Active matrix organic light emitting diode (amoled) display pixel structure and data load/illuminate circuit therefor

A pixel structure for use in a display comprising:

• a light emitting diode (LED);
• means for causing the pixel structure to be selected such that a data voltage can be written to the pixel structure, said data representative of a programmed current level to be applied to the LED to produce a desired brightness level;
• means for causing the pixel structure to be deselected when a pixel structure in a different row is having data written thereto;
• and
• means for applying the programmed current level to the LED, causing the LED to illuminate;
• wherein the means for causing the pixel structure to be deselected selectively blocks current flowing through the LED while write programming other pixel structures.

An array of pixel structures, coupled to a digital current source, each pixel structure comprising:

• first and second data lines;
• first and second select lines;
• first and second transistors, each transistor having a source electrode, a gate electrode and a drain electrode;
• a capacitor for storing a potential representative of a programmed current level;
• and
• an organic light emitting diode (O-LED),
• wherein the source electrode of the first transistor is coupled to the first data line, the source electrode of the second transistor is coupled to the second data line, the gate electrode of the first transistor is coupled to the first select line, the gate electrode of the second transistor is coupled to the drain electrode of the first transistor and to the second select line by way of the capacitor, the drain of the second transistor is coupled to the O-LED.

An array of pixel structures, coupled to a digital current source, each pixel structure comprising:

• first and second data lines;
• first and second select lines;
• first and second transistors, each transistor having a source electrode, a gate electrode and a drain electrode;
• a capacitor;
• an organic light emitting diode (O-LED),
• wherein the source electrode of the first transistor is coupled to the first data line, the source electrode of the second transistor is coupled to the second data line, the gate electrode of the first transistor is coupled to the first select line, the gate electrode of the second transistor is coupled to the drain electrode of the first transistor and to the second select line by way of the capacitor, the drain electrode of the second transistor coupled to the O-LED;
• and
• means, coupled to the first and second data lines, for driving each pixel structure in the array in three modes including a write select mode, a write deselect mode and an illuminate mode, wherein the write select mode causes the pixel structure to be selected such that a programmed current level can be established in the pixel structure, said programmed current level representative of a desired brightness to be displayed on the O-LED, the write deselect mode causes the pixel structure to be deselected when a pixel structure in a different row is having data written thereto, and the illuminate mode causes the O-LED to be driven at the programmed current level causing the pixel to illuminate.

A method for driving a pixel structure, including an organic light emitting diode (O-LED), for use in a display comprising:

• causing the pixel structure to be write selected such that data can be written to the pixel structure, said data representative of a programmed current level to be applied to the O-LED;
• causing the pixel structure to be write deselected when a pixel structure in a different row is having data written thereto;
• and
• applying the programmed current level to the O-LED, causing the O-LED to illuminate.