公开(公告)号：US08748320B2

公开(公告)日：2014-06-10

申请号：US13629547

申请日：2012-09-27

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Ming-Chin Hung ,  Young Bae Park ,  Chun-Yao Huang ,  Shih Chang Chang ,  John Z. Zhong

IPC: H01L21/311

CPC classification number: H01L29/7869 ,  H01L27/124 ,  H01L27/1288 ,  H01L29/66969 ,  H01L29/78606

Abstract: A method of connecting to a first metal layer in a semiconductor flow process. Disclosed embodiments connect to the first metal layer by etching a first portion of a viahole through an etch stop layer and a gate insulation layer to reach a first metal layer, depositing a second metal layer such that the second metal layer contacts the first metal layer within the viahole, and etching a second portion of the viahole through a first passivation layer and an organic layer to reach the second metal layer.

Abstract translation: 一种在半导体流程中连接到第一金属层的方法。 公开的实施例通过蚀刻通孔的第一部分通过蚀刻停止层和栅极绝缘层连接到第一金属层，以到达第一金属层，沉积第二金属层，使得第二金属层与第一金属层接触， 所述通孔，并且通过第一钝化层和有机层蚀刻所述通孔的第二部分以到达所述第二金属层。

公开(公告)号：US20140138637A1

公开(公告)日：2014-05-22

申请号：US13837311

申请日：2013-03-15

Applicant: APPLE INC.

Inventor： Byung Duk Yang ,  John Z. Zhong ,  Shih Chang Chang ,  Vasudha Gupta ,  Young Bae Park

IPC: H01L27/32

CPC classification number: H01L27/3276 ,  H01L27/1218 ,  H01L27/124 ,  H01L27/1244 ,  H01L27/1248 ,  H01L2251/5338

Abstract: A flexible display having an array of pixels or sub-pixels is provided. The display includes a flexible substrate and an array of thin film transistors (TFTs) corresponding to the array of pixels or sub-pixels on the substrate. The display also includes a first plurality of metal lines coupled to gate electrodes of the TFTs and a second plurality of metal lines coupled to source electrodes and drain electrodes of the TFTs. At least one of the first plurality of metal lines and the second plurality of metal lines comprises a non-stretchable portion in the TFT areas and a stretchable portion outside the TFT areas.

Abstract translation: 提供具有像素或子像素阵列的柔性显示器。 显示器包括柔性基板和对应于基板上的像素或子像素阵列的薄膜晶体管阵列（TFT）。 显示器还包括耦合到TFT的栅电极的第一多个金属线和耦合到TFT的源电极和漏电极的第二多个金属线。 第一多个金属线和第二多个金属线中的至少一个包括TFT区域中的不可拉伸部分和TFT区域外的可伸展部分。

公开(公告)号：US20140125565A1

公开(公告)日：2014-05-08

申请号：US13667942

申请日：2012-11-02

Applicant: APPLE INC.

Inventor： Shih Chang Chang ,  Yu Cheng Chen

IPC: G09G3/30

CPC classification number: H01L27/1237

Abstract: Devices and methods for increasing the aperture ratio and providing more precise gray level control to pixels in an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display are provided. By way of example, one embodiment includes disposing a gate insulator and an interlayer dielectric material between a gate electrode of a thin-film transistor of a driving circuit and a channel of the thin-film transistor. The improved structure of the driving circuit facilitates a higher voltage range for controlling the gray level of the pixels, and may increase the aperture ratio of the pixels.

Abstract translation: 提供了用于增加开口率并为有源矩阵有机发光二极管（AMOLED）显示器中的像素提供更精确的灰度级控制的装置和方法。 作为示例，一个实施例包括在驱动电路的薄膜晶体管的栅电极和薄膜晶体管的沟道之间布置栅绝缘体和层间电介质材料。 驱动电路的改进的结构有助于控制像素的灰度级的更高的电压范围，并且可以增加像素的开口率。

公开(公告)号：US20140103349A1

公开(公告)日：2014-04-17

申请号：US13801261

申请日：2013-03-13

Applicant: APPLE INC.

Inventor： Cheng-Ho Yu ,  Young Bae Park ,  Shih Chang Chang ,  Ting-Kuo Chang ,  Shang-Chih Lin

IPC: H01L29/786 ,  H01L29/66

CPC classification number: H01L29/78651 ,  H01L27/1288 ,  H01L29/6675 ,  H01L29/78621 ,  H01L29/78645

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating thin-film transistors (TFTs) for an LCD having an array of pixels. The method includes depositing a first photoresist layer over a portion of a TFT stack. The TFT stack includes a conductive gate layer, and a semiconductor layer. The method also includes doping the exposed semiconductor layer with a first doping dose. The method further includes etching a portion of the conductive gate layer to expose a portion of the semiconductor layer, and doping the exposed portion of the semiconductor layer with a second doping dose. The method also includes removing the first photoresist layer, and depositing a second photoresist layer over a first portion of the doped semiconductor layer in an active area of the pixels to expose a second portion of the doped semiconductor layer in an area surrounding the active area. The method further includes doping the second portion of the doped semiconductor layer with a third doping dose, the first dose being higher than the second dose and the third dose.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种制造用于具有像素阵列的LCD的薄膜晶体管（TFT）的方法。 该方法包括在TFT堆叠的一部分上沉积第一光致抗蚀剂层。 TFT堆叠包括导电栅极层和半导体层。 该方法还包括以第一掺杂剂量掺杂暴露的半导体层。 该方法还包括蚀刻导电栅极层的一部分以暴露半导体层的一部分，并以第二掺杂剂量掺杂半导体层的暴露部分。 该方法还包括去除第一光致抗蚀剂层，以及在像素的有源区域中在掺杂半导体层的第一部分上沉积第二光致抗蚀剂层，以在围绕有源区域的区域中暴露掺杂半导体层的第二部分。 该方法还包括以第三掺杂剂量掺杂掺杂半导体层的第二部分，第一剂量高于第二剂量和第三剂量。

公开(公告)号：US20140098332A1

公开(公告)日：2014-04-10

申请号：US13648404

申请日：2012-10-10

Applicant: APPLE INC.

Inventor： Kyung Wook Kim ,  Cheng Chen ,  Shih Chang Chang ,  Young Bae Park ,  John Z. Zhong

IPC: G02F1/1335 ,  G02F1/1339

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display mounted in a housing. The display may include a color filter layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a thin-film transistor layer. The color filter layer may form the outermost layer of the display. A color filter layer substrate in the color filter layer may have opposing inner and outer surfaces. A layer of patterned metal on the inner surface may form metal alignment marks. The metal alignment marks may include alignment marks for color filter elements, alignment marks for a black matrix layer that is formed on top of the color filter elements, and post spacer alignment marks. The layer of patterned metal may also form structures such as logo structures that are visible on the outer surface in an inactive border region of the display.

Abstract translation: 电子设备可以设置有安装在壳体中的显示器。 显示器可以包括滤色器层，液晶层和薄膜晶体管层。 滤色器层可以形成显示器的最外层。 滤色器层中的滤色器层基板可以具有相对的内表面和外表面。 内表面上的图案化金属层可以形成金属对准标记。 金属对准标记可以包括用于滤色器元件的对准标记，形成在滤色器元件顶部的黑矩阵层的对准标记和柱间隔物对准标记。 图案化金属层还可以形成诸如在显示器的非活动边界区域中的外表面上可见的标志结构的结构。

公开(公告)号：US20130328053A1

公开(公告)日：2013-12-12

申请号：US13629531

申请日：2012-09-27

Applicant: APPLE INC.

Inventor： Abbas Jamshidi Roudbari ,  Cheng-Ho Yu ,  Shih Chang Chang ,  Ting-Kuo Chang

IPC: H01L29/786 ,  H01L33/08

CPC classification number: H01L29/78675 ,  H01L27/1222 ,  H01L29/78624 ,  H01L29/78645 ,  H01L29/78696

Abstract: A transistor that may be used in electronic displays to selectively activate one or more pixels. The transistor includes a metal layer, a silicon layer deposited on at least a portion of the metal layer, the silicon layer includes an extension portion that extends a distance past the metal layer, and at least three lightly doped regions positioned in the silicon layer. The at least three lightly doped regions have a lower concentration of doping atoms than other portions of the silicon layer forming the transistor.

Abstract translation: 可用于电子显示器中以选择性地激活一个或多个像素的晶体管。 晶体管包括金属层，沉积在金属层的至少一部分上的硅层，硅层包括延伸距离金属层的延伸部分和位于硅层中的至少三个轻掺杂区域。 所述至少三个轻掺杂区域具有比形成晶体管的硅层的其它部分更低的掺杂原子浓度。

公开(公告)号：US20130176281A1

公开(公告)日：2013-07-11

申请号：US13784714

申请日：2013-03-04

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Steven Porter HOTELLING ,  Marduke Yousefpor ,  Shih Chang Chang ,  John Z. Zhong

IPC: G06F3/044

CPC classification number: G06F3/044 ,  G06F3/0412

Abstract: Displays with integrated touch sensing circuitry are provided. An integrated touch screen can include multi-function circuit elements that form part of the display circuitry of the display system that generates an image on the display, and also form part of the touch sensing circuitry of a touch sensing system that senses one or more touches on or near the display. The multi-function circuit elements can be, for example, capacitors in display pixels of an LCD that are configured to operate as display circuitry in the display system, and that may also be configured to operate as touch circuitry of the touch sensing system. For example, one or more circuit elements of the display pixel stackup can form a conductive portion of the touch sensing system, such as a charge collector, which can be operated with switches and conductive lines to sense touch.

Abstract translation: 提供带集成触摸感应电路的显示器。 集成触摸屏可以包括形成显示系统的显示电路的一部分的多功能电路元件，其在显示器上产生图像，并且还形成感测一个或多个触摸的触摸感测系统的触摸感测电路的一部分 在显示器上或附近。 多功能电路元件可以是例如LCD的显示像素中的电容器，其被配置为作为显示系统中的显示电路工作，并且还可以被配置为作为触摸感测系统的触摸电路来操作。 例如，显示像素堆叠的一个或多个电路元件可以形成触摸感测系统的导电部分，例如电荷收集器，其可以用开关和导电线来操作以感测触摸。

公开(公告)号：US11875745B2

公开(公告)日：2024-01-16

申请号：US18172049

申请日：2023-02-21

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Chin-Wei Lin ,  Hung Sheng Lin ,  Shih Chang Chang ,  Shinya Ono

IPC: G09G3/3233 ,  G09G3/3266 ,  H01L29/786 ,  G09G3/3275 ,  H01L27/12

CPC classification number: G09G3/3233 ,  G09G3/3266 ,  G09G3/3275 ,  H01L27/1225 ,  H01L29/7869 ,  H01L29/78651 ,  G09G2300/0842 ,  G09G2300/0861 ,  G09G2310/0202 ,  G09G2320/0295 ,  G09G2320/043

Abstract: A display may have an array of pixels each of which has a light-emitting diode such as an organic light-emitting diode. A drive transistor and an emission transistor may be coupled in series with the light-emitting diode of each pixel between a positive power supply and a ground power supply. The pixels may include first and second switching transistors. A data storage capacitor may be coupled between a gate and source of the drive transistor in each pixel. Signal lines may be provided in columns of pixels to route signals such as data signals, sensed drive currents from the drive transistors, and predetermined voltages between display driver circuitry and the pixels. The switching transistors, emission transistors, and drive transistors may include semiconducting-oxide transistors and silicon transistors and may be n-channel transistors or p-channel transistors.

公开(公告)号：US11462163B2

公开(公告)日：2022-10-04

申请号：US17555694

申请日：2021-12-20

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Chin-Wei Lin ,  Hung Sheng Lin ,  Shih Chang Chang ,  Shinya Ono

IPC: G09G3/3266 ,  G09G3/3275 ,  G09G3/3233 ,  H01L29/786 ,  H01L27/12

Abstract: A display may have an array of pixels each of which has a light-emitting diode such as an organic light-emitting diode. A drive transistor and an emission transistor may be coupled in series with the light-emitting diode of each pixel between a positive power supply and a ground power supply. The pixels may include first and second switching transistors. A data storage capacitor may be coupled between a gate and source of the drive transistor in each pixel. Signal lines may be provided in columns of pixels to route signals such as data signals, sensed drive currents from the drive transistors, and predetermined voltages between display driver circuitry and the pixels. The switching transistors, emission transistors, and drive transistors may include semiconducting-oxide transistors and silicon transistors and may be n-channel transistors or p-channel transistors.

公开(公告)号：US11101337B2

公开(公告)日：2021-08-24

申请号：US16872842

申请日：2020-05-12

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Yuchi Che ,  Warren S. Rieutort-Louis ,  Tsung-Ting Tsai ,  Abbas Jamshidi Roudbari ,  Jiun-Jye Chang ,  Ting-Kuo Chang ,  Shih Chang Chang ,  Chin-Wei Lin ,  Stephen S. Poon ,  Cheng-Ho Yu ,  ChoongHo Lee ,  Doh-Hyoung Lee ,  Vasudha Gupta ,  Younggu Lee

IPC: H01L27/32 ,  G09G3/3233 ,  H01L51/52 ,  G09G3/00 ,  G09G3/3258 ,  G09G3/3291

Abstract: An organic light-emitting diode display may have thin-film transistor circuitry formed on a substrate. The display and substrate may have rounded corners. A pixel definition layer may be formed on the thin-film transistor circuitry. Openings in the pixel definition layer may be provided with emissive material overlapping respective anodes for organic light-emitting diodes. A cathode layer may cover the array of pixels. A ground power supply path may be used to distribute a ground voltage to the cathode layer. The ground power supply path may be formed from a metal layer that is shorted to the cathode layer using portions of a metal layer that forms anodes, may be formed from a mesh shaped metal pattern, may have L-shaped path segments, and may include laser-deposited metal on the cathode layer. Data lines may be formed from metal layers in the active area to accommodate the rounded corners of the display.