JP4316550B2 - Electronic device, driving method of electronic device, and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, a driving method of the electronic device, and a technique of an electronic device.

  In recent years, electro-optical devices using organic EL elements (Organic ElectroLuminescent elements) have been developed. Since the organic EL element is a self-luminous element and does not require a backlight, it is expected that a display device with low power consumption, a high viewing angle, and a high contrast ratio can be achieved. In the present specification, the “electro-optical device” means a device that converts an electrical signal into light. The most common form of electro-optical device is a device that converts an electrical signal representing an image into light representing an image, and is particularly suitable as a display device.

  As a unit circuit of the organic EL element, there are a voltage programming pixel circuit that sets a gradation according to a voltage value and a current programming pixel circuit that sets a gradation according to a current value. Note that “programming” means processing for setting a gradation in a unit circuit. The voltage programming method is relatively fast, but the gradation setting accuracy may not be very good. On the other hand, the current programming method has relatively good gradation setting accuracy but may require a relatively long time for setting.

  Therefore, a unit circuit of a system different from the conventional one has been desired. Such a demand is a problem common not only to display devices using organic EL elements, but also to electronic devices such as display devices using diodes other than organic EL elements and electro-optical devices.

  The present invention can contribute to solving the above-described conventional problems.

An electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention includes:
First to third scan lines;
A voltage signal data line for transmitting a voltage signal; a current signal data line for transmitting a current signal;
A unit circuit;
With
The unit circuit is
A light emitting diode;
A drive transistor having a source and a drain connected to a path of a current flowing through the light emitting diode,
A holding capacitor connected to a gate of the driving transistor and holding a charge amount corresponding to a current value of a current signal supplied from the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a voltage supply control transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the holding capacitor and the data line for the voltage signal,
Wherein the second source and the other one Rutotomoni respective gates connected to the scanning line drain connected to each other, the source or the first and second current supply having a drain connected to the driving transistor to the connection First and second current supply control transistors disposed between a gate of the drive transistor and the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a first transistor having a source and drain connected between the gate of the driving transistor and the storage capacitor, and the voltage supply control transistor Is a first transistor that takes the opposite on / off state;
A gate to the third scanning line is connected, a second transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the driving transistor and the light emitting diode,
Have
In the first period when the output of the voltage signal to the voltage signal data line is started, the voltage supply control transistor is turned on and the first and second current supply control transistors and The second transistor is turned off, and a voltage signal having a voltage value corresponding to the light emission gradation of the light emitting diode is supplied to the unit circuit.
In the second period following said first period, said first and second current supply control transistor is switched on state with the voltage supply control transistor is switched off, against the unit circuits A current signal having a current value corresponding to the light emission gradation of the light emitting diode is supplied,
In a third period after the second period, the first and second current supply control transistors are switched off and the second transistor is switched on, and the drive current is Supplied to the light emitting diode,
In the third period, the driving current passes through the driving transistor and the second transistor,
The first period starts when the second transistor is in an off state;
It is characterized by.
An electronic device according to another aspect of the present invention is also provided.
First to third scan lines;
A voltage signal data line for transmitting a voltage signal; a current signal data line for transmitting a current signal;
A unit circuit;
With
The unit circuit is
A light emitting diode;
A drive transistor having a source and a drain connected to a path of a current flowing through the light emitting diode,
A holding capacitor connected to a gate of the driving transistor and holding a charge amount corresponding to a current value of a current signal supplied from the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a voltage supply control transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the holding capacitor and the data line for the voltage signal,
Wherein a second one of the source of Rutotomoni respective gates connected to the scanning line and the other drain are connected to each other, the first and second current supply control to the drain of the driving transistor to the connection is connected A first and second current supply control transistor disposed between a gate of the driving transistor and the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a first transistor having a source and drain connected between the gate of the driving transistor and the storage capacitor, and the voltage supply control transistor Is a first transistor that takes the opposite on / off state;
A gate to the third scanning line is connected, a second transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the driving transistor and the light emitting diode,
Have
In the first period when the output of the voltage signal to the voltage signal data line is started, the voltage supply control transistor is turned on and the first and second current supply control transistors and The second transistor is turned off, and a voltage signal having a voltage value corresponding to the light emission gradation of the light emitting diode is supplied to the holding capacitor,
A current value corresponding to the amount of charge accumulated in the holding capacitor corresponding to a current signal having a current value corresponding to a light emission gradation of the light emitting diode supplied in a second period after the first period; A driving current having is supplied to the light emitting diode in a third period after the second period;
In the third period, the drive current passes through the drive transistor and the second transistor;
The first period starts when the second transistor is in an off state;
It is characterized by.
In the first period, the second transistor is preferably in an off state.
In the first period and the second period, the second transistor is preferably in an off state.
Further, it is preferable that precharge is performed in the first period.
The precharge of the holding capacitor is preferably performed by the voltage signal.
A method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method of driving an electronic device including the unit circuit,
Providing a voltage signal to the holding capacitor;
A second step of setting a source-gate voltage of the driving transistor according to a current signal;
And a third step of supplying a driving current having a current value corresponding to the source-gate voltage set by the second step to the light emitting diode,
In the third step, the driving current passes through the driving transistor and the second transistor;
The first step is initiated when the second transistor is off;
It is characterized by.
When the first step is performed, the second transistor is preferably in an off state.
In addition, it is preferable that the second transistor is in an off state when the first step and the second step are performed.

  In the electronic device, the unit circuit further includes a first switching transistor connected between the storage capacitor and the data line, and the current signal and the voltage signal are the first switching transistor. It is preferably supplied via a transistor.

  In the electronic device, it is preferable that precharge is performed in the first period.

  In the electronic device, the data line may be precharged by the voltage signal.

  In the electronic device, the holding capacitor may be precharged by the voltage signal.

  In the electronic device, it is preferable that the current signal corresponds to the current value of the driving current.

  In the above electronic device, the unit circuit may further include a second switching transistor connected between the drain and gate of the driving transistor.

  In the electronic device, it is preferable that the current signal and the voltage signal are supplied to the unit circuit via the data line.

  In the electronic device, the current signal is supplied as a program current, the program current passes through the driving transistor, and a voltage between a gate and a source of the driving transistor is set corresponding to a current value of the programming current. It is preferred that

  In the above electronic device, the diode may be a light emitting element.

  In the electronic device, the voltage signal may have a plurality of voltage values.

  In the electronic device, the voltage signal may be set according to the current signal.

  Another electronic device according to the present invention includes a scanning line, a data line, and a unit circuit, and the unit circuit includes a diode and a driving transistor that controls a current value of a driving current supplied to the diode. The unit circuit is supplied with a current signal during a program period, and the unit circuit and the data line are precharged before the program period.

  A driving method of an electronic device according to the present invention is a driving method of an electronic device including a scanning line, a data line, and a unit circuit including a driving transistor, wherein the holding device is connected to the gate of the driving transistor. The method includes a first step of supplying a voltage signal to the capacitor and a second step of setting a source-gate voltage of the driving transistor by a current signal.

  The above electronic device can be mounted on an electronic device.

  The electro-optical device according to the present invention is an electro-optical device driven by an active matrix driving method, and includes a pixel circuit matrix in which a plurality of pixel circuits including light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix, and a row of the pixel circuit matrix. A plurality of scanning lines respectively connected to pixel circuit groups arranged along a direction; a plurality of data lines respectively connected to pixel circuit groups arranged along a column direction of the pixel circuit matrix; A scanning line driving circuit for selecting one row of the pixel circuit matrix, and a data signal corresponding to the light emission gradation of the light emitting element, and generating a plurality of data lines. A data signal generation circuit capable of outputting on at least one of the data lines. The data signal generation circuit generates a current generation circuit for generating a current signal as a first data signal output on the data line, and a voltage signal as a second data signal output on the data line. And a voltage generation circuit for generating. The pixel circuit is connected to (i) a current-driven light-emitting element, (ii) a drive transistor provided in a path of a current flowing through the light-emitting element, and (iii) a control electrode of the drive transistor, A holding capacitor for setting a current value flowing in the driving transistor by holding a charge amount corresponding to a current value of a current signal supplied from the current generation circuit; and (iv) the holding capacitor and the data line And a first switching transistor for controlling whether or not to supply the current signal to the holding capacitor, and according to a current value of the current signal, A current programming circuit in which the gradation of light emission is adjusted; and a voltage signal connected to the holding capacitor and supplied from the voltage generating circuit; And a second switching transistor for controlling whether to supply to the holding capacitor.

  In such an electro-optical device, a voltage signal is supplied to the holding capacitor via the second switching transistor to perform voltage programming, and then, a current signal is supplied to the holding capacitor via the first switching transistor. Can be programmed. As a result, the light emission gradation can be set with high accuracy at a relatively high speed.

  The data line for the pixel circuit group for one column may include a current signal line for transmitting the current signal and a voltage signal line for transmitting the voltage signal.

  According to this configuration, since the voltage signal and the current signal are supplied via different signal lines, it is easy to adjust the supply timing of these two signals.

  The electro-optical device may further include a third switching transistor connected in series between the holding capacitor and the first switching transistor.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to set the light emission gradation with higher speed and accuracy by appropriately controlling on / off of the third switching transistor during voltage programming and current programming.

  In addition, it is preferable that the supply of the charge to the holding capacitor is performed so that the supply of the charge by the current signal is completed after the supply of the charge by the voltage signal is completed.

  According to this configuration, the current flowing through the light emitting element is finally set by current programming, so that the light emission gradation can be set with higher accuracy.

  Note that the supply of charge by the current signal to the holding capacitor may be started after the supply of charge by the voltage signal is completed.

  The first driving method of the electro-optical device according to the present invention includes a current driving type light emitting element, a driving transistor provided in a path of a current flowing through the light emitting element, and a driving electrode connected to a control electrode of the driving transistor. An electro-optical device driving method including a holding capacitor for setting a driving state of a transistor and a pixel circuit including the holding capacitor, and (a) supplying a charge to the holding capacitor by supplying a voltage signal to the holding capacitor. And (b) at least in a period after the supply of electric charges by the voltage signal is completed, the light emission to the holding capacitor by using a current signal having a current value corresponding to the light emission gradation of the light emitting element. And a step of holding charges corresponding to the gradations.

  According to this method, after the electric charge is supplied to the holding capacitor by the voltage signal, the light emission gradation is finally set by using the current signal, so the light emission gradation is set accurately at high speed. It is possible.

  The second driving method of the electro-optical device according to the present invention includes a current-driven light emitting element, a driving transistor provided in a path of a current flowing through the light emitting element, and a driving electrode connected to a control electrode of the driving transistor. A driving method for an electro-optical device, comprising: a holding capacitor for setting a driving state of a transistor; a pixel circuit including the data; and a data line connected to the pixel circuit, wherein: (a) the data line is connected to the data line; Charging or discharging both the holding capacitor and the data line by supplying a voltage signal to the holding capacitor; and (b) at least in a period after the supply of the voltage signal is completed. Using the current signal having a current value corresponding to the light emission gradation, the step of holding the charge corresponding to the light emission gradation in the holding capacitor. Characterized in that it comprises a and.

  According to this method, after both the holding capacitor and the data line are charged or discharged by the voltage signal, the light emission gradation is finally set using the current signal, so that light emission can be performed more quickly and accurately. It is possible to set the gradation.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms. For example, a pixel circuit, an electro-optical device and a display device using the pixel circuit, an electronic device and an electronic device including the electro-optical device and the display device, and the like. Devices, methods for driving those devices and devices, computer programs for realizing the functions of the methods, recording media storing the computer programs, data signals embodied in a carrier wave including the computer programs, etc. Can be realized.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
D. Fourth embodiment:
E. Example 5:
F. Other variations:

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device as a first embodiment of the present invention. This display device includes a controller 100, a display matrix unit 200 (also referred to as “pixel region”), a gate driver 300, and a data line driver 400. The controller 100 generates a gate line driving signal and a data line driving signal for causing the display matrix unit 200 to perform display, and supplies them to the gate driver 300 and the data line driver 400, respectively.

  FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the display matrix unit 200 and the data line driver 400. The display matrix unit 200 includes a plurality of pixel circuits 210 arranged in a matrix, and each pixel circuit 210 includes an organic EL element 220. The matrix of the pixel circuit 210 includes a plurality of data lines Xm (m = 1 to M) extending along the column direction and a plurality of gate lines Yn (n = 1 to N) extending along the row direction. It is connected. The data line is also called a “source line”, and the gate line is also called a “scan line”. In this specification, the pixel circuit 210 is also referred to as “unit circuit” or simply “pixel”. The transistor in the pixel circuit 210 is usually composed of a TFT (Thin Film Transistor).

  The gate driver 300 selectively drives one of the plurality of gate lines Yn to select a pixel circuit group for one row. The data line driver 400 includes a plurality of single line drivers 410 for driving each data line Xm. These single line drivers 410 supply a data signal to the pixel circuit 210 via each data line Xm. When an internal state (described later) of the pixel circuit 210 is set according to the data signal, the current value flowing through the organic EL element 220 is controlled according to this, and as a result, the light emission gradation of the organic EL element 220 is controlled. Is controlled.

  FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the internal configuration of the pixel circuit 210 and the single line driver 410 of the first embodiment. The pixel circuit 210 is a circuit disposed at the intersection of the mth data line and the nth gate line Yn. One set of data lines Xm includes two sub data lines U1 and U2, and one set of gate lines Yn includes three sub gate lines V1 to V3.

  The single line driver 410 includes a voltage generation circuit 411 and a current generation circuit 412. The voltage generation circuit 411 supplies the voltage signal Vout to the pixel circuit 210 via the first sub data line U1. The current generation circuit 412 supplies a current signal Iout to the pixel circuit 210 via the second sub data line U2.

  The pixel circuit 210 has a configuration in which two switching transistors 251 and 252 are added to the current programming circuit 240. The current programming circuit 240 is a circuit that adjusts the gradation of the organic EL element 220 according to the value of the current flowing through the second sub data line U2.

  FIG. 4 shows an equivalent circuit of the pixel circuit 210 (that is, an equivalent circuit of the current programming circuit 240) when the transistor 251 is on and the other transistors 252 are off. In addition to the organic EL element 220, the current programming circuit 240 includes four transistors 211 to 214 and a holding capacitor 230 (also referred to as “holding capacitor” or “storage capacitor”). The holding capacitor 230 holds a charge corresponding to the current value of the current signal Iout supplied via the second sub data line U2, and thereby adjusts the light emission gradation of the organic EL element 220. It is. In this example, the first to third transistors 211 to 213 are n-channel FETs, and the fourth transistor 214 is a p-channel FET. Since the organic EL element 220 is a current injection type (current drive type) light emitting element similar to a photodiode, it is represented by a symbol of a diode here.

  The drain of the first transistor 211 is connected to the source of the second transistor 212, the drain of the third transistor 213, and the drain of the fourth transistor 214. The drain of the second transistor 212 is connected to the gate of the fourth transistor 214. The holding capacitor 230 is connected between the source / gate of the fourth transistor 214. The source of the fourth transistor 214 is also connected to the power supply potential Vdd. The source of the first transistor 212 is connected to the current generation circuit 412 via the second sub data line U2. The organic EL element 220 is connected between the source of the third transistor 213 and the ground potential. The gates of the first and second transistors 211 and 212 are commonly connected to the second sub-gate line V2. The gate of the third transistor 213 is connected to the third sub-gate line V3.

  The first and second transistors 211 and 212 are switching transistors used when accumulating charges in the storage capacitor 230 via the second sub data line U2. The third transistor 213 is a switching transistor that is kept on during the light emission period of the organic EL element 220. The fourth transistor 214 is a drive transistor for controlling the current value flowing through the organic EL element 220. The current value of the fourth transistor 214 is controlled by the amount of charge held in the holding capacitor 230 (accumulated charge amount).

Differences between the pixel circuit 210 shown in FIG. 3 and the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 4 are as follows.
(1) A switching transistor 251 is added between the holding point 230 and a connection point CP1 (FIG. 4) between the drain of the second transistor 212 and the gate of the fourth transistor.
(2) The switching transistor 252 is added between the connection point CP2 between the holding capacitor 230 and the switching transistor 251 and the first sub data line U1.
(3) A sub-gate line V1 commonly connected to the gates of the two added transistors 251 and 252 is added.
(4) The holding capacitor 230 can be supplied with the voltage signal Vout from the voltage generation circuit 411 via the first sub data line U1, and the current generation circuit 412 via the second sub data line U2. The current signal Iout from can be supplied.

  In the following, the added transistors 251 and 252 are referred to as “voltage programming transistors 251 and 252”. In the example of FIG. 3, the first voltage programming transistor 251 is a p-channel FET, and the second voltage programming transistor 252 is an n-channel FET.

  The first and second transistors 211 and 212 of the current programming circuit 240 have a function of controlling whether or not to supply a charge to the holding capacitor 230 according to the current signal Iout. It corresponds to a “transistor”. The second voltage programming transistor 252 has a function of controlling whether or not electric charge is supplied to the holding capacitor 230 by the voltage signal Vout, and corresponds to a “second switching transistor” in the present invention. Further, the first voltage programming transistor 251 corresponds to the “third switching transistor” in the present invention. Note that the first voltage programming transistor 251 can be omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the operation of the pixel circuit 210. Here, the voltage values of the sub-gate lines V1 to V3 (hereinafter also referred to as “gate signals V1 to V3”), the current value Iout of the second sub-data line U2, and the current value IEL flowing through the organic EL element 220 are It is shown.

  The driving cycle Tc is divided into a programming period Tpr and a light emission period Tel. Here, the “drive cycle Tc” means a cycle in which the light emission gradations of all the organic EL elements 220 in the display matrix unit 200 are updated once, and is the same as a so-called frame cycle. . The gradation is updated for each pixel circuit group for one row, and the gradation of the pixel circuit group for N rows is sequentially updated during the driving cycle Tc. For example, when the gradation of all the pixel circuits is updated at 30 Hz, the driving cycle Tc is about 33 ms.

  The programming period Tpr is a period for setting the light emission gradation of the organic EL element 220 in the pixel circuit 210. In this specification, the setting of gradation in the pixel circuit 210 is called “programming”. For example, when the driving period Tc is about 33 ms and the total number N of gate lines Yn (that is, the number of rows in the pixel circuit matrix) is 480, the programming period Tpr is about 69 μs (= 33 ms / 480) or less. .

  In the programming period Tpr, first, the second and third gate signals V2 and V3 are set to the L level to keep the first and third transistors 211 and 213 in the off state (closed state). Then, the first gate signal V1 is set to the H level, the first voltage programming transistor 251 is set to the off state (closed state), and the second voltage programming transistor 252 is set to the on state (open state). ). At this time, the voltage generation circuit 411 (FIG. 3) generates a voltage signal Vout having a predetermined voltage value corresponding to the light emission gradation. However, as the voltage signal Vout, a signal having a constant voltage value can be used regardless of the light emission gradation. When the voltage signal Vout is supplied to the holding capacitor 230 via the second voltage programming transistor 252, charges corresponding to the voltage value of the voltage signal Vout are accumulated in the holding capacitor 230.

  When programming by the voltage signal Vout is thus completed, the first gate signal V1 falls to the L level, the first voltage programming transistor 251 is set to the on state, and the second voltage programming transistor 252 is turned off. Set to state. At this time, the pixel circuit 210 becomes the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. In this state, the second gate signal V2 is set to the H level and the first and second transistors 211 and 212 are turned on while flowing the current value Im corresponding to the light emission gradation on the second sub data line U2. The device is turned on (FIGS. 5B and 5E). At this time, the current generation circuit 412 (FIG. 3) functions as a constant current source for supplying a constant current value Im corresponding to the light emission gradation. As shown in FIG. 5E, the current value Im is set to a value corresponding to the light emission gradation of the organic EL element 220 within a predetermined current value range RI.

  As a result of programming with the current value Im, the holding capacitor 230 is in a state of holding a charge corresponding to the current value Im flowing through the fourth transistor 214 (drive transistor). At this time, the voltage stored in the holding capacitor 230 is applied between the source / gate of the fourth transistor 214. In this specification, the current value Im of the data signal used for programming is referred to as “programming current value Im”.

  When programming by the current signal Iout is completed, the gate driver 300 sets the second gate signal V2 to the L level to turn off the first and second transistors 211 and 212, and the current generation circuit 412 Stop Iout.

  In the light emission period Tel, the first gate signal V1 is maintained at the L level, and the pixel circuit 210 is set to the equivalent circuit state of FIG. In addition, the second gate signal V2 is also maintained at the L level, and the third gate signal V3 is set to the H level while the first and second transistors 211 and 212 are maintained in the OFF state. Set 213 to the ON state. Since the voltage corresponding to the programming current value Im is stored in the holding capacitor 230 in advance, a current substantially equal to the programming current value Im flows through the fourth transistor 214. Accordingly, substantially the same current as the programming current value Im flows through the organic EL element 220, and light is emitted at a gradation corresponding to the current value Im.

  As described above, since the pixel circuit 210 according to the first embodiment performs programming using the current signal Iout after programming using the voltage signal Vout, the light emission gradation is set more accurately than programming using only the voltage signal Vout. it can. In addition, the light emission gradation can be set at a higher speed than the programming using only the current signal Iout. That is, the pixel circuit 210 can realize the setting of the light emission gradation with higher speed and higher accuracy than the conventional one.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the internal configuration of the pixel circuit 210a and the single line driver 410 of the second embodiment. The pixel circuit 210a is obtained by adding a second holding capacitor 232 to the pixel circuit 210 of the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The second holding capacitor 232 is interposed between the connection point CP1 between the drain of the second transistor 212 and the gate of the fourth transistor, and the power supply potential Vdd.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the pixel circuit 210a of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, there is a period in which both the first gate signal V1 and the second gate signal V2 are at the H level in the programming period Tpc. During the period when the first gate signal V1 is at the H level, the second voltage programming transistor 252 is turned on, and the programming of the first holding capacitor 230 is executed by the voltage signal Vout. On the other hand, during the period when the second gate signal V2 is at the H level, the first and second switching transistors 211 and 212 in the current programming circuit 240a are turned on, and the programming of the second holding capacitor 232 is performed by the current signal Iout. Is executed. Note that, during the period in which both the first and second gate signals V1 and V2 are at the H level, the first voltage programming transistor 251 is maintained in the OFF state, and therefore the voltage programming of the first holding capacitor 230 The current programming of the second holding capacitor 232 is performed in parallel.

  Thereafter, when the first gate signal V1 falls to the L level prior to the second gate signal V2, voltage programming is completed, and programming (current programming) to the two holding capacitors 230 and 232 is continued. At this time, since the first holding capacitor 230 is voltage-programmed in advance, it is possible to reduce the time required for the two holding capacitors 230 and 232 to hold an appropriate charge amount.

  As can be understood from the second embodiment, programming by the voltage signal Vout and programming by the current signal Iout may be executed simultaneously. However, in this case, as shown in FIG. 7, if current programming is completed after voltage programming is completed, there is an advantage that the gradation of light emission can be set with higher accuracy. In other words, current programming is preferably performed at least in a period after voltage programming is complete.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the internal configuration of the pixel circuit 210b and the single line driver 410b of the third embodiment. The voltage generation circuit 411b and the current generation circuit 412b of the single line driver 410b are connected to the power supply potential Vdd.

  The pixel circuit 210b of the third embodiment includes a so-called Sarnoff-type current programming circuit 240b and two voltage programming transistors 251b and 252b. The current programming circuit 240b includes an organic EL element 220b, four transistors 211b to 214b, and a holding capacitor 230b. Note that the four transistors 211b to 214b in this embodiment are p-channel FETs.

  A second transistor 212b, a holding capacitor 230b, a first voltage programming transistor 251b, a first transistor 211b, and an organic EL element 220b are connected in series in this order to the second sub data line U2. Has been. The drain of the first transistor 211b is connected to the organic EL element 220b. A second sub-gate line V2 is commonly connected to the gates of the first and second transistors 211b and 212b.

  A series connection of the third transistor 213b, the fourth transistor 214b, and the organic EL element 220b is interposed between the power supply potential Vdd and the ground potential. The drain of the third transistor 213b and the source of the fourth transistor 214b are also connected to the drain of the second transistor 212b. A third gate line V3 is connected to the gate of the third transistor 213b. The gate of the fourth transistor 214b is connected to the source of the first transistor 211b.

  A series connection of the holding capacitor 230b and the first voltage programming transistor 251b is interposed between the source / gate of the fourth transistor 214b. When the organic EL element 220b emits light, the first voltage programming transistor 251b is kept on, so the voltage between the source and gate of the fourth transistor 214b is determined according to the amount of charge stored in the holding capacitor 230b. Is done.

  The first and second transistors 211b and 212b are switching transistors used when a desired charge is accumulated in the holding capacitor 230b. The third transistor 213b is a switching transistor that is kept on during the light emission period of the organic EL element 220b. The fourth transistor 214b is a drive transistor for controlling the current value flowing through the organic EL element 220b.

  The first and second transistors 211b and 212b of the current programming circuit 240b have a function of controlling whether or not to supply a charge to the holding capacitor 230b by the current signal Iout. It corresponds to a “transistor”. The second voltage programming transistor 252b has a function of controlling whether or not electric charge is supplied to the holding capacitor 230b by the voltage signal Vout, and corresponds to the “second switching transistor” in the present invention. Further, the first voltage programming transistor 251b corresponds to the “third switching transistor” in the present invention. The first voltage programming transistor 251b can be omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the operation of the pixel circuit 210b of the third embodiment. In this operation, the logic of the second and third gate signals V2 and V3 is inverted from the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, as can be understood from the circuit configuration of FIG. 8, the programming current Im flows through the organic EL element 220b through the second and fourth transistors 212b and 214b in the programming period Tpr. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the organic EL element 220 emits light even in the programming period Tpr. Thus, in the programming period Tpr, the organic EL element 220 may emit light, or may not emit light as in the first and second embodiments.

  This third embodiment also has the same effect as the first and second embodiments. In other words, since voltage programming and current programming are used together, the light emission gradation can be set more accurately than in the case of only voltage programming, and the light emission gradation can be set faster than in the case of only current programming. .

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the internal configuration of the pixel circuit 210c and the single line driver 410c of the fourth embodiment. The voltage generation circuit 411c and the current generation circuit 412c of the single line driver 410c are connected to a negative power supply potential -Vee.

  The pixel circuit 210c of the fourth embodiment includes a current programming circuit 240c and two voltage programming transistors 251c and 252c. The current programming circuit 240c includes an organic EL element 220c, four transistors 211c to 214c, and a holding capacitor 230c. In this example, the first and second transistors 211c and 212c are n-channel FETs, and the third and fourth transistors 213c and 214c are p-channel FETs.

  The first and second transistors 211c and 212c are connected in series in this order to the second sub data line U2. The drain of the second transistor 212c is commonly connected to the gates of the third and fourth transistors 213c and 214c. Further, the drain of the first transistor 211c and the source of the second transistor 212c are connected in common to the drain of the third transistor. The drain of the fourth transistor 214c is connected to the power supply potential -Vee via the organic EL element 220b. The sources of the third and fourth transistors 213c and 214c are grounded. A series connection of the first voltage programming transistor 251c and the holding capacitor 230c is interposed between the gates / sources of the third and fourth transistors 213c and 214c. When the first voltage programming transistor 251c is in the on state, the holding capacitor 230c sets a voltage between the source and gate of the fourth transistor 214b that is a driving transistor of the organic EL element 220c. Therefore, the light emission gradation of the organic EL element 220c is determined according to the amount of charge accumulated in the holding capacitor 230c. A second voltage programming transistor 252c is connected between one terminal of the holding capacitor 230c and the first sub data line U1.

  The first sub-gate line V1 is commonly connected to the gates of the two voltage programming transistors 251c and 252c. The gates of the first and second transistors 211c and 212c are connected to the second and third sub-gate lines V2 and V3, respectively.

The first and second transistors 211c and 212c are switching transistors used when a desired charge is accumulated in the holding capacitor 230c. The fourth transistor 214 c is a drive transistor for controlling the value of current flowing through the organic EL element 220. The third and fourth transistors 213c and 214c constitute a so-called current mirror circuit, and the current value flowing through the third transistor 213c and the current value flowing through the fourth transistor 214c are in a predetermined proportional relationship. . Therefore, when the programming current Im of the third transistor 213c is passed through the second sub data line U2, a current proportional to the current flows through the fourth transistor 214c and the organic EL element 220c. The ratio of these two current values is equal to the ratio of the gain coefficient β of the two transistors 213c and 214c. The gain coefficient β is defined by β = (μC ₀ W / L) as is well known. Here, μ is the carrier mobility, C ₀ is the gate capacitance, W is the channel width, and L is the channel length.

  The first and second transistors 211c and 212c of the current programming circuit 240c have a function of controlling whether or not to supply a charge to the holding capacitor 230c by the current signal Iout. It corresponds to a “switching transistor”. The second voltage programming transistor 252c has a function of controlling whether or not to supply electric charge to the holding capacitor 230c by the voltage signal Vout, and corresponds to the “second switching transistor” in the present invention. Further, the second voltage programming transistor 251c corresponds to the “third switching transistor” in the present invention. Note that the first voltage programming transistor 251c may be omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the pixel circuit 210c of the fourth embodiment. In the programming period Tpr, first, only the first gate signal V1 becomes H level, and the first and second voltage programming transistors 251c and 252c are set to the off state and the on state, respectively. At this time, the voltage generation circuit 411c supplies the voltage signal Vout to the holding capacitor 230c through the first sub data line U1 to perform voltage programming. Next, the first gate signal V1 falls to the L level, and the second and third gate signals V2 and V3 become the H level. During the period when the second and third gate signals V2 and V3 are at the H level, the first and second switching transistors 211c and 212c in the current programming circuit 240c are turned on, and the programming of the holding capacitor 230c is performed by the current signal Iout. Is executed. At this time, the current value Ima proportional to the current value Im of the current signal Iout (FIG. 11E) also flows through the fourth transistor 214c and the organic EL element 220c (FIG. 11F). At this time, charges corresponding to the driving states of the third and fourth transistors 213c and 214c are accumulated in the holding capacitor 230c. Accordingly, even after the second and third gate signals V2 and V3 fall to the L level, the fourth transistor 214c and the organic EL element 220c have the current value Ima corresponding to the amount of charge accumulated in the holding capacitor 230c. Flowing.

  This fourth embodiment also has the same effect as the other embodiments described above. In other words, since voltage programming and current programming are used together, the light emission gradation can be set more accurately than in the case of only voltage programming, and the light emission gradation can be set faster than in the case of only current programming. .

E. Example 5:
FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing the internal configuration of the pixel circuit 210d and the single line driver 410d of the fifth embodiment. The pixel circuit 210d is the same as the circuit shown in FIG. That is, the fifth embodiment does not have the two switching transistors 251 and 252 provided in the first embodiment (FIG. 3). Further, the sub-gate line V1 for these transistors 251 and 252 is also omitted. The single line driver 410d and its internal circuits 411d and 412d are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the voltage generation circuit 411d and the current generation circuit 412d are commonly connected to one data signal line Xm.

  FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the operation of the pixel circuit 210d of the fifth embodiment. In the first half of the programming period Tpr, the voltage signal Vout (FIG. 13C) is supplied from the voltage generation circuit 411d to the data line Xm to execute voltage programming. At this time, charging or discharging of the data line Xm and holding capacitor 230 are performed. Is charged or discharged. In the second half, the current signal Iout (FIG. 13 (d)) is supplied from the current generation circuit 412d, and the holding capacitor 230 is accurately programmed. In the fifth embodiment, since the switching transistor 211 is set to the ON state in both voltage programming and current programming, the gate signal V2 is kept at the H level in both of them.

  In this way, even when the same pixel circuit as the conventional one is used, if the voltage programming and the current programming are used together, the light emission gradation can be set more accurately than in the case of only the voltage programming, and the current The light emission gradation can be set faster than in the case of programming alone. Particularly, in the fifth embodiment, after voltage programming is performed using one data line Xm, current programming is performed using the same data line Xm. In voltage programming, a kind of precharge is performed on both the data line Xm and the holding capacitor 230, and then current programming is performed. Therefore, it is possible to set the light emission gradation with higher speed and accuracy than in the prior art.

  As in the fifth embodiment, when voltage programming and current programming are performed using the same data line Xm, the voltage programming period and the current programming period may partially overlap. In order to accurately set the light emission gradation, the timing of the voltage signal and the current signal is set so that the current programming (current signal supply) is performed at least in the period after the voltage programming (voltage signal supply) is completed. Is preferably adjusted.

F. Other variations:
F1:
In the various embodiments described above, programming is performed for each pixel circuit group for one row (that is, line-sequentially). Instead, programming is performed for each pixel circuit (that is, dot-sequentially). You may do it. In the case of performing dot-sequential programming, it is not necessary to provide one single line driver 410 (data signal generation circuit) for each set of data lines Xm (U1, U2), and for the entire pixel circuit matrix. Only one single line driver 410 needs to be provided. At this time, one single line driver 410 may be configured to output a data signal (voltage signal Vout and current signal Iout) on a set of data lines including a pixel circuit to be programmed. In order to realize this, for example, a switch circuit for switching the connection relationship between the single line driver 410 and a plurality of sets of data lines may be provided.

F2:
In the various embodiments described above, all transistors are assumed to be composed of FETs, but some or all of the transistors can be replaced with bipolar transistors or other types of switching elements. The gate electrode of the FET and the base electrode of the bipolar transistor correspond to the “control electrode” in the present invention. As these various transistors, in addition to thin film transistors (TFTs), silicon-based transistors can also be employed.

F3:
In the pixel circuits used in the various embodiments described above, the programming period Tpr and the light emission period Tel are separated, but it is also possible to use a pixel circuit in which the programming period Tpr overlaps a part of the light emission period Tel. . For example, in the operations of FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, the current IEL flows through the organic EL element even during the program period Tpr and emits light. Therefore, in these operations, it can be considered that the program period Tpr and the light emission period Tel partially overlap.

F4:
In the various embodiments described above, the active matrix driving method is used. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the organic EL element is driven using the passive matrix driving method. However, for a display device capable of multi-gradation adjustment and a display device using an active matrix driving method, the effect of the present invention is more remarkable because there is a stronger demand for higher driving speed. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a display device in which pixel circuits are arranged in a matrix, but can be applied to cases where other arrangements are employed.

F5:
In the above-described embodiments and modifications, examples of display devices using organic EL elements have been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to display devices and electronic devices using light emitting elements other than organic EL elements. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an apparatus having other types of light emitting elements (LED, FED (Field Emission Display), etc.) whose light emission gradation can be adjusted according to the drive current.

F6:
The operations described in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and different operations may be performed on the pixel circuit. For example, the change pattern of the gate signals V1 to V3 can be set to a pattern different from the above example. Further, it may be determined whether or not voltage programming is necessary, and voltage programming may be executed only when necessary. For example, a data signal supplied as a voltage signal may take voltage values corresponding to all gradations of the light emitting element. Further, the number of voltage values of the data signal may be smaller than the number of gradations of the light emitting element. In the latter case, one voltage value of the data signal is associated with a certain range of gradation of the light emitting element.

F7:
The pixel circuits of the above-described embodiments can be applied to display devices of various electronic devices. For example, personal computers, mobile phones, digital still cameras, televisions, viewfinder type and monitor direct view type video tape recorders, The present invention can be applied to a car navigation device, a pager, an electronic notebook, a calculator, a word processor, a workstation, a video phone, a POS terminal, a device equipped with a touch panel, and the like.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a display matrix unit 200 and a data line driver 400. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an internal configuration of a pixel circuit 210 and a single line driver 410 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the pixel circuit 210 when a transistor 251 is on and another transistor 252 is off. 6 is a timing chart showing a normal operation of the pixel circuit 210 of the first embodiment. The circuit diagram which shows the internal structure of the pixel circuit 210a and the single line driver 410 of 2nd Example. 9 is a timing chart showing the operation of the pixel circuit 210a of the second embodiment. The circuit diagram which shows the internal structure of the pixel circuit 210b of 3rd Example, and the single line driver 410b. 9 is a timing chart showing the operation of the pixel circuit 210b of the third embodiment. The circuit diagram which shows the internal structure of the pixel circuit 210c of 4th Example, and the single line driver 410c. 14 is a timing chart showing the operation of the pixel circuit 210c of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an internal configuration of a pixel circuit 210d and a single line driver 410d according to a fifth embodiment. 10 is a timing chart illustrating an operation of a pixel circuit 210d according to a fifth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

200: Display matrix 210: Pixel circuit 211, 212: Switching transistor (first switching transistor)
213 ... Transistor 214 ... Drive transistor 220 ... Organic EL element 230, 232 ... Holding capacitor 240 ... Current programming circuit 251 ... Transistor for voltage programming (third switching transistor)
261 ... Voltage programming transistor (second switching transistor)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 300 ... Gate driver 400 ... Data line driver 410 ... Single line driver 411 ... Voltage generation circuit 412 ... Current generation circuit

Claims (10)

First to third scan lines;
A voltage signal data line for transmitting a voltage signal; a current signal data line for transmitting a current signal;
A unit circuit;
With
The unit circuit is
A light emitting diode;
A drive transistor having a source and a drain connected to a path of a current flowing through the light emitting diode,
A holding capacitor connected to a gate of the driving transistor and holding a charge amount corresponding to a current value of a current signal supplied from the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a voltage supply control transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the holding capacitor and the data line for the voltage signal,
Wherein the second source and the other one Rutotomoni respective gates connected to the scanning line drain connected to each other, the source or the first and second current supply having a drain connected to the driving transistor to the connection First and second current supply control transistors disposed between a gate of the drive transistor and the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a first transistor having a source and drain connected between the gate of the driving transistor and the storage capacitor, and the voltage supply control transistor Is a first transistor that takes the opposite on / off state;
A gate to the third scanning line is connected, a second transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the driving transistor and the light emitting diode,
Have
In the first period when the output of the voltage signal to the voltage signal data line is started, the voltage supply control transistor is turned on and the first and second current supply control transistors and The second transistor is turned off, and a voltage signal having a voltage value corresponding to the light emission gradation of the light emitting diode is supplied to the unit circuit.
In the second period following said first period, said first and second current supply control transistor is switched on state with the voltage supply control transistor is switched off, against the unit circuits A current signal having a current value corresponding to the light emission gradation of the light emitting diode is supplied,
In a third period after the second period, the first and second current supply control transistors are switched off and the second transistor is switched on, and the drive current is Supplied to the light emitting diode,
In the third period, the driving current passes through the driving transistor and the second transistor,
The first period starts when the second transistor is in an off state;
An electronic device characterized by the above. First to third scan lines;
A voltage signal data line for transmitting a voltage signal; a current signal data line for transmitting a current signal;
A unit circuit;
With
The unit circuit is
A light emitting diode;
A drive transistor having a source and a drain connected to a path of a current flowing through the light emitting diode,
A holding capacitor connected to a gate of the driving transistor and holding a charge amount corresponding to a current value of a current signal supplied from the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a voltage supply control transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the holding capacitor and the data line for the voltage signal,
Wherein the second source and the other one Rutotomoni respective gates connected to the scanning line drain connected to each other, the source or the first and second current supply having a drain connected to the driving transistor to the connection First and second current supply control transistors disposed between a gate of the drive transistor and the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a first transistor having a source and drain connected between the gate of the driving transistor and the storage capacitor, and the voltage supply control transistor Is a first transistor that takes the opposite on / off state;
A gate to the third scanning line is connected, a second transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the driving transistor and the light emitting diode,
Have
In the first period when the output of the voltage signal to the voltage signal data line is started, the voltage supply control transistor is turned on and the first and second current supply control transistors and The second transistor is turned off, and a voltage signal having a voltage value corresponding to the light emission gradation of the light emitting diode is supplied to the holding capacitor,
A current value corresponding to the amount of charge accumulated in the holding capacitor corresponding to a current signal having a current value corresponding to a light emission gradation of the light emitting diode supplied in a second period after the first period; A driving current having is supplied to the light emitting diode in a third period after the second period;
In the third period, the drive current passes through the drive transistor and the second transistor;
The first period starts when the second transistor is in an off state;
An electronic device characterized by the above. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
In the first period, the second transistor is in an OFF state;
An electronic device characterized by the above. The electronic device according to claim 1,
The second transistor is in an off state in the first period and the second period;
An electronic device characterized by the above. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Precharging is performed during the first period;
An electronic device characterized by the above. The electronic device according to claim 1,
The precharging of the holding capacitor is performed by the voltage signal;
An electronic device characterized by the above. An electronic device driving method comprising:
The electronic device is
First to third scan lines;
A voltage signal data line for transmitting a voltage signal; a current signal data line for transmitting a current signal;
A unit circuit;
With
The unit circuit is
A light emitting diode;
A drive transistor having a source and a drain connected to a path of a current flowing through the light emitting diode,
A holding capacitor connected to a gate of the driving transistor and holding a charge amount corresponding to a current value of a current signal supplied from the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a voltage supply control transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the holding capacitor and the data line for the voltage signal,
Wherein a second one of the source of Rutotomoni respective gates connected to the scanning line and the other drain are connected to each other, the first and second current supply control to the drain of the driving transistor to the connection is connected A first and second current supply control transistor disposed between a gate of the driving transistor and the current signal data line;
A gate on the first scan line is connected, a first transistor having a source and drain connected between the gate of the driving transistor and the storage capacitor, and the voltage supply control transistor Is a first transistor that takes the opposite on / off state;
A gate to the third scanning line is connected, a second transistor having a source and a drain connected to the wiring between the driving transistor and the light emitting diode,
Have
The driving method is:
Providing a voltage signal to the holding capacitor;
A second step of setting a source-gate voltage of the driving transistor according to a current signal;
And a third step of supplying a driving current having a current value corresponding to the source-gate voltage set by the second step to the light emitting diode,
In the third step, the driving current passes through the driving transistor and the second transistor;
The first step is initiated when the second transistor is off;
A method for driving an electronic device. The method of driving an electronic device according to claim 7.
When performing the first step, the second transistor is in an off state;
A method for driving an electronic device. The method of driving an electronic device according to claim 7.
The second transistor is in an off state when performing the first step and the second step;
A method for driving an electronic device. The electronic device provided with the electronic device in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.

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