Electro static discharge protection for processing active matrix liquid crystal displays

A method for removing a shorting conductor connected on lead contacts of a liquid crystal display, the shorting conductor interconnecting the lead contacts to prevent voltage potentials among the lead contacts to the display, the display having first and second layers, each of the first and second layers having approximately parallel first and second surfaces, each surface having a perimeter and having a central area, wherein the lead contacts are situated on the first surface of the first layer of the display, the lead contacts extend from the central area of the first layer toward the perimeter of the first layer, and the lead contacts are for external connections to the display, said method comprising:

• cutting at least one slot on the second surface into the first layer, the slot being approximately perpendicular to the second surface, the slot having a depth that goes through a portion of the first layer and is about from two to four mils from the first surface of the first layer, and the slot has a location proximate to the lead contacts in an area between the shorting conductor and the central area of the first surface of the first layer, and the first layer having a peripheral area extending from the slot to the perimeter of the first layer;
• and
• removing the peripheral area from the first layer, after any desired external connection or attachment to the lead contacts at points between the slot and the central area, fabrication of the display and installation of any polarizer, by breaking off the peripheral area at the location of the slot, thereby removing the shorting conductor from the display.

A liquid crystal display comprising:

• a first layer having first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface is approximately parallel to the second surface and the first surface has a central area, a perimeter, and peripheral area, the peripheral area being situated between the central area and the perimeter;
• a plurality of leads situated on the peripheral area, said plurality of leads extending from the central area toward the perimeter;
• a shorting conductor situated on the peripheral area, said shorting conductor being connected to said plurality of leads;
• and
• a slot situated on the second surface, said slot extending into said first layer towards a first area of the peripheral area between said shorting conductor and the central area of the first surface, wherein said slot is at a first distance from the second surface, closest to points situated in the first area, and said shorting conductor is situated in a second area of the peripheral area between the perimeter and the first area.