Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, an inverter provides a light source with an input voltage. A protection circuit shuts down the inverter based on an overvoltage protection level that is detected based on the input voltage. A protection circuit control part shuts down the operation of the protection circuit during a predetermined interval. Abnormal operation of the protection circuit caused by a high voltage provided when the light source is turned on may be prevented. Therefore, a turn-on defect of the light source may be prevented.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes; a light source, an inverter which provides the light source with an input voltage, and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) connected to the light source, wherein the PCB includes a protection circuit which detects an open-lamp-protection voltage which varies according to a change of the input voltage and changes a reference voltage according to the change of the input voltage, wherein the protection circuit turns off the inverter when the detected open-lamp-protection voltage is higher than the changed reference voltage.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes; a light source, an inverter which provides the light source with an input voltage, and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) connected to the light source, wherein the PCB includes a protection circuit which detects an open-lamp-protection voltage which varies according to a change of the input voltage and changes a reference voltage according to the change of the input voltage, wherein the protection circuit turns off the inverter when the detected open-lamp-protection voltage is higher than the changed reference voltage.