LCD apparatus having insulating layer with increased thickness over and in the same direction as data line with pixel electrodes overlapping top surface thereof to prevent light leakage

A liquid crystal display apparatus, comprising:

• a substrate containing switching devices and having a substantially planar major surface;
• a signal line extending in a first direction;
• a first insulating layer between said signal line and said substrate;
• a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in parallel rows extending in said first direction;
• a second insulting layer between said signal line and said pixel electrodes and completely encompassing said signal line within a first thickness of said second insulating layer, said second insulating layer having a stripe-shaped surface step in registry with said signal line, said surface step having a top surface at a second thickness facing said pixel electrodes which is parallel to an upper surface of said substrate, said second thickness being greater than said first thickness;
• a counter substrate;
• a counter electrode between said counter substrate and said pixel electrodes;
• a liquid crystal layer between said counter electrode and said pixel electrodes;
• and
• a scan line which extends in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction and which is positioned between said substrate and said second insulating layer,
• wherein,
• edge portions of each pixel electrode conform about and overlap said top surface and side walls of said surface step,
• said edge portions extend into said liquid crystal layer;
• and
• each pixel electrode is electrically connected to a respective switching device and each such switching device is connected to the scan line and the signal line.