Patent attributes
The disclosed subject matter relates to diagnostic procedures and related device architectures that check the operating health of a display element of a host electronic device. In certain embodiments, a display apparatus for an electronic device includes a display element, a display controller, a conductive trace, and a detection circuit. The display element has an array of pixel elements formed overlying a substrate and arranged to define a viewable display area. The display controller is coupled to control activation of the array of pixel elements. The conductive trace is formed overlying the substrate and is arranged to bypass the display controller in a layout that does not interfere with visibility of the pixel elements. The detection circuit is coupled to the conductive trace, and it operates to check electrical continuity of the conductive trace to obtain an indication of health of the display element.