Display panel and method of fabricating the same

Abstract

An active matrix display panel includes a plurality of pixel electrodes formed in a matrix manner, a plurality of switching elements connected with these pixel electrodes, a plurality of scan lines for supplying a scan signal to thin film transistors, and a plurality of data lines for supplying a display data signal. Components except for the pixel electrodes are covered with an overcoat film. Since a contact hole extending through this overcoat film and a contact hole extending through the overcoat film and a gate insulating film are simultaneously formed, a jumper line for connecting a disconnected portion of a protect ring, a surface layer of a data line connecting pad, and a line protecting film are formed at the same time as the pixel electrodes are formed. This reduces the number of fabrication steps. Components such as the data line and source and drain electrodes are formed by a three-layered structure of Cr(Chromium)/Al(Aluminum)/Cr(Chromium). This reduces the contact resistance between the source electrode and the pixel electrode and also reduces the resistance of the data line. The sectional shape of, e.g., the data line made of the multilayered film is so formed as to be readily covered with the overcoat film. This improves the reliability.