KR20150073460A - Test apparatus for display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a test apparatus for a display device including a display panel and a circuit substrate which is coupled with the display panel and supplies all kinds of signals and power to the display panel. The power is supplied to the display panel only when the display panel and the circuit substrate are physically and electrically connected through a connector.

Description

[0001] TEST APPARATUS FOR DISPLAY DEVICE [0002]

The present invention relates to a test apparatus for a display device.

As the information technology is developed, the market of display devices, which is a connection medium between users and information, is getting larger. Accordingly, the use of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic light emitting display device, an electrophoretic display device and a plasma display device is increasing.

The display device as described above includes a display panel for displaying an image, a driver for driving the display panel, and a controller for controlling the driver. There are various types of display panels used in the display device, but basically, a process of inspecting the display panel for aging or defect or the like after manufacturing the display panel is required.

The test apparatus of the display apparatus supplies power and various signals to the display panel, and can check aging and the presence or absence of defects in the display panel. The test apparatus of the display apparatus includes a power supply unit for generating power required by the display panel and signal wires for transmitting various signals supplied from the external signal source to the display panel. The power supply unit does not generate the power itself but converts it to various levels of power required by the display panel based on the power supplied from the external signal source.

Usually, in order to perform inspection on the display panel, the operator must cut off the power of the external signal source or the test apparatus of the display apparatus, and then connect the test apparatus of the display apparatus and the connector formed on the display panel.

However, when the operator ties the test device of the display device and the connector formed on the display panel without turning off the power of the external signal source or the test device of the display device, instantaneous electrical contact causes an overcurrent or an overvoltage. In this case, the test apparatus of the display device proposed in the related art is liable to cause electrostatic discharge (ESD) or electrical overload stress (EOS) caused by an overcurrent or an overvoltage, thereby damaging the display panel.

The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems of the related art is to solve design precautions for operators during fastening between various kinds of jigs and display panels, to prevent problems that may occur in various kinds of jig fastening processes, And to provide a test apparatus for a display device capable of reducing a defect rate of a module and preventing leakage of a display panel having a potential defect (customer satisfaction).

According to an aspect of the present invention, And a circuit board coupled to the display panel and supplying various signals and power to the display panel, wherein the power source is supplied to the display panel only after the physical or electrical connection is made through the connector. A test apparatus is provided.

The circuit board may include a switch unit that is turned on or off so that the power source is output depending on whether the liquid crystal panel and the connector are coupled together.

The switch unit may be turned on when a logic low signal or a ground voltage is supplied.

The switch unit may be turned on in response to a signal or a voltage supplied from the liquid crystal panel when the switch unit is coupled through the liquid crystal panel and the connector.

Wherein the circuit board includes a power supply unit for generating N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) power supplies based on a power source output from an external or internal signal source, and the power supply unit supplies power to the switch unit in response to whether the switch unit is turned on or off And can output the power source.

A first terminal of the switch unit is connected to the external or internal signal source, a second terminal of the switch unit is connected to an input terminal of the power supply unit, and a third terminal of the switch unit is connected to a connector formed on the circuit board have.

When the circuit board and the display panel are coupled to each other, a high-potential voltage or a ground voltage output from the external or internal signal source is supplied to the switch unit via the display panel, and the switch unit is connected to the high- And can be turned on correspondingly.

Wherein the circuit board includes a switch control unit for controlling the switch unit, the switch control unit outputs an activation signal to turn on the switch unit when the circuit board and the display panel are coupled through the connector, And outputs an inactivating signal for turning off the switch unit when the switch unit is closed.

The switch control unit may output the activation signal with a delay time.

The circuit board may include a switch unit that is turned on or off so that the power source is output depending on whether the circuit board is fastened through an external system and a connector.

The present invention has the effect of preventing the display panel from being damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD) or electrical overload stress (EOS). In addition, the present invention solves the operator's cautions in connection with various kinds of jig and display panel, prevents problems that may occur in various kinds of jig fastening processes, reduces the defective rate of the display panel module, It is possible to prevent the display panel from leaking out (customer satisfaction).

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a liquid crystal display device.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram schematically showing the subpixel shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a schematic view of a conventional test apparatus for a display device.
4 is a schematic view of a test apparatus of a display apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a part of Figure 4;
6 is a schematic view of a test apparatus of a display apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a part of FIG. 6; FIG.
8 is a schematic view of a test apparatus of a display apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a schematic view of a test apparatus of a display apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a schematic view of a test apparatus of a display apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiment of the present invention is a test apparatus for a display device for various tests including inspection and aging of a display panel. The test apparatus of the display apparatus is composed of a circuit board fastened to the display panel and supplying various signals and power to the display panel. The test apparatus of the display apparatus can be applied to an organic light emitting display, an electrophoretic display apparatus, a plasma display apparatus, and the like. However, for convenience of explanation, a liquid crystal display device will be described below as an example of a test apparatus for a display device.

≪ Embodiment 1 >

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a liquid crystal display device, and FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram schematically showing a subpixel shown in FIG.

1 and 2, a liquid crystal display includes a timing controller 130, a gate driver 140, a data driver 150, a liquid crystal panel 160, and a backlight unit 170.

The timing controller 130 receives a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, a data enable signal DE, a clock signal CLK and a data signal DATA from the outside. The timing controller 130 controls the operation timings of the data driver 150 and the gate driver 140 using timing signals such as a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a data enable signal, and a clock signal. The timing controller 130 can determine the frame period by counting the data enable signal of one horizontal period, so that the vertical synchronizing signal and the horizontal synchronizing signal supplied from the outside can be omitted.

The control signals generated by the timing controller 130 include a gate timing control signal GDC for controlling the operation timing of the gate driver 140 and a data timing control signal DDC for controlling the operation timing of the data driver 150. [ ) May be included. The timing controller 130 supplies the data driver 150 with the data signal DATA along with the data timing control signal DDC. The timing controller 130 is formed in the form of an IC (Integrated Circuit). The timing controller 130 is mounted on a printed circuit board connected to the liquid crystal panel 160.

The gate driver 140 outputs a gate signal while shifting the level of the gate voltage in response to the gate timing control signal GDC supplied from the timing controller 130. The gate driver 140 supplies a gate signal to the liquid crystal panel 160 through the gate lines GL. The gate driver 140 may be formed in the form of an IC or a gate in panel in the liquid crystal panel 160.

The data driver 150 samples and latches the data signal DATA in response to the data timing control signal DDC supplied from the timing controller 130 and converts the sampled data signal into an analog form corresponding to the gamma reference voltage. The data driver 150 supplies the data signal DATA to the liquid crystal panel 160 through the data lines DL. The data driver 150 is formed in an IC form. The data driver 150 is mounted on a flexible circuit board connected to the liquid crystal panel 160. The flexible circuit board is connected to the printed circuit board.

The liquid crystal panel 160 includes a lower substrate on which a thin film transistor or the like is formed, an upper substrate on which a color filter or the like is formed, and a liquid crystal layer disposed therebetween. An alignment film for forming a pre-tilt angle of the liquid crystal is formed on the inner upper layer of the lower substrate and the lower substrate. A lower polarizer is attached to the lower surface of the lower substrate, and an upper polarizer is attached to the upper surface of the upper substrate. In addition, the liquid crystal panel 160 can be implemented in any form such as a transmissive liquid crystal display device, a transflective liquid crystal display device, a reflective liquid crystal display device, and the like.

The liquid crystal panel 160 displays an image corresponding to the gate signal supplied from the gate driver 140 and the data signal DATA supplied from the data driver 150. The liquid crystal panel 160 includes subpixels for controlling light provided through the backlight unit 170. One subpixel SP includes a thin film transistor TFT, a storage capacitor Cst, and a liquid crystal layer Clc.

The gate electrode of the thin film transistor TFT is connected to the gate line GL1 and the source electrode thereof is connected to the data line DL1. One end of the storage capacitor Cst is connected to the drain electrode of the thin film transistor TFT and the other end is connected to the common voltage line Vcom. The liquid crystal layer Clc is formed between the pixel electrode 1 and the common electrode 2 connected to the drain electrode of the thin film transistor TFT.

The backlight unit 170 provides light to the liquid crystal panel 160. The backlight unit 170 includes a light emitting diode (hereinafter, LED), an LED driver for driving the LED, a light guide plate for converting light emitted from the LED into a surface light source, and optical sheets for condensing and diffusing light emitted from the light guide plate . The backlight unit 170 may provide light to the liquid crystal panel 160 in a manner that uses LEDs as well as other light sources.

After the fabrication of the liquid crystal panel 160 is completed, a process of checking whether the liquid crystal panel 160 is aged or not is connected to the test apparatus of the display device. The test apparatus of the display apparatus can supply power and various signals to the liquid crystal panel 160, and can check whether the liquid crystal panel 160 is aged or defective.

Hereinafter, a conventional test apparatus for a display apparatus and a test apparatus for a display apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention are compared and described. Note that the liquid crystal panel 160 described below refers to a display module unit including the gate driver 140, the data driver 150, and the timing controller 130.

BACKGROUND ART [0002]

4 is a view schematically showing a test apparatus of a display apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion Fig.

3, the power supply unit 195, the first and second connectors IF CNT, P / G CNT, and a DC jack are connected to the test apparatus 190 of the display device, .

The power supply unit 195, the first and second connectors IF CNT and P / G CNT, and the DC power supply unit are mounted on an interface board (or an interface board) separately from the liquid crystal panels 160 and LCM .

The power supply unit 195 generates power required by the liquid crystal panel 160. The power supply unit 195 generates N (N is an integer of 1 or more) power levels required by the liquid crystal panel 160 based on the power supplied from the external signal source 180 without generating power by itself .

The power supply unit 195 is connected to an external signal source 180 through a DC connection. The power supply unit 195 includes a first power supply unit DC / DC for generating a first driving voltage AVDD, a second power supply unit LDO for generating a second driving voltage DVDD, (LED < / RTI >

The first connector IF CNT is connected to the connector of the liquid crystal panel 160. The second connector P / G CNT is connected to a cable or the like of the external signal source 180. The second connector P / G CNT transfers various signals (Signal) supplied from the external signal source 180 to the first connector IF CNT. Various signals (Signal) supplied from the external signal source 180 are selected as signals capable of performing various tests including inspection and aging of the liquid crystal panel 160 and the like.

When the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display unit is coupled to the third connector (not shown) of the liquid crystal panel 160, various signals (Signal) supplied from the external signal source 180, The power generated from the light source 195 is transmitted to the liquid crystal panel 160.

The test apparatus 190 of the display device proposed in the related art can be configured such that an operator can operate the test apparatus 190 of the display apparatus and the liquid crystal panel (not shown) without turning off the power of the external signal source 180 or the test apparatus 190 of the display apparatus. 160, an overcurrent, an overvoltage, or the like occurs due to instant electrical contact. In this case, the conventional test apparatus 190 of the display device has a problem of damaging the liquid crystal panel 160 by causing an electrostatic discharge (ESD) or an electric overload stress (EOS) caused by an overcurrent, an overvoltage or the like.

[First embodiment of the present invention]

4 and 5, the power supply unit 195, the first and second connectors IF CNT and P / G CNT are connected to the test apparatus 190 of the display apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A power source connection unit (DC Jack), a buffer unit BUF, and a switch unit (S / W).

The power supply unit 195, the first and second connectors IF CNT and P / G CNT, the power source connection unit DC Jack, the buffer unit BUF and the switch unit S / W are connected to the liquid crystal panel 160, On the interface board (or interface board).

The power supply unit 195 generates power required by the liquid crystal panel 160. The power supply unit 195 generates N (N is an integer of 1 or more) power levels required by the liquid crystal panel 160 based on the power supplied from the external signal source 180 without generating power by itself .

The power supply unit 195 is connected to an external signal source 180 through a DC connection. The power supply unit 195 includes a first power supply unit DC / DC for generating a first driving voltage AVDD, a second power supply unit LDO for generating a second driving voltage DVDD, (LED < / RTI >

The first connector IF CNT is connected to the connector of the liquid crystal panel 160. The second connector P / G CNT is connected to a cable or the like of the external signal source 180. The second connector P / G CNT transfers various signals (Signal) supplied from the external signal source 180 to the first connector IF CNT. Various signals (Signal) supplied from the external signal source 180 are selected as signals capable of performing various tests including inspection and aging of the liquid crystal panel 160 and the like.

The buffer unit BUF drives various signals supplied through the second connector P / G CNT based on the second driving voltage DVDD output from the second power supply unit LDO, (IF CNT). Various signals (Signal) supplied through the second connector (P / G CNT) may be affected by signal distortion or noise as the length of the transmission line becomes longer. The buffer unit BUF amplifies the strength of various signals (Signal, Data & Control Signal) supplied through the second connector (P / G CNT) in order to minimize the influence of distortion or noise of the signals. However, the buffer unit BUF may be omitted depending on the size of the test apparatus 190 of the display device.

The switch unit S / W is located between the power connection unit (DC Jack) and the power supply unit 195. The switch section (S / W) has at least three terminals. The first terminal of the switch unit S / W is connected to the output terminal of the DC connection unit and the second terminal of the switch unit S / W is connected to the input terminal of the power supply unit 195, W is connected to the first connector IF CNT.

The switch S / W is turned on or off according to whether the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display device is fastened to the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160. That is, the power supplied through the power source connection unit (DC Jack) is supplied to the power supply unit 195 only when the switch unit S / W is turned on.

When the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display device and the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160 are not fastened, the switch S / W is turned off . That is, the third terminal of the switch unit S / W is turned off when it becomes a logic high signal or a floating state.

On the other hand, when the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display apparatus is coupled to the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160, the switch unit S / W is turned on . That is, the third terminal of the switch unit S / W is turned on when a logic low signal or a voltage lower than the ground is supplied.

The first connector IF CNT and the third connector LCM CNT have fins connected to ground lines GND for transmitting a ground voltage. The ground lines GND connected to the pins of the first connector IF CNT are interconnected on the test apparatus 190 of the display device and the ground lines GND connected to the pins of the third connector LCM CNT are connected to the liquid crystal Are interconnected on panel 160.

The N-th pin connected to the ground lines GND among the fins of the first connector IF CNT is allocated to be connected to the third terminal of the switch S / W, and the N-th pin electrically connected to the other ground lines GND . The Nth pin of the first connector IF CNT is located corresponding to the Nth pin of the third connector LCM CNT and the Nth pin of the third connector LCM CNT is positioned on the liquid crystal panel 160. [ (GND) on the ground.

Therefore, when the first connector IF CNT and the third connector LCM CNT are fastened, the ground voltage supplied through the first connector IF CNT is connected to the switch S / W via the third connector LCM CNT To the third terminal. Then, the switch S / W is turned on (Low: On) in response to the supply ground voltage to the third terminal of the switch S / W.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the switch unit S / W is turned on or off according to whether an electric voltage or a signal is applied in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. However, the switch S / W may be configured to be turned on when the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display device is coupled to the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160 , Which may comprise physical or mechanical switches.

≪ Embodiment 2 >

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a test apparatus for a display apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a part of FIG.

6 and 7, the power supply unit 195, the first and second connectors IF CNT, P / G CNT, and the like are connected to the test apparatus 190 of the display apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A power source connection unit (DC Jack), a buffer unit BUF, and a switch unit (S / W).

The power supply unit 195, the first and second connectors IF CNT and P / G CNT, the power source connection unit DC Jack, the buffer unit BUF and the switch unit S / W are connected to the liquid crystal panel 160, On the interface board (or interface board).

The power supply unit 195 generates power required by the liquid crystal panel 160. The power supply unit 195 generates N (N is an integer of 1 or more) power levels required by the liquid crystal panel 160 based on the power supplied from the external signal source 180 without generating power by itself .

The power supply unit 195 is connected to an external signal source 180 through a DC connection. The power supply unit 195 includes a first power supply unit DC / DC for generating a first driving voltage AVDD, a second power supply unit LDO for generating a second driving voltage DVDD, (LED < / RTI >

The first connector IF CNT is connected to the connector of the liquid crystal panel 160. The second connector P / G CNT is connected to a cable or the like of the external signal source 180. The second connector P / G CNT transfers various signals (Signal) supplied from the external signal source 180 to the first connector IF CNT. Various signals (Signal) supplied from the external signal source 180 are selected as signals capable of performing various tests including inspection and aging of the liquid crystal panel 160 and the like.

The buffer unit BUF drives various signals supplied through the second connector P / G CNT based on the second driving voltage DVDD output from the second power supply unit LDO, (IF CNT). Various signals (Signal) supplied through the second connector (P / G CNT) may be affected by signal distortion or noise as the length of the transmission line becomes longer. The buffer unit BUF amplifies the strength of various signals (Signal, Data & Control Signal) supplied through the second connector (P / G CNT) in order to minimize the influence of distortion or noise of the signals. However, the buffer unit BUF may be omitted depending on the size of the test apparatus 190 of the display device.

The switch unit S / W is located between the power connection unit (DC Jack) and the power supply unit 195. The switch section (S / W) has at least three terminals. The first terminal of the switch unit S / W is connected to the output terminal of the DC connection unit and the second terminal of the switch unit S / W is connected to the input terminal of the power supply unit 195, W is connected to the first connector IF CNT.

The switch S / W is turned on or off according to whether the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display device is fastened to the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160. That is, the power supplied through the power source connection unit (DC Jack) is supplied to the power supply unit 195 only when the switch unit S / W is turned on.

The power supply line VL of the power supply connection DC Jack is connected to the (N-1) th pin of the first connector IF CNT and the N-1 < th > To the Nth pin of the first connector IF CNT and then to the third terminal of the switch S / W. The switch S / W is formed of a transistor (FET) or the like.

When the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display unit and the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160 are not fastened, the switch unit S / W is turned off. In this case, the power source Vol outputted through the power source line VL of the power source connection unit DC Jack is connected to the switch unit S / W via the first connector IF CNT and the third connector LCM CNT I can not come back. Therefore, the power source Vol is not supplied to the third terminal of the switch unit S / W, and thus is turned off.

On the other hand, when the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display apparatus is coupled with the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160, the switch unit S / W is turned on. In this case, the power source Vol outputted through the power source line VL of the power source connection unit DC Jack is connected to the switch unit S / W via the first connector IF CNT and the third connector LCM CNT Come back. Therefore, since the power supply Vol is supplied to the third terminal of the switch unit S / W, it is turned on.

Therefore, when the first connector IF CNT and the third connector LCM CNT are fastened, the power source Vol supplied through the first connector IF CNT is connected to the switch unit S / W). Then, the switch unit S / W is turned on in response to the supply voltage Vol to the third terminal of the switch unit S / W.

On the other hand, the power source Vol outputted through the power source line VL of the power source connection portion (DC Jack) is selected corresponding to the type of the transistor (FET) constituting the switch portion S / W. For example, when the type of the transistor (FET) constituting the switch unit S / W is N type, the power source Vol outputted through the power source line VL becomes a high potential voltage (or a high potential power source). On the other hand, when the type of the transistor (FET) constituting the switch unit S / W is P type, the power source Vol output through the power source line VL becomes the ground voltage.

≪ Third Embodiment >

8 is a view schematically showing a test apparatus of a display apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

8, the test apparatus 190 of the display apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply unit 195, first and second connectors IF CNT, P / G CNT, (DC Jack), a buffer unit (BUF), a switch unit (S / W), and a switch control unit (Micom).

The power supply unit 195, the first and second connectors IF CNT and P / G CNT, the power source connection unit DC Jack, the buffer unit BUF, the switch unit S / W, and the switch control unit Micom Is formed on an interface substrate (or an interface board) separated from the liquid crystal panel 160 (LCM).

The power supply unit 195 generates power required by the liquid crystal panel 160. The power supply unit 195 generates N (N is an integer of 1 or more) power levels required by the liquid crystal panel 160 based on the power supplied from the external signal source 180 without generating power by itself .

The power supply unit 195 is connected to an external signal source 180 through a DC connection. The power supply unit 195 includes a first power supply unit DC / DC for generating a first driving voltage AVDD, a second power supply unit LDO2 for generating a second driving voltage DVDD, a third driving voltage VBL A fourth power supply unit LDO1 for generating a fourth driving voltage Vcc, and the like.

The first connector IF CNT is connected to the connector of the liquid crystal panel 160. The second connector P / G CNT is connected to a cable or the like of the external signal source 180. The second connector P / G CNT transfers various signals (Signal) supplied from the external signal source 180 to the first connector IF CNT. Various signals (Signal) supplied from the external signal source 180 are selected as signals capable of performing various tests including inspection and aging of the liquid crystal panel 160 and the like.

The switch unit S / W is located between the power connection unit (DC Jack) and the power supply unit 195. The switch section (S / W) has at least three terminals. The first terminal of the switch unit S / W is connected to the output terminal of the DC connection unit and the second terminal of the switch unit S / W is connected to the input terminal of the power supply unit 195, W is connected to the output terminal of the switch control unit Micom.

The switch S / W is turned on or off according to whether the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display device is fastened to the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160. That is, the power supplied through the power source connection unit (DC Jack) is supplied to the power supply unit 195 only when the switch unit S / W is turned on.

The fourth power supply unit LDO1 generates the fourth driving voltage Vcc as the standby power supply in accordance with the power supplied from the power supply unit DC Jack. The switch control unit Micom is connected to the output terminal of the fourth power supply unit LDO1. That is, the switch control unit Micom uses the fourth driving voltage Vcc output from the fourth power supply unit LDO1 as the input power source.

One end of a pull-up resistor (pull-up resistor) is connected to one of the input / output pins of the switch control unit (Micom). One end of the pull-up resistor is connected to the N-th pin connected to the ground line GND of the third connector LCM CNT among the fins of the first connector IF CNT. The other end of the pull-up resistor (pull-up resistor) is connected to the power supply terminal of the switch control unit Micom and the output terminal of the fourth power supply unit LDO1.

On the other hand, the switch control unit Micom is composed of a programmable microcomputer or the like. Inside the switch control unit Micom is programmed to output a signal for turning on or off the switch unit S / W corresponding to the signal supplied through the input / output pin connected to one end of a pull-up resistor.

The switch control unit Micom is supplied with the fourth driving voltage Vcc through the pull-up resistor, so that the switch control unit Micom becomes a logic high state by default.

Therefore, when the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display device and the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160 are not fastened, a logic high A signal corresponding to the signal High or power is supplied, so that the switch control unit Micom outputs a switch inactivation signal for turning off the switch unit S / W.

On the other hand, when the first connector IF CNT of the test apparatus 190 of the display device is coupled with the third connector LCM CNT of the liquid crystal panel 160, a logic low signal is applied to one end of the pull- The switch control unit Micom outputs a switch activation signal Enable for turning on the switch unit S / W since a signal corresponding to the low level signal or power is supplied. On the other hand, the switch activation signal Enable output from the switch control unit Micom can be programmed to be output with a delay time.

Meanwhile, in the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the test apparatus 190 of the display device is manufactured in the form of a separate interface board (or interface board) separated from the liquid crystal panel 160, As an example. However, the test apparatus 190 of the display device may be formed on a printed circuit board or a user circuit board connected to the liquid crystal panel 160, which will be described below as an example.

<Fourth Embodiment>

9 is a schematic view of a test apparatus for a display apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

9, the power supply unit 165, the third connector LCM CNT, and the switch unit S / W are included in the test apparatus 161 of the display apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. do.

A power supply unit 165, a third connector LCM CNT and a switch unit S / W are formed on a printed circuit board connected to the liquid crystal panel 160. The printed circuit board may be defined as a circuit board on which the timing control unit and the like are mounted. That is, the test apparatus 161 of the display device is fabricated in a module form together with the liquid crystal panel 160.

The power supply unit 165 generates power required by the liquid crystal panel 160. The power supply unit 165 generates N (N is an integer of 1 or more) power levels required by the liquid crystal panel 160 based on the power supplied from the user system 200 without generating power.

The power supply 165 is connected to the user system 200 through the third connector LCM CNT. The power supply unit 165 includes a first power supply unit DC / DC for generating a first driving voltage AVDD, VGH and VGL, a second power supply unit LDO2 for generating a second driving voltage DVDD, And a third power supply unit (LED IC) that generates a driving voltage VLED.

The third connector (LCM CNT) is connected to the user system (200). The third connector LCM CNT is connected through a fourth connector (USR CNT) of the user system 200 or the like. The user system 200 includes a user circuit board or the like manufactured by a user.

The user system 200 is connected to an external signal source and transmits various signals or power supplied from an external signal source to the third connector LCM CNT of the test apparatus 161 of the display device. Various signals (Signal) supplied from an external signal source are selected as signals capable of performing various tests including inspection and aging of the liquid crystal panel 160 and the like. A buffer unit (BUF) for minimizing the influence of various signals (Signal) due to distortion or noise may be located in the user system (200), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The Nth pin, which is one of the pins connected to the fourth connector USR CNT of the user system 200, is connected to a ground line (GND) for transmitting a ground voltage. The (N + 2) th pin, which is one of the pins connected to the fourth connector USR CNT of the user system 200, is connected to the high potential voltage lines VCC and VBL for transmitting power.

The switch portion (S / W) is located between the third connector (LCM CNT) and the power supply portion 195. The switch section (S / W) has at least three terminals. The first terminal of the switch S / W is connected to the (N + 2) th pin of one of the pins of the third connector LCM CNT and the second terminal of the switch S / And the third terminal of the switch S / W is connected to the Nth pin, which is one of the pins of the third connector LCM CNT. The switch unit (S / W) is turned off when it is a logic high signal or floating state, and is turned on when a logic low signal or a ground voltage is supplied.

The switch unit S / W is turned on or off according to whether or not the third connector (LCM CNT) of the test apparatus 161 of the display apparatus is connected to the user system 200. That is, the power supplied through the third connector LCM CNT is supplied to the power supply unit 195 only when the switch unit S / W is turned on.

When the third connector LCM CNT of the test apparatus 161 of the display apparatus and the fourth connector USR CNT of the user system 200 are not fastened, the switch unit S / W outputs a logic high signal or a floating state And is turned off.

On the other hand, when the third connector LCM CNT of the test apparatus 161 of the display unit is coupled with the fourth connector USR CNT of the user system 200, the switch unit S / W outputs a logic low signal or a ground voltage And is turned on. In this case, the (N + 2) th pin connected to the fourth connector USR CNT of the user system 200 and the (N + 2) th pin connected to the third connector LCM CNT of the test apparatus 161 of the display device And is electrically connected. The power supplied through the (N + 2) th pin connected to the third connector LCM CNT of the test apparatus 161 of the display device is supplied to the power supply unit 165 via the switch unit S / W.

When the switch S / W is composed of an active device or a microcomputer, the power outputted through the switch S / W is output with a delay time. Therefore, the power supply 165 is soft- Soft Start).

<Fifth Embodiment>

10 is a view schematically showing a test apparatus of a display apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

10, the test apparatus 200 of the display apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply unit 265, a fourth connector USR CNT, a buffer unit BUF, and a switch unit S / W).

The power supply unit 265, the fourth connector USR CNT, the buffer unit BUF, and the switch unit S / W are formed on a user circuit board separated from the liquid crystal panel 160.

The power supply unit 265 generates power required by the liquid crystal panel 160. The power supply unit 265 supplies power to the liquid crystal panel 160 based on an internal signal source formed in the test apparatus 200 of the display apparatus or a power source supplied from an external signal source, And generates various levels of power.

The power supply unit 165 includes a first power supply unit (DC / DC) that generates a first driving voltage, a second power supply unit (LDO) that generates a second driving voltage, and a third power supply unit LED IC) and the like.

The fourth connector USR CNT is connected to a third connector (not shown) of the liquid crystal panel 160. The liquid crystal panel 160 receives various signals and power through the fourth connector USR CNT. Various signals (Signal) supplied from an external signal source are selected as signals capable of performing various tests including inspection and aging of the liquid crystal panel 160 and the like.

The N-th pin, which is one of the pins of the fourth connector USR CNT, is transmitted with a logic low signal or a ground voltage (GND) when the third connector (not shown) of the liquid crystal panel 160 is connected. The logic low signal or the ground voltage GND is generated based on various signals or the ground voltage GND output from the fourth connector USR CNT is supplied to the third connector (not shown) of the liquid crystal panel 160 It may be returned via the network.

The buffer unit BUF drives various signals supplied through an external signal source or an internal signal source based on the second driving voltage output from the second power supply unit LDO and transmits the signals to the fourth connector USR CNT do. The buffer unit (BUF) amplifies the strength of various signals (Signal, Data & Control Signal) in order to minimize the influence of signal distortion or noise. However, the buffer unit BUF may be omitted depending on the size of the test apparatus 200 of the display apparatus.

The power supply unit 265 is supplied with power through the switch unit S / W. The switch unit (S / W) is located between an external signal source or an internal signal source and the power supply unit 195. The switch section (S / W) has at least three terminals. The first terminal of the switch unit S / W is connected to an external signal source or an internal signal source and the second terminal of the switch unit S / W is connected to the input terminal of the power supply unit 195 and the switch unit S / Is connected to the Nth pin, which is one of the pins of the fourth connector USR CNT. The switch unit (S / W) is turned off when it is a logic high signal or floating state, and is turned on when a logic low signal or a ground voltage is supplied.

The switch S / W is turned on or off according to whether or not the fourth connector USR CNT of the test apparatus 200 of the display apparatus is fastened to the third connector (not shown) of the liquid crystal panel 160. That is, the power supplied through the external signal source or the internal power source is supplied to the power supply unit 195 only when the switch unit S / W is turned on.

When the fourth connector USR CNT of the test apparatus 200 of the display apparatus is not fastened to the third connector (not shown) of the liquid crystal panel 160, the switch unit S / W outputs a logic high signal or a floating state And turns off (High: S / W Off). That is, the third terminal of the switch unit S / W is turned off when it becomes a logic high signal or a floating state.

On the other hand, when the fourth connector USR CNT of the test apparatus 200 of the display unit is coupled to the third connector (not shown) of the liquid crystal panel 160, the switch unit S / W outputs a logic low signal or a ground voltage And is turned on (Low: S / W On). That is, the third terminal of the switch unit S / W is turned on when a logic low signal or a voltage lower than the ground is supplied.

The test apparatus of the display apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention is supplied with power only when it is physically or electrically (or physically and electrically) coupled with the display panel. Therefore, the operator does not have to manually cut off or supply power to the external signal source or the test apparatus of the display apparatus. Therefore, the test apparatus of the display apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention has an effect of preventing the display panel from being damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD) or electrical overload stress (EOS).

As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to solve design precautions for operators during fastening between various kinds of jigs and display panels, to prevent problems that may occur in various kinds of jig fastening processes, Thereby preventing leakage of the display panel having a potential defect (customer satisfaction). Meanwhile, embodiments of the present invention may be combined into one or more other forms.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood that the invention may be practiced. It is therefore to be understood that the embodiments described above are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. In addition, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the following claims rather than the detailed description. Also, all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

130: timing controller 140: gate driver
150: data driver 160: liquid crystal panel
DC Jack: Power connection part BUF: Buffer part
S / W: Switch part Micom: Switch control part
IF CNT, P / G CNT, LCM CNT, USR CNT: Connector

Claims (10)

Display panel; And
And a circuit board coupled to the display panel and supplying various signals and power to the display panel,
Wherein the power source is supplied to the display panel only after a physical or electrical connection is made through the connector. The method according to claim 1,
The circuit board
And a switch unit which is turned on or off so that the power is outputted in accordance with whether the liquid crystal panel and the connector are fastened. 3. The method of claim 2,
The switch unit
And when the logic low signal or the ground voltage is supplied, the transistor is turned on. 3. The method of claim 2,
The switch unit
Wherein the liquid crystal panel is turned on in response to a signal or voltage supplied from the liquid crystal panel when the liquid crystal panel and the connector are fastened. 3. The method of claim 2,
The circuit board
And a power supply unit for generating N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) power supplies based on power outputted from an external or internal signal source,
Wherein the power supply unit outputs the power according to whether the switch unit is turned on or off. 6. The method of claim 5,
A first terminal of the switch unit is connected to the external or internal signal source,
A second terminal of the switch unit is connected to an input terminal of the power supply unit,
And a third terminal of the switch unit is connected to a connector formed on the circuit board. The method according to claim 6,
When the circuit board and the display panel are coupled
A high-potential voltage or a ground voltage output from the external or internal signal source is supplied to the switch unit via the display panel,
Wherein the switch unit is turned on in response to the high-potential voltage or the ground voltage. 3. The method of claim 2,
The circuit board
And a switch control unit for controlling the switch unit,
The switch control unit
When the circuit board and the display panel are coupled through the connector, outputs an activation signal for turning on the switch unit,
And outputs an inactivating signal for turning off the switch unit when the circuit board and the display panel are not fastened together. 9. The method of claim 8,
The switch control unit
And outputs the activation signal with a delay time. The method according to claim 1,
The circuit board
And a switch unit which is turned on or off so as to output the power according to whether the external system is connected to the external system through the connector.

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