch circuit to which the n-bit digital signal held in the memory is transferred, and the n-bit digital signal transferred to the second latch circuit are sequentially selected one by one and input to the source signal line It may be a liquid crystal display device characterized by having a switch.

  A source signal line driving circuit, the source signal line driving circuit comprising: a shift register; a first latch circuit that holds a 1-bit digital signal by a sampling pulse from the shift register; and the first latch circuit. And a second latch circuit to which the 1-bit digital signal held in the memory is transferred.

  A source signal line driver circuit, wherein the source signal line driver circuit includes a shift register and a first latch circuit that holds an n-bit digital signal by a sampling pulse from the shift register. It may be a liquid crystal display device.

  A source signal line driving circuit, the source signal line driving circuit comprising: a shift register; a first latch circuit that holds an n-bit digital signal by a sampling pulse from the shift register; and the first latch circuit. And an n number of switches for inputting the n-bit digital signal held in the n number of source signal lines to the liquid crystal display device.

  The memory circuit may be a liquid crystal display device that is a static memory (SRAM), a ferroelectric memory (FRAM), or a dynamic memory (DRAM).

  The memory circuit may be a liquid crystal display device formed on a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a stainless steel substrate, or a single crystal wafer.

  A television, personal computer, portable terminal, video camera, or head mounted display using the liquid crystal display device may be used.

  According to the present invention, in the method for driving a liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of storage circuits and a D / A converter. Among them, a method for driving a liquid crystal display device is provided, in which data in the plurality of memory circuits included in pixels in a specific row or pixels in a specific column is rewritten.

  According to the present invention, in a driving method of a liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels and a source signal line driving circuit for inputting a video signal to the plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of storage circuits, There is provided a driving method of a liquid crystal display device, characterized by having an A converter and stopping the operation of the source signal line driving circuit when displaying a still image.

  The memory circuit may be a static memory (SRAM), a ferroelectric memory (FRAM), or a dynamic memory (DRAM), and may be a driving method of a liquid crystal display device.

  The memory circuit may be formed on a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a stainless steel substrate, or a single crystal wafer, and may be a driving method of a liquid crystal display device.

  A television, personal computer, portable terminal, video camera, or head mounted display using the liquid crystal display device of the driving method may be used.

  According to the present invention, in a method for driving a portable information device having a liquid crystal display device and a CPU, the liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of memory circuits, a D / A converter, and a signal to the plurality of memory circuits in a pixel. The CPU includes a first circuit that controls the drive circuit, and a second circuit that controls a signal input to the portable information device, and the liquid crystal display When the device displays a still image, a method for driving the portable information device is provided, wherein the first circuit is stopped.

  According to the present invention, in a method for driving a portable information device having a liquid crystal display device and a VRAM, the liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of storage circuits and a D / A converter in a pixel, and the liquid crystal display device When displaying a still image, a method for driving the portable information device is provided, wherein the VRAM data reading operation is stopped.

  According to the present invention, in the method for driving a portable information device having a liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of storage circuits and a D / A converter in a pixel, and the liquid crystal display device displays a still image. There is provided a method for driving a portable information device, wherein the source signal line driving circuit of the liquid crystal display device is stopped when displaying.

  The plurality of memory circuits may be a portable information device driving method in which a reading operation is performed once in one frame period.

  According to the present invention, in the method for driving a portable information device having a liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each of the plurality of pixels including a plurality of memory circuits, a D / D An A converter, and the liquid crystal display device rewrites data in the plurality of storage circuits included in pixels in a specific row or pixels in a specific column among the plurality of pixels. A driving method is provided.

  The mobile information device may be a mobile phone, a personal computer, a navigation system, a PDA, or an electronic book, and may be a mobile information device driving method.

  By storing a digital signal using a plurality of storage circuits arranged inside each pixel, the digital signal stored in the storage circuit is repeatedly used in each frame period when a still image is displayed. This makes it possible to stop the source signal line driver circuit when continuously displaying still images. Therefore, it can greatly contribute to the reduction in power consumption of the entire liquid crystal display device.

  In a portable information device incorporating a liquid crystal display device, a circuit such as a video signal processing circuit that processes a signal input to the liquid crystal display device may be stopped when continuously displaying a still image. This will greatly contribute to the reduction of power consumption of portable information devices.

  FIG. 2 shows a structure of a source signal line driver circuit and some pixels in a display device using a pixel having a memory circuit. This circuit corresponds to a 3-bit digital gradation signal, and includes a shift register circuit (SR) 201, a first latch circuit (LAT1) 202, a second latch circuit (LAT2) 203, a bit signal selection switch ( SW) 204, and a pixel (Pixel) 205. 210 is a signal directly supplied from the gate signal line driving circuit or from the outside, and will be described later together with the description of the pixel.

  FIG. 1 shows the circuit configuration of the pixel 205 in FIG. 2 in detail. This pixel corresponds to a 3-bit digital gradation signal, and includes a liquid crystal element (LC), a storage capacitor (Cs), a storage circuit (105 to 107), a D / A (D / A converter: 111), and the like. Have. 101 is a source signal line, 102 to 104 are write gate signal lines, and 108 to 110 are write TFTs.

  Although a specific example of the D / A converter 111 is described in the embodiment, the D / A converter may be configured using a method other than that described in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart in the display device of the present invention shown in FIG.
The display device is intended for a 3-bit digital gradation signal, VGA. The driving method will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, as for each number, the thing of FIGS. 1-3 is used as it is (drawing number is omitted).

  Reference is made to FIGS. 2 and 3A and 3B. In FIG. 3A, each frame period is described as α, β, and γ. First, the circuit operation in the section α will be described.

As in the case of a conventional digital driving circuit, the shift register circuit 201 receives a clock signal (S-CLK, S-CLKb) and a start pulse (S-SP).
Are input, and sampling pulses are sequentially output. Subsequently, the sampling pulse is input to the first latch circuit 202 (LAT1), and the digital signal (Digital Data) input to the first latch circuit 202 is also held. This period is referred to as a dot data sampling period in this specification. The dot data sampling period for one horizontal period is each period indicated by 1 to 480 in FIG. The digital signal is 3 bits, D1 is MSB (Most Significant Bit), and D3 is LSB (Least Significant Bit). When the holding of the digital signal for one horizontal period is completed in the first latch circuit 202, the digital signal held in the first latch circuit 202 is inputted as a latch signal (Latch Pulse) during the blanking period. Accordingly, the data is transferred all at once to the second latch circuit 203 (LAT2).

  Subsequently, in accordance with the sampling pulse output from the shift register circuit 201 again, a digital signal holding operation for the next horizontal period is performed.

  On the other hand, the digital signal transferred to the second latch circuit 203 is written in a memory circuit arranged in the pixel. As shown in FIG. 3B, the dot data sampling period of the next column is divided into three, I, II, and III, and the digital signal held in the second latch circuit is output to the source signal line. At this time, the bit signal selection switch 204 causes the signals of each bit to be sequentially output to the source signal line.

  In the period I, a pulse is input to the writing gate signal line 102, the TFT 108 is turned on, and a digital signal is written to the memory circuit 105. Subsequently, in a period II, a pulse is input to the writing gate signal line 103 so that the TFT 109 is turned on, and a digital signal is written to the memory circuit 106. Lastly, in the period III, a pulse is input to the writing gate signal line 104, the TFT 110 is turned on, and a digital signal is written to the memory circuit 107.

  This completes the processing of the digital signal for one horizontal period. The period shown in FIG. 3B is a period indicated by * in FIG. By performing the above operation up to the final stage, a digital signal for one frame is written in the memory circuit 105.

  The written digital signal is converted into an analog signal by the D / A 111 and input to the liquid crystal element. The transmissivity of the liquid crystal element changes according to the analog signal to express gradation. Here, since it is 3 bits, 8 levels of brightness from 0 to 7 are obtained.

  By repeating the above operation, video display is continuously performed. Here, in the case of displaying a still image, after the digital signals are once stored in the storage circuits 105 to 107 in the first operation, the digital signals stored in the storage circuits 105 to 107 are repeated in each frame period. And read it out.

  The operation of repeatedly reading out digital signals stored in the storage circuit for each frame period and converting them into analog signals in the D / A 111 may be controlled using a DAC controller.

  Alternatively, each output of the memory circuit is input to the D / A 111 via a readout TFT (not shown). The digital signal stored in the memory circuit may be repeatedly read out for each frame period by operating on / off of the readout TFT.

  At this time, an operation of inputting a signal to a read gate signal line (not shown) to which the gate electrode of the read TFT is connected is performed using a read gate signal line driving circuit (not shown).

  Therefore, the driving of the source signal line driver circuit can be stopped during the period in which the still image is displayed.

  Further, writing of digital signals to the memory circuit or reading of digital signals from the memory circuit can be performed in units of one gate signal line. That is, a display method such as operating the source signal line driver circuit only for a short period and rewriting only a part of the screen can be employed.

  In this case, it is desirable to use a decoder as the gate signal line driving circuit. When a decoder is used, a circuit disclosed in JP-A-8-101669 may be used, and an example is shown in FIG. The source signal line driver circuit can be partially rewritten using a decoder.

  In this embodiment, each pixel has three storage circuits and has a function of storing a 3-bit digital signal for one frame. However, in the present invention, the number of storage circuits is set to this number. Not limited. For example, in order to store digital signals of n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) bits for m (m is a natural number of 2 or more) frames, n × m storage circuits are provided in one pixel. Just do it.

  With the above method, the digital signal is stored using the memory circuit mounted in the pixel, so that the digital signal stored in the memory circuit is repeatedly used in each frame period when a still image is displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to continuously display still images without driving an external circuit, a source signal line driving circuit, and the like. Therefore, it can greatly contribute to the reduction in power consumption of the liquid crystal display device.

  The source signal line driver circuit does not necessarily have to be integrally formed on the insulator because of the problem of the layout of the latch circuit and the like that increases with the number of bits, and part or all of the source signal line driver circuit is configured externally. Also good.

  Furthermore, in the source signal line driver circuit shown in this embodiment, a latch circuit corresponding to the number of bits is arranged, but it is also possible to arrange and operate only one bit. In this case, a digital signal of upper bits to lower bits may be input to the latch circuit in series.

  FIG. 24 shows a configuration of a portable information device of the present invention using the liquid crystal display device having the above-described configuration. In the case of displaying a still image, display is performed by storing a video signal in a memory circuit inside a pixel of the display device 2413 and calling the stored video signal. Therefore, among the internal circuits of the CPU 2406 that have been operated conventionally, the source signal line driver circuit in the video signal processing circuit 2407, the VRAM (Video RAM) 2411, and the display device 2413 can be stopped.

  The contents will be specifically described below. If the input from the pen input tablet 2401 is not performed for a certain period of time, or if the signal input from the external interface port 2405 is not performed for a certain period of time to change the video display, the CPU 2406 determines that it is in the still image mode. Do it. When the CPU 2406 makes such a determination, the CPU 2406 performs the following operation. The source signal line driver circuit of the display device 2413 is stopped via the LCD controller 2412. Specifically, the operation of the source signal line driver circuit can be stopped by stopping the supply of the start pulse, clock signal, and video data signal to the source signal line driver circuit. At this time, without stopping the gate signal line driving circuit, the signal is supplied and the operation of repeatedly reading the data in the memory circuit is performed.

  Since the gate signal line driving circuit is generally driven at a frequency of 1/100 or less compared to the source signal line driving circuit, there is no problem in terms of power consumption even if the operation is not stopped. Of course, the gate signal line driver circuit may be stopped when using a liquid crystal material that does not cause a problem in the image quality of the liquid crystal, for example, a burn-in phenomenon. Through such an operation, the display device 2413 performs display by stopping only the gate signal line driver circuit or both the source signal line driver circuit and the gate signal line driver circuit.

  Next, the CPU 2406 stops the video signal processing circuit 2407 and the VRAM 2411 inside the CPU 2406. As described above, since the display device 2413 performs display using the video data stored in the internal storage circuit, there is no need to newly input video data to the display device. Therefore, the video signal processing circuit 2407, the VRAM 2411, and the like that generate and process video data may not be in operation. As described above, power reduction in the CPU 2406, power reduction in the VRAM 2411, and power reduction in the source signal line driver circuit are achieved.

  When an input is made to the pen input tablet 2401 and a video signal is inputted, an instruction to change the display contents is issued from the detection circuit 2402 of the pen input tablet to the CPU 2406 via the doublet interface 2418, and the CPU 2406 The stopped VRAM 2411 and video signal processing circuit 2407 are operated. Then, a start pulse, a clock signal, and video data can be supplied to the source line signal driver circuit of the display device 2413 via the LCD controller 2412 and a new video signal can be written into the pixel.

  In this way, if the portion surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 24 (gate signal line driving circuit, LCD controller 2412, pen input doublet 2401, detection circuit 2402, doublet interface 2418) is operating, this portable information terminal is stationary. The image can be displayed continuously.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of a mobile phone using the present invention. The operation is approximately the same as that of the portable information terminal of FIG. Unlike a mobile information terminal, in a mobile phone, input is performed by a keyboard 2501 and controlled by a CPU 2506 via a keyboard interface 2518, and external data is transmitted via a communication system of a telephone company. It is input to the antenna, amplified by the transmission / reception circuit 2515, and then controlled by the CPU 2506. When a still image is displayed, the video signal processing circuit 2507, the VRAM 2511, the source signal line driver circuit, and the like can be stopped as in the portable information terminal.

  In this way, if the portion surrounded by the broken line (gate signal line driving circuit, LCD controller 2512, keyboard 2501, keyboard interface 2518) in FIG. 25 is operating, this mobile phone may continue to display still images. it can.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  In this example, a pixel in the circuit shown in the embodiment mode is specifically configured using a transistor or the like, and an operation thereof will be described.

  FIG. 8 is the same as the pixel shown in FIG. 1, and is an example in which the D / A 111 is actually configured by a circuit. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are assigned to the same parts as those in FIG. Write TFTs 108 to 110 are provided in the memory circuits 105 to 107, respectively, and control is performed using the memory circuit selection signal lines (write gate signal lines) 102 to 104.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the memory circuit. A portion indicated by a dotted frame 450 is a memory circuit (portion indicated by 105 to 107 in FIG. 8), and 451 is a writing TFT (portion indicated by 108 to 110 in FIG. 8). Although the memory circuit 450 shown here uses a static memory (Static RAM: SRAM) using a flip-flop, the memory circuit is not limited to this configuration.

  In this embodiment, the circuit shown in FIG. 8 can be driven according to the timing chart shown in FIG. 3 in the embodiment. The circuit operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8 in addition to the actual driving method of the memory circuit selection unit. Note that the numbers in FIGS. 3 and 8 are used as they are (numbers are omitted).

  Reference is made to FIGS. In FIG. 3A, each frame period is described as α, β, and γ. First, the circuit operation in the section α will be described.

  Since the driving method from the shift register circuit to the second latch circuit is the same as that shown in the embodiment, it follows.

  In the period I, a pulse is input to the writing gate signal line 102, the TFT 108 is turned on, and a digital signal is written to the memory circuit 105. Subsequently, in a period II, a pulse is input to the writing gate signal line 103 so that the TFT 109 is turned on, and a digital signal is written to the memory circuit 106. Lastly, in the period III, a pulse is input to the writing gate signal line 104, the TFT 110 is turned on, and a digital signal is written to the memory circuit 107.

  This completes the processing of the digital signal for one horizontal period. The period shown in FIG. 3B is a period indicated by * in FIG. By performing the above operation up to the final stage, a digital signal for one frame is written in the memory circuits 105 to 107.

  The written digital signal is converted into an analog signal by the D / A 111 and input to the liquid crystal element. In accordance with the analog signal, the transmittance of the liquid crystal element changes to express gradation. Here, since it is 3 bits, 8 levels of brightness from 0 to 7 are obtained.

  As described above, display for one frame period is performed. On the other hand, on the drive circuit side, digital signals in the next frame period are simultaneously processed.

  The video is displayed by repeating the above procedure.

  Note that in the case of displaying a still image, when the writing of a digital signal of a certain frame to the storage circuit is completed, the source signal line driver circuit is stopped and the signal written to the same storage circuit is changed every frame. To read and display.

  At this time, although not shown in FIG. 8, the output of each storage circuit of each pixel is input to the D / A through the readout TFT, and the readout TFT is operated by operating the readout TFT. The signal of the memory circuit can be read repeatedly every period. As a circuit for operating the readout TFT, a circuit having a known configuration can be freely used.

  It is also possible to display a still image by always inputting a signal input to the memory circuit to the D / A circuit and outputting a corresponding analog signal to the liquid crystal element. In this case, the pixel continues to display with the same luminance until the writing TFT is selected and information is newly written to the memory circuit. In this driving method, the above-described readout TFT or the like is not necessary.

  With such a method, power consumption during display of a still image can be greatly reduced.

  In this embodiment, an example is described in which the second latch circuit of the source signal line driver circuit is omitted by performing writing to the memory circuit of the pixel portion in a dot sequential manner.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a source signal line driver circuit and some pixels in a liquid crystal display device using a pixel having a memory circuit. This circuit corresponds to a 3-bit digital gradation signal, and includes a shift register circuit (SR) 501, a latch circuit (LAT 1) 502, and a pixel (Pixel) 503. 510 is a signal directly supplied from a gate signal line driving circuit or the like, which will be described later together with the description of the pixel.

  FIG. 6 is a detailed diagram of the circuit configuration of the pixel 503 shown in FIG. Similar to the first embodiment, it corresponds to a 3-bit digital gradation signal, a liquid crystal element (LC), a storage capacitor (Cs), a storage circuit (605 to 607), and a D / A (D / A converter: 611). Etc. 601 is a first bit (MSB) signal source signal line, 602 is a second bit signal source signal line, 603 is a third bit (LSB) signal source signal line, 604 is a write gate signal line, and 608 to 610. Is a TFT for writing.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart relating to driving of the circuit shown in this embodiment.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The operations from the shift register circuit 501 to the latch circuit (LAT1) 502 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment and the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the latch operation in the first stage is completed, writing to the pixel storage circuit is started immediately. A pulse is input to the writing gate signal line 604, the writing TFTs 608 to 610 are turned on, and writing into the memory circuit is possible. Digital signals for each bit held in the latch circuit 502 are simultaneously written via the three source signal lines 601 to 603.

  When the digital signal held in the latch circuit in the first stage is written to the memory circuit, the digital signal is held in the latch circuit in accordance with the sampling pulse that continues in the next stage. In this manner, writing to the storage circuit is sequentially performed.

  The above operation is repeated until the last stage, and one horizontal period ends.

  Note that the period shown in FIG. 7B corresponds to the period shown by ** in FIG.

  The same operation is performed for all the horizontal periods 1 to 480.

  Thus, the display period of the first frame is completed. In the section β, processing of the digital signal in the next frame is performed.

  The video is displayed by repeating the above procedure. Note that in the case of displaying a still image, when the writing of a digital signal of a certain frame to the storage circuit is completed, the source signal line driver circuit is stopped and the signal written to the same storage circuit is displayed every frame. Read and display. With such a method, power consumption during display of a still image can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, compared with the circuit shown in the embodiment, the number of latch circuits can be halved, which can contribute to the miniaturization of the entire apparatus by saving the circuit layout.

  In the present embodiment, the circuit configuration of the liquid crystal display device in which the second latch circuit is omitted as described in the second embodiment is applied, and a method of writing to the memory circuit in the pixel by line sequential driving is used. An example of a liquid crystal display device will be described.

  FIG. 17 shows a circuit configuration example of the source signal line driver circuit of the liquid crystal display device shown in this embodiment. This circuit corresponds to a 3-bit digital gradation signal, and includes a shift register circuit 1701, a latch circuit 1702, a switch circuit 1703, and a pixel 1704. Reference numeral 1710 denotes a signal supplied directly from the gate signal line driving circuit or from the outside. Since the circuit configuration of the pixel may be the same as that of the second embodiment, reference is directly made to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a timing chart relating to driving of the circuit shown in this embodiment. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 17 and 18.

  The operation until the sampling pulse is output from the shift register circuit 1701 and the latch circuit 1702 holds the digital signal in accordance with the sampling pulse is the same as in the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, since the switch circuit 1703 is provided between the latch circuit 1702 and the memory circuit in the pixel 1704, even when holding of the digital signal in the latch circuit is completed, writing to the memory circuit is performed immediately. Does not start. The switch circuit 1703 remains closed until the dot data sampling period ends, and the digital signal is continuously held in the latch circuit during that time.

  As shown in FIG. 18B, when the holding of the digital signal for one horizontal period is completed, a latch signal (Latch Pulse) is input during the subsequent blanking period, and the switch circuit 1703 is opened all at once. The digital signals held in 1702 are written to the memory circuit in the pixel 1704 all at once. The operation in the pixel 1704 related to the writing operation at this time, and the operation in the pixel 1704 related to the reading operation at the time of display in the next frame period may be the same as those in the second embodiment. Omitted.

  A period shown in FIG. 18B is a period indicated by ** in FIG.

  With the above method, even in the source signal line driver circuit in which the second latch circuit is omitted, line-sequential writing driving can be easily performed.

  In this embodiment, an example of using a method of selecting a plurality of gradation voltage lines as a D / A converter is shown. FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram thereof.

  When processing a 3-bit digital signal, there are eight gradation voltage lines, each of which is connected to a switch TFT. The output of the memory circuit selectively drives the switch TFTs via the decoder. The switch may use a transmission gate.

  In FIG. 8, the output from each of the memory circuits 105 to 107 is composed of a signal stored in the memory circuit and an inverted signal of the signal.

  This embodiment can be implemented by freely combining with Embodiments 1 to 3.

  In the present embodiment, an example using a structure different from that of the D / A converter shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a circuit diagram thereof.

  In the fourth embodiment, the gradation voltage line is selected in the same manner as that shown in FIG. 8, but in FIG. 8, the number of elements is large and the area occupied by the elements in the pixel is large. Therefore, in FIG. 9, the switches are connected in series, and the number of elements is reduced by using both the decoder and the switch. The switch may use a transmission gate.

  In FIG. 9, the output from each of the memory circuits 105 to 107 is composed of a signal stored in the memory circuit and an inverted signal of the signal.

  This embodiment can be implemented by freely combining with Embodiments 1 to 3.

  In the present embodiment, an example using a structure different from the D / A converter shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the fourth and fifth embodiments will be described. FIG. 20 shows a circuit diagram thereof.

  The D / A converters shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 use gradation voltage lines, so that wiring is required for the number of gradations, which is not suitable for increasing the number of gradations. Therefore, in FIG. 20, the reference voltage is divided by the combination of the capacitors C1 to C3 to create a gradation voltage. In such a capacity division method, gradations are created with the ratio of the capacitors C1 to C3, so that various gradations can be expressed.

Such a capacitive division type D / A converter is described in AMLCD99 Digest of Technical Papers p29-32.

  This embodiment can be implemented by freely combining with Embodiments 1 to 3.

  In this embodiment, an example in which a structure different from the D / A converter shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 20 in Embodiment 4, Embodiment 5, and Embodiment 6 is used is shown. FIG. 21 shows a circuit diagram thereof.

FIG. 21 shows a further simplified version of the D / A converter of FIG. 20 shown in the sixth embodiment. Of the two electrodes of the capacitors C1 to C3, the electrode that is not connected to the liquid crystal element is connected to V _L at the time of resetting, and is connected to either V _H or V _L at the time of non-resetting. Connections can be configured with only switches. The switch may use a transmission gate.

  In FIG. 21, the output from each of the memory circuits 105 to 107 is constituted by a signal stored in the memory circuit and an inverted signal of the signal.

  This embodiment can be implemented by freely combining with Embodiments 1 to 3.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the latch circuit of the source signal line driving circuit has only one bit. Instead, the source signal line driving circuit is operated at a triple speed, and the first bit data, By inputting the data to the source signal line driver circuit in the order of the second bit data and the third bit data, the same effect as the source signal line driver circuit of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In this method, a circuit for sequentially switching data to the outside is necessary, but the source signal line driver circuit can be made small.

  In this embodiment, TFTs of a pixel portion and a driver circuit portion (a source signal line side driver circuit, a gate signal line side driver circuit, and a pixel selection signal line side driver circuit) provided around the pixel portion of the display device of the present invention are manufactured at the same time. How to do will be described. However, in order to simplify the description, a CMOS circuit which is a basic unit is illustrated in the drive circuit portion.

First, as shown in FIG. 10A, a silicon oxide film on a substrate 5001 made of glass such as barium borosilicate glass represented by Corning # 7059 glass or # 1737 glass or aluminoborosilicate glass, A base film 5002 made of an insulating film such as a silicon nitride film or a silicon oxynitride film is formed. For example, a silicon oxynitride film 5002a made of SiH ₄ , NH ₃ , and N ₂ O is formed by plasma CVD method to 10 to 200 [nm] (preferably 50 to 100 [nm]), and similarly, SiH ₄ and N _A silicon oxynitride silicon film 5002b formed from ₂ O is stacked to a thickness of 50 to 200 [nm] (preferably 100 to 150 [nm]).
Although the base film 5002 is shown as a two-layer structure in this embodiment, it may be formed as a single-layer film of the insulating film or a structure in which two or more layers are stacked.

  The island-shaped semiconductor layers 5003 to 5006 are formed using a crystalline semiconductor film in which a semiconductor film having an amorphous structure is formed using a laser crystallization method or a known thermal crystallization method. The island-like semiconductor layers 5003 to 5006 are formed with a thickness of 25 to 80 [nm] (preferably 30 to 60 [nm]). There is no limitation on the material of the crystalline semiconductor film, but the crystalline semiconductor film is preferably formed of silicon or a silicon germanium (SiGe) alloy.

In order to manufacture a crystalline semiconductor film by a laser crystallization method, a pulse oscillation type or continuous emission type excimer laser, YAG laser, or YVO ₄ laser is used. When these lasers are used, it is preferable to use a method in which laser light emitted from a laser oscillator is linearly collected by an optical system and irradiated onto a semiconductor film. The conditions for crystallization are appropriately selected by the practitioner. When an excimer laser is used, the pulse oscillation frequency is 30 [Hz] and the laser energy density is 100 to 400 [mJ / cm ² ] (typically 200 to 300 [mJ / cm ² ]). When a YAG laser is used, the second harmonic is used and the pulse oscillation frequency is 1 to 10 [kHz], and the laser energy density is 300 to 600 [mJ / cm ² ] (typically 350 to 500 [mJ]. / cm ² ]). Then, a laser beam condensed in a linear shape with a width of 100 to 1000 [μm], for example, 400 [μm] is irradiated over the entire surface of the substrate, and the superposition ratio (overlap ratio) of the linear laser light at this time is 80 Perform as ~ 98 [%].

Next, a gate insulating film 5007 is formed to cover the island-shaped semiconductor layers 5003 to 5006. The gate insulating film 5007 is formed of an insulating film containing silicon with a thickness of 40 to 150 [nm] by using a plasma CVD method or a sputtering method. In this embodiment, a silicon oxynitride film is formed with a thickness of 120 [nm]. Needless to say, the gate insulating film is not limited to such a silicon oxynitride film, and another insulating film containing silicon may be used as a single layer or a stacked structure. For example, when a silicon oxide film is used, TEOS (Tetraethyl Orthosilicate) and O ₂ are mixed by a plasma CVD method to obtain a reaction pressure of 40 [Pa], a substrate temperature of 300 to 400 [° C.], and a high frequency (13.56). [MHz]), and can be formed by discharging at a power density of 0.5 to 0.8 [W / cm ² ]. The silicon oxide film thus produced can obtain good characteristics as a gate insulating film by subsequent thermal annealing at 400 to 500 [° C.].

  Then, a first conductive film 5008 and a second conductive film 5009 for forming a gate electrode are formed over the gate insulating film 5007. In this embodiment, the first conductive film 5008 is formed with Ta to a thickness of 50 to 100 [nm], and the second conductive film 5009 is formed with W to a thickness of 100 to 300 [nm].

  The Ta film is formed by sputtering, and a Ta target is sputtered with Ar. In this case, when an appropriate amount of Xe or Kr is added to Ar, the internal stress of the Ta film can be relieved and peeling of the film can be prevented. The resistivity of the α-phase Ta film is about 20 [μΩcm] and can be used for the gate electrode, but the resistivity of the β-phase Ta film is about 180 [μΩcm] and is used as the gate electrode. It is unsuitable. In order to form an α-phase Ta film, tantalum nitride having a crystal structure close to Ta's α-phase is formed on a Ta base with a thickness of about 10 to 50 nm. It can be easily obtained.

When forming a W film, it is formed by sputtering using W as a target. In addition, it can also be formed by a thermal CVD method using tungsten hexafluoride (WF ₆ ). In any case, in order to use as a gate electrode, it is necessary to reduce the resistance, and it is desirable that the resistivity of the W film be 20 [μΩcm] or less. Although the resistivity of the W film can be reduced by increasing the crystal grains, if the impurity element such as oxygen is large in W, the crystallization is hindered and the resistance is increased. From this, in the case of the sputtering method, by using a W target having a purity of 99.9999 [%] and further forming a W film with sufficient consideration so that impurities are not mixed in from the gas phase during film formation, A resistivity of 9 to 20 [μΩcm] can be realized.

  Note that in this embodiment, the first conductive film 5008 is Ta and the second conductive film 5009 is W, but there is no particular limitation, and any of them is selected from Ta, W, Ti, Mo, Al, Cu, and the like. Or an alloy material or a compound material containing the element as a main component. Alternatively, a semiconductor film typified by a polycrystalline silicon film doped with an impurity element such as phosphorus may be used. As a desirable example of a combination other than this embodiment, a combination in which the first conductive film 5008 is formed of tantalum nitride (TaN), the second conductive film 5009 is W, and the first conductive film 5008 is nitrided. A combination of tantalum (TaN) and the second conductive film 5009 made of Al, a combination of the first conductive film 5008 made of tantalum nitride (TaN) and the second conductive film 5009 made of Cu, or the like can be given. It is done.

Next, a resist mask 5010 is formed, and a first etching process is performed to form electrodes and wirings. In this embodiment, an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) etching method is used, CF ₄ and Cl ₂ are mixed in an etching gas, and a coil type electrode of 500 [W] is applied at a pressure of 1 [Pa]. RF (13.56 [MHz]) power is applied to generate plasma. 100 [W] RF (13.56 [MHz]) power is also applied to the substrate side (sample stage), and a substantially negative self-bias voltage is applied. When CF ₄ and Cl ₂ are mixed, the W film and the Ta film are etched to the same extent.

Under the above etching conditions, by making the shape of the resist mask suitable, the end portions of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are tapered due to the effect of the bias voltage applied to the substrate side. The angle of the tapered portion is 15 to 45 °.
In order to perform etching without leaving a residue on the gate insulating film, it is preferable to increase the etching time at a rate of about 10 to 20%. Since the selection ratio of the silicon oxynitride film to the W film is 2 to 4 (typically 3), the surface where the silicon oxynitride film is exposed is etched by about 20 to 50 [nm] by the overetching process. become. Thus, the first shape conductive layers 5011 to 5016 (the first conductive layers 5011a to 5016a and the second conductive layers 5011b to 5016b) formed of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer by the first etching treatment. Form. At this time, in the gate insulating film 5007, a region which is not covered with the first shape conductive layers 5011 to 5016 is etched and thinned by about 20 to 50 [nm].
(Fig. 10 (B))

Then, an impurity element imparting n-type is added by performing a first doping process.
As a doping method, an ion doping method or an ion implantation method may be used. The conditions of the ion doping method are a dose amount of 1 × 10 ^{13 to} 5 × 10 ¹⁴ [atoms / cm ² ] and an acceleration voltage of 60 to 100 [keV]. As an impurity element imparting N-type, an element belonging to Group 15, typically phosphorus (P) or arsenic (As) is used. Here, phosphorus (P) is used. In this case, the conductive layers 5011 to 5016 serve as a mask for the impurity element imparting n-type, and the first impurity regions 5017 to 5020 are formed in a self-aligning manner. An impurity element imparting n-type conductivity is added to the first impurity regions 5017 to 5020 in a concentration range of 1 × 10 ²⁰ to 1 × 10 ²¹ [atoms / cm ³ ]. (Fig. 10 (B))

Next, as shown in FIG. 10C, a second etching process is performed without removing the resist mask. The W film is selectively etched using CF ₄ , Cl ₂ and O _{2 as an} etching gas. At this time, second shape conductive layers 5021 to 5026 (first conductive layers 5021a to 5026a and second conductive layers 5021b to 5026b) are formed by the second etching process. At this time, in the gate insulating film 5007, regions that are not covered with the second shape conductive layers 5021 to 5026 are further etched by about 20 to 50 [nm] to form thin regions.

The etching reaction of the W film or Ta film with the mixed gas of CF ₄ and Cl ₂ can be estimated from the generated radical or ion species and the vapor pressure of the reaction product. When the vapor pressures of W and Ta fluorides and chlorides are compared, WF ₆ which is a fluoride of W is extremely high, and other WCl ₅ , TaF ₅ and TaCl ₅ are similar. Therefore, both the W film and the Ta film are etched with a mixed gas of CF ₄ and Cl ₂ . However, when an appropriate amount of O ₂ is added to this mixed gas, CF ₄ and O ₂ react to form CO and F, and a large amount of F radicals or F ions are generated. As a result, the etching rate of the W film having a high fluoride vapor pressure is increased. On the other hand, the increase in etching rate of Ta is relatively small even when F increases. Further, since Ta is more easily oxidized than W, the surface of Ta is oxidized by adding O ₂ . Since Ta oxide does not react with fluorine or chlorine, the etching rate of the Ta film is further reduced. Therefore, it is possible to make a difference in the etching rate between the W film and the Ta film, and the etching rate of the W film can be made larger than that of the Ta film.

Then, a second doping process is performed as shown in FIG. In this case, an impurity element imparting n-type conductivity is doped as a condition of a high acceleration voltage by lowering the dose than in the first doping process. For example, the acceleration voltage is set to 70 to 120 [keV] and the dose is 1 × 10 ¹³ [atoms / cm ² ], and the inside of the first impurity region formed in the island-shaped semiconductor layer in FIG. Then, a new impurity region is formed. Doping is performed using the second shape conductive layers 5021 to 5026 as masks against the impurity elements, so that the impurity elements are also added to the semiconductor layers in the regions below the first conductive layers 5021a to 5026a. Thus, second impurity regions 5027 to 5031 are formed. The concentration of phosphorus (P) added to the second impurity regions 5027 to 5031 has a gradual concentration gradient according to the film thickness of the tapered portions of the first conductive layers 5021a to 5026a. Note that in the semiconductor layer overlapping the tapered portions of the first conductive layers 5021a to 5026a, although the impurity concentration slightly decreases inward from the end portions of the tapered portions of the first conductive layers 5021a to 5026a, it is almost The concentration is similar.

Subsequently, a third etching process is performed as shown in FIG. CHF ₆ is used as an etching gas and a reactive ion etching method (RIE method) is used.
By the third etching treatment, the tapered portions of the first conductive layers 5021a to 5026a are partially etched, and the region where the first conductive layer overlaps with the semiconductor layer is reduced. By the third etching process, third shape conductive layers 5032 to 5037 (first conductive layers 5032a to 5037a and second conductive layers 5032b to 5037b) are formed.
Form. At this time, in the gate insulating film 5007, a region which is not covered with the third shape conductive layers 5032 to 5037 is further etched and thinned by about 20 to 50 [nm].

  By the third etching process, in the second impurity regions 5027 to 5031, the second impurity regions 5027 a to 5031 a overlapping with the first conductive layers 5032 a to 5037 a, the first impurity regions, and the second impurity regions The third impurity regions 5027b to 5031b are formed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11C, fourth impurity regions 5039 to 5044 having a conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type are formed in the island-shaped semiconductor layer 5004 forming the p-channel TFT. Using the third shape conductive layer 5033b as a mask for the impurity element, an impurity region is formed in a self-aligning manner. At this time, the island-shaped semiconductor layers 5003 and 5005, the storage capacitor portion 5006, and the wiring portion 5034 that form the n-channel TFT are covered with a resist mask 5038 over the entire surface. Phosphorus is added to the impurity regions 5039 to 5044 at different concentrations. The impurity regions 5039 to 5044 are formed by ion doping using diborane (B ₂ H ₆ ), and the impurity concentration is 2 × 10 ²⁰ to 2 × 10 ²¹ [atoms / cm ³ ].

  Through the above steps, impurity regions are formed in each island-like semiconductor layer. The third shape conductive layers 5032, 5033, 5035, and 5036 overlapping with the island-shaped semiconductor layers function as gate electrodes. Reference numeral 5034 functions as an island-shaped source signal line. 5037 functions as a capacitor wiring.

After the resist mask 5038 is removed, a step of activating the impurity element added to each island-shaped semiconductor layer is performed for the purpose of controlling the conductivity type. This step is performed by a thermal annealing method using a furnace annealing furnace. In addition, a laser annealing method or a rapid thermal annealing method (RTA method) can be applied.
In the thermal annealing method, oxygen concentration is 1 [ppm] or less, preferably 0.1 [ppm] or less in a nitrogen atmosphere at 400 to 700 [° C.], typically 500 to 600 [° C.], In this embodiment, heat treatment is performed at 500 [° C.] for 4 hours. However, if the wiring material used for the third shape conductive layers 5032 to 5037 is weak against heat, activation is performed after an interlayer insulating film (mainly composed of silicon) is formed to protect the wiring and the like. Preferably it is done.

  Further, a heat treatment is performed at 300 to 450 [° C.] for 1 to 12 hours in an atmosphere containing 3 to 100 [%] hydrogen to perform a step of hydrogenating the island-shaped semiconductor layer. This step is a step of terminating dangling bonds in the semiconductor layer with thermally excited hydrogen. As another means of hydrogenation, plasma hydrogenation (using hydrogen excited by plasma) may be performed.

  Next, as the first interlayer insulating film 5045, a silicon oxynitride film is formed to a thickness of 100 to 200 [nm]. A second interlayer insulating film 5046 made of an organic insulating material is formed thereon. Next, an etching process for forming a contact hole is performed.

  Then, source wirings 5047 and 5048 for forming a contact with the source region of the island-shaped semiconductor layer and a drain wiring 5049 for forming a contact with the drain region are formed in the driver circuit portion. In the pixel portion, connection electrodes 5050 and pixel electrodes 5051 and 5052 are formed (FIG. 12A). By this connection electrode 5050, the source signal line 5034 is electrically connected to the pixel TFT. Note that the pixel electrode 5052 and the storage capacitor belong to adjacent pixels.

  As described above, a driver circuit portion having an n-channel TFT and a p-channel TFT and a pixel portion having a pixel TFT and a storage capacitor can be formed over the same substrate. In this specification, such a substrate is called an active matrix substrate.

  The end portions of the pixel electrodes are arranged so as to overlap the source signal lines and the gate signal lines so that the gaps between the pixel electrodes can be shielded without using a black matrix.

  Further, according to the steps shown in this embodiment, the number of photomasks necessary for manufacturing the active matrix substrate is five (island-like semiconductor layer pattern, first wiring pattern (source signal line, gate signal line, capacitor wiring). , P channel region mask pattern, contact hole pattern, second wiring pattern (including pixel electrode and connection electrode). As a result, the process can be shortened, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the yield can be improved.

  Subsequently, after an active matrix substrate in the state of FIG. 12A is obtained, an alignment film 5053 is formed over the active matrix substrate and a rubbing process is performed in FIG. 12B.

  On the other hand, a counter substrate 5054 is prepared. Color filter layers 5055 to 5057 and an overcoat layer 5058 are formed on the counter substrate 5054. The color filter layer has a structure in which a red color filter layer 5055 and a blue color filter layer 5056 are overlaid on the TFT to serve as a light shielding film. Since at least the TFT and between the connection electrode and the pixel electrode need to be shielded from light, it is preferable to arrange the red color filter and the blue color filter in an overlapping manner so as to shield the positions.

  In addition, a red color filter layer 5055, a blue color filter layer 5056, and a green color filter layer 5057 are overlapped with the connection electrode 5050 to form a spacer. Each color filter is formed by mixing a pigment with an acrylic resin and having a thickness of 1 to 3 [μm]. This can be formed in a predetermined pattern using a photosensitive material using a mask. The height of the spacer can be set to 2 to 7 [μm], preferably 4 to 6 [μm] in consideration of the thickness of the overcoat layer 5058 of 1 to 4 [μm]. A gap is formed when the substrate and the counter substrate are bonded together. The overcoat layer 5058 is formed of a photo-curing or thermosetting organic resin material, and for example, polyimide or acrylic resin is used.

  The arrangement of the spacers may be arbitrarily determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 12B, the spacers may be arranged on the counter substrate 5054 so as to be positioned on the connection electrodes. In addition, a spacer may be provided over the counter substrate 5054 so as to be aligned with the TFT of the driver circuit portion. This spacer may be disposed over the entire surface of the drive circuit portion, or may be disposed so as to cover the source wiring and the drain wiring.

  After the overcoat layer 5058 is formed, the counter electrode 5059 is formed by patterning, and after the alignment film 5060 is formed, a rubbing process is performed.

  Then, the active matrix substrate on which the pixel portion and the driver circuit portion are formed and the counter substrate are attached to each other with a sealant 5062. A filler is mixed in the sealant 5062, and two substrates are bonded to each other with a uniform interval by the filler and the spacer. Thereafter, a liquid crystal material 5061 is injected between both substrates and completely sealed with a sealant (not shown). A known liquid crystal material may be used for the liquid crystal material 5061. Thus, the active matrix liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 12B is completed.

  Although the TFT in the active matrix liquid crystal display device manufactured by the above process has a top gate structure, this embodiment can be easily applied to a TFT having a bottom gate structure and other structures. obtain.

  In this embodiment, the glass substrate is used. However, the present invention is not limited to the glass substrate, and can be implemented by using a substrate other than the glass substrate, such as a plastic substrate, a stainless steel substrate, and a single crystal wafer. is there.

  This embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of Embodiments 1 to 8.

  Since the liquid crystal display device of the present invention has a plurality of memory circuits in its pixel portion, the number of elements constituting one pixel is larger than that of a normal pixel. Therefore, in the case of a transmissive liquid crystal display device, it is considered that the luminance is insufficient due to a decrease in the aperture ratio. Therefore, the present invention is preferably applied to a reflective liquid crystal display device. In this embodiment, an example of a manufacturing process will be described.

  In accordance with Embodiment 9, an active matrix substrate shown in FIG. 19A (similar to FIG. 12A) is manufactured. Subsequently, after forming a resin film as the third interlayer insulating film 5201, a contact hole is opened in the pixel electrode portion, and a reflective electrode 5202 is formed. As the reflective electrode 5202, it is desirable to use a material having excellent reflectivity, such as a film containing Al or Ag as a main component, or a laminated film thereof.

  On the other hand, a counter substrate 5054 is prepared. In this embodiment, a counter electrode 5205 is formed on the counter substrate 5054 by patterning. The counter electrode 5205 is formed as a transparent conductive film. As the transparent conductive film, a material made of a compound of indium oxide and tin oxide (called ITO) or a compound of indium oxide and zinc oxide can be used.

  Although not particularly shown, a color filter layer is formed when a color liquid crystal display device is manufactured. At this time, it is preferable that adjacent color filter layers of different colors are formed so as to double as a light shielding film of the TFT portion.

  After that, alignment films 5203 and 5204 are formed on the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate, and a rubbing process is performed.

  Then, the active matrix substrate on which the pixel portion and the driver circuit portion are formed and the counter substrate are attached to each other with a sealant 5206. A filler is mixed in the sealant 5206, and two substrates are bonded to each other with a uniform interval by the filler and the spacer. Thereafter, a liquid crystal material 5207 is injected between both substrates and completely sealed with a sealant (not shown). A known liquid crystal material may be used for the liquid crystal material 5207. In this way, the reflective liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 19B is completed.

  In this embodiment, not only the glass substrate but also a plastic substrate, a stainless steel substrate, a single crystal wafer, or the like other than the glass substrate can be used.

  In addition, the present invention can be easily applied to the case of manufacturing a transflective display device in which half of the pixels are reflective electrodes and the remaining half is a transparent electrode.

  This embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of Embodiments 1 to 8.

  In this example, an example of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 27A is a top view of a liquid crystal display device formed by sealing a liquid crystal between a TFT substrate and a counter substrate, and FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 27C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ of FIG. 27A.

  A sealant 4009 is provided so as to surround the pixel portion 4002 provided on the TFT substrate 4001, the source signal line driver circuit 4003, and the first and second gate signal line driver circuits 4004a and 4004b. A counter substrate 4008 is provided over the pixel portion 4002, the source signal line driver circuit 4003, and the first and second gate signal line driver circuits 4004a and 4004b. A space surrounded by the TFT substrate 4001, the sealant 4009, and the counter substrate 4008 is filled with liquid crystal 4210.

  In addition, the pixel portion 4002, the source signal line driver circuit 4003, and the first and second gate signal line driver circuits 4004a and 400b provided over the TFT substrate 4001 have a plurality of TFTs. In FIG. 27B, typically, a driving TFT (here, an n-channel TFT and a p-channel TFT are illustrated) 4201 formed on the base film 4010 and included in the source signal line driver circuit 4003; A pixel TFT (TFT for controlling a voltage applied to a pixel electrode) 4202 included in the pixel portion 4002 is illustrated.

  In this embodiment, a p-channel TFT and an n-channel TFT manufactured by a known method are used for the driving TFT 4201, and a p-channel TFT manufactured by a known method is used for the pixel TFT 4202. In addition, the pixel portion 4002 is provided with a storage capacitor (not shown) that is electrically connected to the gate electrode of the pixel TFT 4202.

  An interlayer insulating film (planarization film) 4301 is formed over the driving TFT 4201 and the pixel TFT 4202, and a pixel electrode 4203 electrically connected to the drain of the pixel TFT 4202 is formed thereon.

  A counter electrode 4205 is formed over the counter substrate 4008. Note that although not illustrated in FIG. 27B, a color filter and a polarizing plate are provided as appropriate. A predetermined voltage is applied to the counter electrode 4205.

  As described above, a liquid crystal cell including the pixel electrode 4203, the liquid crystal 4210, and the counter electrode 4205 is formed.

  Reference numeral 4005 denotes a lead wiring, which connects the pixel portion 4002, the source signal line driver circuit 4003, the first gate signal line driver circuit 4004a, and the second gate signal line driver circuit 4004b to an external power source. The lead wiring 4005 a passes between the sealant 4009 and the TFT substrate 4001 and is electrically connected to the FPC wiring 4301 included in the FPC 4006 through the anisotropic conductive film 4300.

  As the counter substrate 4008, a glass material, a metal material (typically a stainless steel material), a ceramic material, or a plastic material (including a plastic film) can be used. As the plastic material, an FRP (Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastics) plate, a PVF (polyvinyl fluoride) film, a mylar film, a polyester film, or an acrylic resin film can be used. A sheet having a structure in which an aluminum foil is sandwiched between PVF films or mylar films can also be used.

  However, when the radiation direction of light from the pixel electrode is directed toward the cover material, the cover material must be transparent. In that case, a transparent material such as a glass plate, a plastic plate, a polyester film or an acrylic film is used.

  As shown in FIG. 27C, the conductive film 4203a is formed so as to be in contact with the lead wiring 4005a at the same time as the pixel electrode 4203 is formed.

  The anisotropic conductive film 4300 has a conductive filler 4300a. By thermally pressing the TFT substrate 4001 and the FPC 4006, the conductive film 4203a on the TFT substrate 4001 and the FPC wiring 4301 on the FPC 4006 are electrically connected by the conductive filler 4300a.

  This embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of Embodiments 1 to 10.

  In this embodiment, an example in which a transmissive liquid crystal display device is used as the liquid crystal display device of the present invention will be described.

  If the design rule is 1 μm and the pixel pitch is about 100 ppi, the storage circuit and D / A converter inside the pixel can be placed under the source signal line, which solves the problem of a decrease in aperture ratio. be able to. Thus, the present invention can be applied not only to the reflection type liquid crystal display device but also to the transmission type liquid crystal display device.

  FIG. 30 schematically shows a top view of a pixel of the transmissive liquid crystal display device having the above configuration.

  Reference numeral 3301 denotes a pixel, 3302 to 3304 denote storage circuits, 3305 denotes a D / A converter (described as D / A in the figure), 3306 denotes a pixel electrode, and 3307 denotes a source signal line. Note that the counter electrode, the color filter, the storage capacitor, and the like are not shown. Here, the memory circuits 3302 to 3304 and the D / A converter 3305 are formed so as to overlap with the source signal line 3307.

  Although not illustrated, the memory circuits 3302 to 3304, the D / A converter 3305, and the like can be arranged so as to overlap with the gate signal line instead of under the source signal line 3307.

  In the pixel portion of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention shown in Embodiments 1 to 12, the memory circuit is configured using a static memory (Static RAM: SRAM), but the memory circuit is an SRAM. It is not limited to only. Other examples of the memory circuit applicable to the pixel portion of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention include a dynamic memory (Dynamic RAM: DRAM).

  Further, although not particularly illustrated, the pixel portion of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention can be configured using a ferroelectric memory (Ferroelectric RAM: FRAM) as another type of storage circuit. The FRAM is a non-volatile memory having a writing speed equivalent to that of an SRAM or a DRAM, and can further reduce power consumption of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention by using features such as a low writing voltage. In addition, the configuration can be made with a flash memory or the like.

  This embodiment can be implemented by freely combining with Embodiments 1 to 12.

  An active matrix liquid crystal display device using a driver circuit manufactured by applying the present invention has various uses. In this embodiment, a semiconductor device incorporating a display device using a driver circuit manufactured by applying the present invention will be described.

  Examples of such display devices include portable information terminals (electronic notebooks, mobile computers, mobile phones, etc.), video cameras, digital cameras, personal computers, televisions, and the like. Examples of these are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

  FIG. 15A illustrates a mobile phone, which includes a main body 2601, an audio output portion 2602, an audio input portion 2603, a display portion 2604, operation switches 2605, and an antenna 2606. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2604.

  FIG. 15B illustrates a video camera, which includes a main body 2611, a display portion 2612, an audio input portion 2613, operation switches 2614, a battery 2615, and an image receiving portion 2616. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2612.

  FIG. 15C illustrates a mobile computer or a portable information terminal, which includes a main body 2621, a camera portion 2622, an image receiving portion 2623, operation switches 2624, and a display portion 2625. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2625.

  FIG. 15D illustrates a head mounted display which includes a main body 2631, a display portion 2632, and an arm portion 2633. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2632.

  FIG. 15E illustrates a television set including a main body 2641, a speaker 2642, a display portion 2643, a receiving device 2644, an amplifying device 2645, and the like. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2643.

  FIG. 15F illustrates a portable book which includes a main body 2651, a display portion 2652, a storage medium 2653, an operation switch 2654, and an antenna 2655, and is stored on a mini disc (MD) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Data and data received by the antenna are displayed. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2652.

  FIG. 16A illustrates a personal computer, which includes a main body 2201, an image input portion 2202, a display portion 2203, and a keyboard 2204. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2203.

  FIG. 16B shows a player that uses a recording medium in which a program is recorded, and includes a main body 2211, a display portion 2212, a speaker portion 2213, a recording medium 2214, and operation switches 2215. This apparatus uses a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD, or the like as a recording medium, and can perform music appreciation, movie appreciation, games, and the Internet. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2212.

  FIG. 16C illustrates a digital camera which includes a main body 2221, a display portion 2222, an eyepiece portion 2223, operation switches 2224, and an image receiving portion (not shown). The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2222.

  FIG. 16D illustrates a one-eye head mounted display which includes a display portion 2231 and a band portion 2232. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2231.

  In this embodiment, an external view of a portable information terminal of the present invention will be described. FIG. 31 shows a portable information terminal having the configuration of the present invention, 2701 is a display panel, and 2702 is an operation panel. The display panel 2701 and the operation panel 2702 are connected at a connection portion 2703. In the connection portion 2703, the angle θ between the surface of the display panel 2701 on which the display portion 2704 is provided and the surface of the operation panel 2702 on which the operation key 2706 is provided can be arbitrarily changed.

  The display panel 2701 has a display portion 2704. The portable information terminal shown in FIG. 31 has a function as a telephone, the display panel 2701 has an audio output unit 2705, and audio is output from the audio output unit 2705. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention is used for the display portion 2704.

  The aspect ratio of the display portion 2704 can be arbitrarily selected such as 16: 9, 4: 3. The size of the display portion 2704 is desirably about 1 inch to 4.5 inches diagonal.

  The operation panel 2702 has operation keys 2706, a power switch 2707, and a voice input unit 2708. In FIG. 31, the operation key 2706 and the power switch 2707 are provided separately, but the operation key 2706 may include the power switch 2707. The voice input unit 2708 inputs voice.

  In FIG. 31, the display panel 2701 has an audio output unit 2705 and the operation panel 2702 has an audio input unit 2708, but this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The display panel 2701 may have an audio input unit 2708, and the operation panel 2702 may have an audio output unit 2705. Further, both the audio output unit 2705 and the audio input unit 2708 may be provided on the display panel 2701, and both the audio output unit 2705 and the audio input unit 2708 may be provided on the operation panel 2702.

  FIG. 32 shows an example in which the operation key 2706 of the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 31 is operated with the index finger. FIG. 33 shows an example in which the operation key 2706 of the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 31 is operated with the thumb. Note that the operation key 2706 may be provided on a side surface of the operation panel 2702. The operation can be performed with only one index finger of the hand or the thumb.

  In this embodiment, electronic devices to which the portable information device of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

  There is a personal computer as a portable information device of the present invention. FIG. 28A shows a personal computer, which includes a main body 2801, an image input portion 2802, a display portion 2803, a keyboard 2804, and the like. By using a liquid crystal display device having a memory circuit for each pixel as the display portion 2803, low power consumption of a personal computer can be realized.

  There is a navigation device as a portable information device of the present invention. FIG. 28B shows a navigation device, which includes a main body 2811, a display portion 2812, a speaker portion 2813, a storage medium 2814, operation switches 2815, and the like. By using a liquid crystal display device having a memory circuit for each pixel as the display portion 2812, low power consumption of the navigation device can be realized.

  There is an electronic book as a portable information device of the present invention. FIG. 28C illustrates an e-book reader that includes a main body 2851, a display portion 2852, a storage medium 2853, an operation switch 2854, an antenna 2855, and the like, and data stored on a minidisc (MD) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) The data received by the antenna is displayed. By using a liquid crystal display device having a memory circuit for each pixel as the display portion 2852, power consumption of the electronic book can be reduced.

  There is a mobile phone as the portable information device of the present invention. FIG. 29A illustrates a mobile phone, which includes a display panel 2901, an operation panel 2902, a connection unit 2903, a display unit 2904, an audio output unit 2905, operation keys 2906, a power switch 2907, an audio input unit 2908, an antenna 2909, A CCD light receiving unit 2910, an external input port 2911, and the like are included. By using a liquid crystal display device having a memory circuit for each pixel as the display portion 2904, low power consumption of the mobile phone can be realized.

  There is a PDA as a portable information device of the present invention. FIG. 29B shows a PDA, which includes a display portion and a pen input doublet 3004, operation keys 3006, a power switch 3007, an external input port 3011, an input pen 3012, and the like. By using a liquid crystal display device having a memory circuit for each pixel as the display portion 3004, the power consumption of the PDA can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, in a liquid crystal display device having a pixel having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 20, the signal held in the memory circuit of each pixel and inputted to the D / A converter is converted into a corresponding analog signal. A case where the conversion operation is controlled using a DAC controller (not shown) will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, the operation of converting the signal held in the memory circuit of each pixel and input to the D / A converter into a corresponding analog signal and outputting from the D / A converter is performed by reading the memory circuit. This is called an operation.

  In FIG. 37, a pixel includes writing TFTs 108 to 110, storage circuits 105 to 107, a source signal line 101, writing gate signal lines 102 to 104, a D / A converter 400, a liquid crystal element LC, and a holding circuit. And a capacitor Cs.

  One of the source region or the drain region of the writing TFTs 108 to 110 is connected to the source signal line 101, and the other is connected to the inputs of the memory circuits 105 to 107, respectively. The gate electrodes of the writing TFTs 108 to 110 are connected to the writing gate signal lines 102 to 104, respectively. Outputs of the memory circuits 105 to 107 are connected to inputs in1 to in3 of the D / A converter 400, respectively. The output out of the D / A converter 400 is connected to one electrode of the liquid crystal element LC and the storage capacitor Cs.

  The D / A converter 400 includes NAND circuits 441 to 443, inverters 444 to 446 and 461, switches 447a to 449a, switches 447b to 449b, a switch 460, capacitors C1 to C3, a reset signal line 452, a low-voltage gradation power supply line. 453, a high-voltage side gradation power supply line 454, and an intermediate-pressure side gradation power supply line 455.

  Since operations until the digital signals are stored in the memory circuits 105 to 107 are the same as those described in the embodiment mode and the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the D / A converter 400 will be described.

By a signal res inputted to the reset signal line 452, the switch 460 becomes conductive, the capacitor C1 to C3, the potential on the side connected to out terminal, the voltage V _M of the intermediate pressure side gradation power line 455 It is fixed. Further, the potential of the high voltage side gradation power supply line 454 is set equal to the potential V _L of the low voltage side gradation power supply line 453. At this time, even if a digital signal is input to in1 to in3, no signal is written to the capacitors C1 to C3.

Thereafter, the signal res of the reset signal line 452 changes, the switch 460 is turned off, and the fixation of the potential on the out terminal side of the capacitors C1 to C3 is released. Next, the potential of the high voltage side gradation power supply line 454 changes to a value V _H different from the potential V _{L of} the low voltage side gradation power supply line 453. At this time, the outputs of the NAND circuits 441 to 443 change according to the signals input to the terminals in1 to in3, and in each of the switches 447 to 449, one of the two switches is turned on, and the high voltage side The potential V _{H of the} gradation power supply line or the potential of the low-voltage gradation power supply line _VL is applied to the electrodes of the capacitors C1 to C3.

  Here, the values of the capacitors C1 to C3 are set corresponding to each bit. For example, C1: C2: C3 is set to be 1: 2: 4.

  The potential on the out terminal side of the capacitors C1 to C3 changes due to the voltage applied to the capacitors C1 to C3, and the output potential changes. That is, an analog signal corresponding to the input digital signals in1 to in3 is output from the out terminal.

  By controlling the signal res input to the reset signal line 452 and the potential of the high-voltage side gradation power supply line 454 by the DAC controller, an analog signal corresponding to the input digital signal is output from the D / A converter 400. The output can be controlled.

  Once a digital signal is written to a memory circuit included in a pixel, a still image can be displayed by repeating the above operation using a DAC controller and repeating a reading operation of the digital signal held in the memory circuit. .

  At this time, the operations of the source signal line driver circuit and the gate signal line driver circuit can be stopped.

  Note that although FIG. 37 illustrates an example of a pixel having a configuration in which three memory circuits are arranged, the present invention is not limited to this. In general, the present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal display device having pixels each having n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) memory circuits arranged in each pixel.

  The DAC controller can freely use a circuit having a known configuration.

  In this embodiment, an example of a pixel structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  36, the same portions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 36, the outputs of the memory circuits 105 to 107 are input to the D / A 111 via the readout TFTs 121 to 123, respectively. Here, the gate electrodes of the readout TFTs 121 to 123 are connected to the readout gate signal line 124.

  In the pixel having the configuration of FIG. 36, the operation of writing a signal to each of the memory circuits 105 to 107 is the same as that in the embodiment and the example, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  When displaying a still image, after a digital signal is temporarily stored in the storage circuits 105 to 107, the readout TFTs 121 to 123 are turned on by inputting a signal to the readout gate signal line 124, so that the storage circuits 105 to 107 are turned on. The digital signal held in is input to the D / A 111. Here, when each pixel has a readout TFT as in this embodiment, inputting a digital signal held in the memory circuits 105 to 107 to the D / A 111 is called a signal readout operation of the memory circuit. To do.

  A still image can be displayed by switching on and off the readout TFTs 121 to 123 and repeating the readout operation.

  Here, the read operation is performed by selecting a read gate signal line. The read gate signal line 124 can be driven by using a read gate signal line driving circuit.

  As the read gate signal line driving circuit, a known gate signal line driving circuit or the like can be used freely.

  Note that FIG. 36 illustrates an example of a pixel having three memory circuits, but the present invention is not limited to this. In general, the present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal display device having pixels each having n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) memory circuits arranged in each pixel.

  In this embodiment, a structure of a pixel of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is shown in FIG.

  38, the same portions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  Memory circuits 141a to 143a and memory circuits 141b to 143b are arranged in each pixel.

  The selection switch 151 selects connection between the writing TFT 108 and the memory circuit 141a or the memory circuit 141b. The selection switch 152 selects connection between the writing TFT 109 and the memory circuit 142a or the memory circuit 142b. The selection switch 153 selects connection between the writing TFT 110 and the memory circuit 143a or the memory circuit 143b.

  The selection switch 154 selects connection between the D / A 111 and the memory circuit 141a or the memory circuit 141b. The selection switch 155 selects connection between the D / A 111 and the storage circuit 142a or the storage circuit 142b. The selection switch 156 selects connection between the D / A 111 and the storage circuit 143a or the storage circuit 143b.

  With the selection switches 151 to 153 and the selection switches 154 to 156, it is possible to select between storing a digital signal in the storage circuits 141a to 143a and storing a digital signal in the storage circuits 141b to 143b. Further, a case where a digital signal is input to the D / A 111 from the memory circuits 141a to 143a and a case where a digital signal is input to the D / A 111 from the memory circuits 141b to 143b can be selected.

  In each pixel, the operation for inputting a digital signal to each selected memory circuit and the operation for reading the digital signal held in each selected memory circuit are the same as those in the embodiment and Example 1, and will be described. Is omitted.

  The pixel stores a 3-bit digital signal for one frame period using the memory circuits 141a to 143a, and uses a memory circuit 141b to 143b to store a signal for three bits in a frame period different from the frame period. Can be stored.

FIG. 38 shows a circuit for storing 3 bits of digital signals for 2 frames, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In general, n (n is a natural number of 2 or more)
The present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal display device having pixels capable of storing digital signals of bits for m (m is a natural number of 2 or more) frames.

The circuit diagram of the pixel of the present invention which has a plurality of memory circuits inside. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a source signal line driver circuit for performing display using a pixel of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a timing chart for performing display using the pixel of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a detailed circuit diagram of a memory circuit. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a source signal line driver circuit that does not have a second latch circuit. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a pixel of the present invention driven by the source signal line driving circuit of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a timing chart for performing display using the circuit illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The figure which shows the structure of the D / A converter of the liquid crystal display device of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the D / A converter of the liquid crystal display device of this invention. 8A and 8B illustrate a manufacturing process example of a liquid crystal display device including a pixel of the present invention. 8A and 8B illustrate a manufacturing process example of a liquid crystal display device including a pixel of the present invention. 8A and 8B illustrate a manufacturing process example of a liquid crystal display device including a pixel of the present invention. The figure which shows simply the whole circuit structure of the conventional liquid crystal display device. The figure which shows the circuit structure of the source signal line drive circuit of the conventional liquid crystal display device. FIG. 14 illustrates an electronic device to which a display device including a pixel of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 14 illustrates an electronic device to which a display device including a pixel of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a source signal line driver circuit that does not have a second latch circuit. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a timing chart for performing display using the circuit described in FIG. 17. 4A and 4B illustrate an example of a manufacturing process of a reflective liquid crystal display device. The figure which shows the structure of the D / A converter of the liquid crystal display device of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the D / A converter of the liquid crystal display device of this invention. The figure which shows the circuit structure of the source signal line drive circuit which has a latch circuit for 1 bit processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a gate signal line driver circuit using a decoder. 1 is a block diagram of a portable information terminal using the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile phone using the present invention. The block diagram of the transmission / reception part of a mobile telephone. The top view and sectional drawing of the liquid crystal display device of the portable information device of this invention. The figure which shows the example of application of the portable information device of this invention. The figure which shows the example of application of the portable information device of this invention. 4 is a top view of a pixel of a liquid crystal display device of the portable information device of the present invention. FIG. The figure which shows the example of the portable information terminal of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the portable information terminal of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the portable information terminal of this invention. The block diagram of the conventional portable information terminal. The block diagram of the conventional mobile telephone. FIG. 6 illustrates a pixel structure of a liquid crystal display device of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a pixel structure of a liquid crystal display device of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a pixel structure of a liquid crystal display device of the present invention.

Claims (22)

In a liquid crystal display device having pixels,
The pixel includes n × m (n and m are natural numbers greater than or equal to 2) memory circuits, and a D / D that converts n bits of digital signals stored in the n × m memory circuits into analog signals. A liquid crystal display device comprising an A converter. In a liquid crystal display device having pixels,
The pixel includes n × m (n and m are natural numbers greater than or equal to 2) memory circuits, and a D / D that converts n bits of digital signals stored in the n × m memory circuits into analog signals. A converter
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the pixels store digital signals for m frames. In claim 1 or claim 2,
A source signal line,
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the memory circuit and the D / A converter are arranged so as to overlap the source signal line. In claim 1 or claim 2,
A gate signal line;
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the memory circuit and the D / A converter are arranged so as to overlap the gate signal line. Have pixels,
In the liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal element, the pixel is
The pixel includes n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) source signal lines, gate signal lines, n TFTs, n memory circuits, and a D / A converter.
The gate electrodes of the n TFTs are connected to the gate signal line, one of the source region and the drain region is connected to each one of the n source signal lines, and the other is respectively Each of the n memory circuits is connected to one input terminal;
The output terminals of the n memory circuits are respectively connected to the input terminals of the D / A converter,
An output terminal of the D / A converter is connected to the liquid crystal element. Have pixels,
In the liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal element, the pixel is
The pixel includes n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) source signal lines, gate signal lines, n TFTs, n memory circuits, and a D / A converter having n input terminals. Have
The gate electrodes of the n TFTs are connected to the gate signal line, one of the source region and the drain region is connected to each one of the n source signal lines, and the other is respectively Each of the n memory circuits is connected to one input terminal;
The output terminals of the n memory circuits are respectively connected to one of the n input terminals of the D / A converter,
An output terminal of the D / A converter is connected to the liquid crystal element. In claim 5 or claim 6,
A source signal line driver circuit;
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the source signal line driver circuit includes a shift register and a first latch circuit that holds an n-bit digital signal by a sampling pulse from the shift register. In claim 5 or claim 6,
A source signal line driver circuit;
The source signal line driver circuit includes a shift register, a first latch circuit that holds an n-bit digital signal by a sampling pulse from the shift register, and an n-bit digital signal that is held in the first latch circuit. A liquid crystal display device, comprising: n switches for inputting n to the n source signal lines. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8,
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the memory circuit is a static memory (SRAM), a ferroelectric memory (FRAM), or a dynamic memory (DRAM). In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The liquid crystal display device, wherein the memory circuit is formed on a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a stainless steel substrate, or a single crystal wafer. In any one of Claims 1 to 10,
A television, personal computer, portable terminal, video camera, or head mounted display using the liquid crystal display device. In a driving method of a liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
Each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of storage circuits and a D / A converter,
A driving method of a liquid crystal display device, wherein data of the plurality of memory circuits included in a pixel in a specific row or a pixel in a specific column among the plurality of pixels is rewritten. In a driving method of a liquid crystal display device having a plurality of pixels and a source signal line driving circuit for inputting a video signal to the plurality of pixels,
Each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of storage circuits and a D / A converter,
A method for driving a liquid crystal display device, wherein the operation of the source signal line driving circuit is stopped when displaying a still image. In claim 12 or claim 13,
The method for driving a liquid crystal display device, wherein the memory circuit is a static memory (SRAM), a ferroelectric memory (FRAM), or a dynamic memory (DRAM). In any one of Claims 12 to 14,
The method for driving a liquid crystal display device, wherein the memory circuit is formed on a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a stainless steel substrate, or a single crystal wafer. In any one of Claims 12 to 15,
A television, personal computer, portable terminal, video camera, or head mounted display using the liquid crystal display device of the driving method. In a driving method of a portable information device having a liquid crystal display device and a CPU,
The liquid crystal display device includes, in a pixel, a plurality of storage circuits, a D / A converter, and a drive circuit that outputs signals to the plurality of storage circuits.
The CPU includes a first circuit that controls the driving circuit and a second circuit that controls a signal input to the portable information device,
A method for driving a portable information device, wherein the first circuit is stopped when the liquid crystal display device displays a still image. In a driving method of a portable information device having a liquid crystal display device and a VRAM,
The liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of memory circuits and a D / A converter in a pixel,
When the liquid crystal display device displays a still image, the VRAM data reading operation is stopped. In a driving method of a portable information device having a liquid crystal display device,
The liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of memory circuits and a D / A converter in a pixel,
When the liquid crystal display device displays a still image, a source signal line driving circuit of the liquid crystal display device is stopped. In any one of claims 17 to 19,
The method for driving a portable information device, wherein the plurality of storage circuits are read once in one frame period. In a driving method of a portable information device having a liquid crystal display device,
The liquid crystal display device has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix,
Each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of storage circuits and a D / A converter,
The liquid crystal display device rewrites data in the plurality of memory circuits included in a pixel in a specific row or a pixel in a specific column among the plurality of pixels. In any one of Claims 17 to 21,
The mobile information device is a mobile phone, a personal computer, a navigation system, a PDA, or an electronic book.

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