1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, and more particularly, to an LCD and a method for testing the LCD.
2. Description of Related Art
LCDs have the advantages of portability, low power consumption, and low radiation, and thus are widely used in various portable information technology products, such as notebooks, personal digital assistants, video cameras, and the like.
To improve quality, LCDs are tested before being released to market. Commonly used testing methods include a build in system testing (BIST) method and a high voltage stress (HVS) testing method. In the BIST method, an LCD is driven to display predetermined images to determine whether defects are present. Upon determination that defects are present, the HVS testing method is additionally implemented, and the LCD is provided with some testing voltages exceeding driving voltages, to further determine the presence of defects.
However, two testing methods utilize discrete mechanisms, requiring separate control signals, and as such, the two methods must be implemented separately. Testing efficiency of the process is thus low, and utilization of the HVS testing method requires additional test apparatus, complicating the testing process.
What is needed is an LCD that can overcome the described limitations.
An aspect of the disclosure relates to an LCD including an interface circuit configured to provide a test enable signal when the liquid crystal display is in a test mode; a timing control circuit configured to provide build in system test (BIST) data signals corresponding to at least one predetermined BIST image and a high voltage stress (HVS) start signal according to the test enable signal; a DC/DC converter configured to generate test-related voltages in response to the HVS starting signal; a data driver configured to provide a plurality of test gray voltage signals according to the BIST data signals and the test-related voltages; a scanning driver configured to provide a plurality of test scanning signals according to the test-related voltages; and a liquid crystal panel configured to receive the test gray voltage signals and test scanning signals.
An aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for testing an LCD including the following steps: providing a test enable signal to a timing control circuit of the liquid crystal display; in response to the test enable signal, the timing controller providing build in system test (BIST) data signals to a data driver of the liquid crystal display, and a HVS starting signal to a DC/DC converter of the liquid crystal display; in response to the HVS starting signal, the DC/DC converter providing test-related voltages to the data driver and the scanning driver of the liquid crystal display; generating, by the data driver, a plurality of test gray voltage signals according to the test-related voltages and the BIST data signals, and generating, by the scanning driver, a plurality of test scanning signals according to the test-related voltages; and outputting the test gray voltage signals and the test scanning signals to a liquid crystal panel, whereby a BIST testing and an HVS testing are performed on the liquid crystal display simultaneously.
The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of at least one embodiment. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the various views.
Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in detail.
The connector 20 is configured to transmit a test enable signal to the timing control circuit 30 when the LCD 10 is in a test mode, and transmit normal image data to the timing control circuit 30 when the LCD 10 is in a normal working mode. In one embodiment, the connector 20 can be an interface circuit such as a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) connector, which may include a BIST pin (not shown) for outputting the test enable signal.
The timing control circuit 30 includes a test initiation circuit 32, a memory 31, a data processor 33, an HVS test initiation circuit 34, a timing signal generator 36, and an output unit 35. The test initiation circuit 32 is configured to output a BIST starting signal to the data processor 33 in response to the test enable signal during the test mode. The memory 31 may be a data latch configured to receive and latch the normal image data and provide the normal image data to the data processor 33 during the normal working mode. The data processor 33 is configured to selectively provide data signals corresponding to predetermined BIST image data or the normal image data to the output unit 351, providing control signals to the timing signal generator 36 directing the timing signal generator 36 to generate timing signals and provide a HVS enable signal to the HVS test initiation circuit 34 in response to the BIST starting signal. The HVS test initiation circuit 34 is configured to provide a HVS starting signal to the DC/DC converter 40 according to the HVS enable signal. The output unit 35 is configured to output the BIST image data or the normal image data to the data driver 50. The timing signal generator 36 is configured to provide timing signals to control timings of the data driver 50 and the scanning driver 60 according to the control signals output by the data processor 33, and in particular, the timing signal generator 36 may generate a first timing signal when the control signal corresponds to the normal image data, and a second timing signal when the control signal corresponds to the predetermined BIST image data.
The DC/DC converter 40 is configured to provide a test reference voltage VAVDD1 to the data driver 50, and provide a test high-level voltage VGH1 and a test low-level voltage VGL1 to the scanning driver 60 when the LCD 10 is in the testing mode. Moreover, the DC/DC converter 40 is also configured to provide a reference voltage VAVDD to the data driver 50, and provide a high-level voltage VGH and a low-level voltage VGL to the scanning driver 60 when the LCD 10 is in the normal working mode. The DC/DC converter 40 includes a control circuit 41 and a voltage generator 42. The control circuit 41 is configured to direct the voltage generator 42 to generate and output the test-related voltages (i.e., the test reference voltage VAVDD1, the test high-level voltage VGH1, and the test low-level voltage VGL1) upon receiving the HVS starting signal, for example, when the LCD 10 is in the test mode. The control circuit 41 is also configured to direct the voltage generator 42 to generate and output the normal working voltages (i.e., the reference voltage VAVDD, the high-level voltage VGH, and the low-level voltage VGL) without the reception of the HVS starting signal, for example, when the LCD 10 is in the normal working mode.
Moreover, the control circuit 41 may further include a timer 412, and the control circuit 41 can utilize the timer 412 to control a time period of the HVS testing process. For example, the timer 412 may be triggered to count in response to the HVS starting signal, whereby the voltage generator 42 can be directed to output the test-related voltages, and when the timer 412 reaches a predetermined maximum value, the control circuit 41 may inform the voltage generator 42 of an ending of the HVS testing process, such that the voltage generator 42 is directed to stop outputting the test-related voltages, and instead, to output the normal working voltages.
The scanning driver 60 is configured to provide a plurality of test scanning signals to the liquid crystal panel 70 according to the test high-level voltage VGH1, the test low-level voltage VGL1, and the corresponding timing signals when the LCD 10 is in the test mode, and provide a plurality of normal scanning signals to the liquid crystal panel 70 according to the high-level voltage VGH, the low-level voltage VGL, and the corresponding timing signals when the LCD 10 is in the normal working mode. The data driver 50 is configured to provide a plurality of test gray voltage signals to the liquid crystal panel 70 according to the predetermined BIST image data and the test reference voltage VAVDD1, and provide a plurality of normal gray voltage signals to the liquid crystal panel 70 according to the normal image data and the reference voltage VAVDD.
Referring to
The step-up transformer 430 includes an input terminal 431, a first feedback terminal 432, a second feedback terminal 434, and a third feedback terminal 436, a first modulation terminal 433, a second modulation terminal 435, and a reference terminal 437.
The input terminal 431 is configured to receive a working voltage, and the input terminal 431 is electrically connected to an input terminal 441 of the set-up circuit 440. The set-up circuit 440 is configured to receive the working voltage and output a first reference voltage to the VAVDD output terminal 421, and an output terminal 442 of the set-up circuit 440 is electrically connected to the VAVDD output terminal 421. The first divider circuit 451 is electrically connected between the first feedback terminal 432 and the VAVDD output terminal 421. The second divider circuit 452 is electrically connected between the first feedback terminal 432 and the ground, and is also electrically connected to the control circuit 41. The first divider circuit 451 includes a first resistor 461 connected between the first feedback terminal 432 and the VAVDD output terminal 421. The second divider circuit 452 can be a variable resistance unit, which includes a second resistor 462 and a first branch circuit 457 connected in parallel with the second resistor 462. The first branch circuit 457 may include a third resistor 463 and a first switch element 471 connected in series with the third resistor 463. In one embodiment, the first switch element 471 can be a first transistor, with a gate electrode electrically connected to the control circuit 41, a source electrode grounded via the third resistor 463, and a drain electrode electrically connected to the first feedback terminal 432.
The gate reference voltage generator 490 includes an input terminal 491, a first charge pump 492, and a second charge pump 496. The input terminal 491 is configured to receive a continuous alternating square signal. The first charge pump 492 is configured to provide a second reference voltage to the VGH output terminal 422 via the first voltage control circuit 481. The second charge pump 496 is configured to provide a third reference voltage to the VGL output terminal 423 via the second voltage control circuit 485. The first charge pump 492 includes two input terminals 493 and 494, and an output terminal 495. The second charge pump 496 includes two input terminals 497 and 498, and an output terminal 499. The input terminal 491 of the gate reference voltage generator 490 is electrically connected to the input terminal 493 of the first charge pump 492 and the input terminal 497 of the second charge pump 496. The input terminal 494 of the first charge pump 492 is electrically connected to the VAVDD output terminal 421. The output terminal 495 of the first charge pump 492 is electrically connected to the VGH output terminal 422 via the first voltage control circuit 481. The input terminal 498 of the second charge pump 496 is grounded, and the output terminal 499 of the second charge pump 496 is electrically connected to the VGL output terminal 423 via the second voltage control circuit 485.
The first modulation terminal 433 is configured to control a voltage level of the VGH output terminal 422 via the first voltage control circuit 481. The first voltage control circuit 481 includes a first PNP type bipolar junction transistor (BJT) 482 and a resistor electrically connected between a base electrode and an emitter electrode of the BJT 482. The emitter electrode of the first BJT 482 is electrically connected to the output terminal 495 of the first charge pump 492. The first modulation terminal 433 is electrically connected to the base electrode of the first BJT 482. The VGH output terminal 422 is electrically connected to a collector electrode of the first BJT 482. The third divider circuit 453 is electrically connected between the second feedback terminal 434 and the VGH output terminal 422. The fourth divider circuit 454 is electrically connected between the second feedback terminal 434 and the ground, and is also electrically connected to the control circuit 41. The third divider circuit 453 includes a fourth resistor 464 electrically connected between the second feedback terminal 434 and the VGH output terminal 422. The fourth divider circuit 454 can be a variable resistance unit, which includes a fifth resistor 465 and a second branch circuit 458 connected in parallel with the fifth resistor 465. The second branch circuit 458 may include a sixth resistor 466 and a second switch element 472 connected in series with the sixth resistor 466. The second switch element 472 can be a second transistor, with a gate electrode electrically connected to the control circuit 41, a source electrode grounded via the sixth resistor 466, and a drain electrode electrically connected to the second feedback terminal 434.
The second modulation terminal 435 is configured to control a voltage level of the VGL output terminal 423 via the second voltage control circuit 485. The second voltage control circuit 485 includes a second PNP type BJT 486 and a resistor electrically connected between a base electrode and an emitter electrode of the second BJT 486. The emitter electrode of the second BJT 486 is electrically connected to the output terminal 499 of the second charge pump 496. The second modulation terminal 435 is electrically connected to the base electrode of the second BJT 486. The VGL output terminal 423 is electrically connected to a collector electrode of the second BJT 486. The fifth divider circuit 455 is electrically connected between the third feedback terminal 436 and the VGL output terminal 423. The sixth divider circuit 456 is electrically connected between the third feedback terminal 436 and the ground, and is also electrically connected to the control circuit 41. The fifth divider circuit 455 includes a seventh resistor 467 electrically connected between the third feedback terminal 436 and the VGL output terminal 423. The sixth divider circuit 456 can be a variable resistance unit, including an eighth resistor 468 and a third branch circuit 459 connected in parallel with the eighth resistor 468. The third branch circuit 459 may include a ninth resistor 469 and a third switch element 473 connected in series with the ninth resistor 469. The third switch element 473 can be a third transistor, with a gate electrode electrically connected to the control circuit 41, a source electrode grounded via the ninth resistor 469, and a drain electrode electrically connected to the third feedback terminal 436.
When the liquid crystal display 10 is in the normal working mode, the connector 20 transmits the normal image data to the memory 31. The normal image data is latched in the memory 31 and then output to the data processor 33. The data processor 33 coverts the normal image data into normal data signals, and outputs the normal data signals to the data driver 50 via the output unit 35, and additionally, the data processor 33 also outputs control signals corresponding to the normal image data to the timing signal generator 36. Accordingly, the control signal generator 36 generate a first timing signal to the data driver 50 and scanning driver 60. Moreover, the first switch element 471, the second switch element 472, and the third switch element 473 are switched off under the control of the control circuit 41. The voltage generator 42 outputs a reference voltage VAVDD to the data driver 50, and outputs a high-level voltage VGH and a low-level voltage VGL to the scanning driver 60. The scanning driver 60 provides a plurality of normal scanning signals to the liquid crystal panel 70 according to the high-level voltage VGH, the low-level voltage VGL, and the first timing signal. The data driver 50 provides a plurality of normal gray voltage signals to the liquid crystal panel 70 according to the reference voltage VAVDD and the normal data signals. Thus, the liquid crystal panel 70 displays a normal image.
With the described circuit configuration, in the normal working mode, the reference voltage VAVDD, the high-level voltage VGH, and the low-level voltage VGL can be expressed as follows:
V
AVDD
=V
FB(R1+R2)/R2 (1)
V
GH
=V
FBP(R3+R4)/R5 (2)
V
GL
=V
FBN−(VREF−VFBN)R5/R6 (3)
In the above formulas, VFB denotes a voltage of the first feedback terminal 432, VFBP denotes a voltage of the second feedback terminal 434, and VFBN denotes a voltage of the third feedback terminal 436. R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 denote resistances of the first divider circuit 451, the second divider circuit 452, the third divider circuit 453, the fourth divider circuit 454, and the fifth divider circuit 455, and the sixth divider circuit 456 respectively. That is, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 denote resistances of the first resistor 461, the second resistor 462, the fourth resistor 464, the fifth resistor 465, the seventh resistor 467, and the eighth resistor 468 respectively.
When the liquid crystal display 10 enters a test mode, the connector 20 transmits a test enable signal to the test initiation circuit 32, which in turn generates and outputs a BIST starting signal to the data processor 33. In response to the BIST starting signal, the data processor 33 converts the predetermined BIST image data into BIST data signals and outputs the BIST data signals to the data driver 50 via the output unit 35. Moreover, the data processor 33 also provides control signals corresponding to the BIST image data to the timing signal generator 36, and provides a HVS test enable signal to the HVS test initiation circuit 34. Accordingly, the timing signal generator 36 generates and outputs a second timing signal to the data driver 50 and the scanning driver 60. The HVS test initiation circuit 34 outputs an HVS starting signal to the DC/DC converter 40 in response to the HVS enable signal. Moreover, upon receiving the HVS starting signal, the control circuit 41 switches the first switch element 471, the second switch element 472, and the third switch element 473 on, and the timer 412 begins clocking the time period of the HVS testing. The voltage generator 42 outputs a test reference voltage VAVDD1 to the data driver 50, and a test high-level voltage VGH1 and a test low-level voltage VGL1 to the scanning driver 60. The scanning driver 60 provides a plurality of test scanning signals to the liquid crystal panel 70 according to the test high-level voltage VGH1, the test low-level voltage VGL1, and the second timing signal. The data driver 50 provides a plurality of test gray voltage signals to the liquid crystal panel 70 according to the test reference voltage VAVDD1 and the BIST data signals. Thus, the liquid crystal panel displays a test image corresponding to the predetermined BIST image data.
In the test mode, the test reference voltage VAVDD1, the test high-level voltage VGH1, and the test low-level voltage VGL1 can be expressed as follows:
V
AVDD1
=V
FB(R1+R2″)/R2″ (4)
V
GH1
=V
FBP(R3+R4″)/R5″ (5)
V
GL1
=V
FBN−(VREF−VFBN)R5/R6″ (6)
In the above formulas, VFB denotes a voltage of the first feedback terminal 432, VFBP denotes a voltage of the second feedback terminal 434, and VFBN denotes a voltage of the third feedback terminal 436. R1, R2″, R3, R4″, R5 and R6″ denote resistances of the first divider circuit 451, the second divider circuit 452, the third divider circuit 453, the fourth divider circuit 454, and the fifth divider circuit 455, and the sixth divider circuit 456 respectively. R1, R3 and R5 denote resistances of the first resistor 461, the fourth resistor 464, and the seventh resistor 467 respectively. Moreover, R2″ denotes parallel resistances of the second resistor 462 and the third resistor 463, and is less than the resistances of the second resistor 462 (R2). R4″ denotes parallel resistances of the fifth resistor 465 and the sixth resistor 466, is less than the resistances of the fifth resistor 465 (R4). R6″ denotes parallel resistances of the eighth resistor 468 and the ninth resistor 469, is less than the resistances of the eighth resistor 468 (R6). That is, R2″<R2, R4″<R4, and R6″<R6. Therefore, according to the above formulae (1)˜(6), it can be found that VAVDD1>VAVDD, VGH>VGH, and VGL1=VGL.
When the timer 412 reaches a predetermined maximum value, that is, the time period of the HVS testing approximately reaches a predetermined HVS test time, the control circuit 41 may inform the voltage generator 42 of an ending of the HVS testing process. In particular, the control circuit 41 switches the first switch element 471, the second switch element 472, and the third switch element 473 off, whereby the output voltages of the voltage generator 42 are recovered from the test-related voltages to the normal working voltages, that is the voltage generator 42 re-outputs the reference voltage VAVDD to the data driver 50, and outputs the high-level voltage VGH and the low-level voltage VGL to the scanning driver 60.
In summary, the LCD 10 employs the connector 20 to transmit the test enable signal to the timing control circuit 30 to start BIST testing, and the timing control circuit 30 further starts HVS testing when the BIST testing is activated. Thus, the BIST testing and the HVS testing are performed on the LCD 10 simultaneously, and testing efficiency is optimized. Furthermore, when the LCD 10 can work in the test mode, with the disclosed configuration of the DC-DC converter 40, no additional test apparatus is required and testing of the LCD 10 is simplified.
Based on the disclosure, a method for testing an LCD, such as, for example, LCD 10 of
It is to be further understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of a preferred embodiment have been set out in the foregoing description, together with details of the structures and functions of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only; and that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
200910309612.8 | Nov 2009 | CN | national |