JP4657376B2 - Driving method of plasma display panel - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for driving a plasma display panel (PDP), and more particularly, to a method for driving a plasma display panel that performs AC discharge type matrix display.

  A conventional plasma display panel and a driving method thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a conventional plasma display panel. The plasma display panel is provided with two insulating substrates 1a and 1b made of glass.

  A transparent scan electrode 2 and sustain electrode 3 are formed on the insulating substrate 1a, and the trace electrode 4 is disposed so as to overlap the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 in order to reduce the resistance value of these electrodes. A first dielectric layer 9 is provided to cover the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and a protective layer 10 made of magnesium oxide or the like for protecting the dielectric layer 9 from discharge is formed.

  A data electrode 5 is formed on the insulating substrate 1b so as to extend perpendicular to the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3. A second dielectric layer 11 covering the data electrode 5 is provided. On the dielectric layer 11, barrier ribs 7 extending in the same direction as the data electrodes 5 and separating discharge cells serving as display units are formed. Furthermore, a phosphor layer 8 is formed on the side surfaces of the barrier ribs 7 and on the surface of the dielectric layer 11 where the barrier ribs 7 are not formed. Usually, in a plasma display panel that performs multicolor display, the phosphor layer 8 is formed by applying the necessary phosphors to the regions partitioned by the partition walls, and various emission colors are obtained. For this reason, the phosphor layers 8 corresponding to one data electrode 5 are all made of the same kind of phosphor.

  A space sandwiched between the insulating substrates 1a and 1b and defined by the partition walls 7 is a discharge space 6 filled with a discharge gas made of helium, neon, xenon, or a mixed gas thereof.

  In the plasma display panel configured as described above, a surface discharge 100 is generated between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3.

  FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing electrode arrangement in a conventional plasma display panel. One discharge cell 12 is provided at the intersection of one scan electrode 2 and one sustain electrode 3 and one data electrode 5 orthogonal thereto. The scan electrode 2 is connected to a scan driver integrated circuit (IC) 21 so that a scan voltage pulse can be individually applied. The sustain electrodes 3 are all electrically connected and connected to the sustain circuit 22 on the panel end or the drive circuit in order to apply only the common waveform. The data electrode 5 is also connected to a data driver integrated circuit (IC) 23 so that data pulses can be individually applied.

Next, various selective display operations of the discharge cells will be described. FIG. 25 is a time chart showing voltage pulses applied to the respective electrodes in the conventional driving method. In FIG. 25, period A is a preliminary discharge period for facilitating discharge in the subsequent selection operation period, period B is a selection operation period for selecting ON / OFF of display of each discharge cell, and period C Is a sustain period in which display discharge is performed in all selected discharge cells, and period D is a sustain erase period in which display discharge is stopped. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the state of wall charges inside the discharge cell during the preliminary discharge period A and the selection operation period B of the conventional driving method. 26A to 26E correspond to times t _{1 to} t ₅ in FIG. 25, respectively. In this conventional driving method, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vos for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period C. Therefore, regarding the potential of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the reference voltage sustain voltage Vos is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

First, in the preliminary discharge period A, a positive and sawtooth-shaped preliminary discharge pulse Pops having an arrival potential of Vops is applied to the scan electrode 2, and at the same time, a negative and rectangular preliminary discharge pulse having a potential of 0V is applied to the sustain electrode 3. Apply Popc. The ultimate potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 due to the application of the preliminary discharge pulse Pops becomes Vops. This value is set in advance to a value exceeding the discharge start threshold voltage between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3. According to the inventor's experiment, the discharge start voltage between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is approximately 230 to 250V, and Vops may be set to about 300V. Thus, by applying the preliminary discharge pulses Pops and Popc to the respective electrodes, the voltage of the sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pops rises, and the voltage between the two electrodes exceeds the discharge start threshold voltage. As shown in a), a weak discharge is generated between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 (time t ₁ ). This weak surface discharge is continuously generated while the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pops is rising, and is stopped when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pops reaches Vops and the potential change is completed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 26B, negative wall charges are formed on the scan electrodes 2, and positive wall charges are formed on the sustain electrodes 3. In addition, in the preliminary discharge period A, the data electrode 5 is not directly involved in the discharge, but its potential is fixed at 0 V, so that the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode as shown in FIG. A small amount of positive charge attracted by the electric field between 5 is adsorbed on the data electrode 5 to form a weak positive wall charge (time t ₂ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a pre-discharge erase pulse Pope having a sawtooth and negative polarity following application of the pre-discharge pulse Pops. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vos. By applying the preliminary discharge erase pulse Pope, as shown in FIG. 26C, the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₃ ). Even after the wall charges are erased, space charges such as electrons and ions formed by the preliminary discharge and active particles such as metastable particles exist in the discharge space 6. It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period A includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  Next, in the selection operation period B, the potentials of all the scan electrodes 2 are once held at the base potential Vobw, and then a negative scan pulse Pow having a potential of 0 V is sequentially applied to each scan electrode 2 and the data A data pulse Pod having a potential of Vod corresponding to display data is applied to the electrode 5. During this time, a positive auxiliary scanning pulse Posw having a potential of Vosw is applied to the sustain electrode 3. Note that the potentials of the scan pulse Pow and the data pulse Pod are the discharge start threshold value when the counter electrode voltage between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 is applied alone to the counter electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. The voltage is set so as not to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage when both pulses are superimposed. Further, the potential of the auxiliary scanning pulse Posw is set so that the surface electrode voltage between the scanning electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 does not exceed the discharge start threshold voltage even when it is superimposed on the scanning pulse Pow. For example, if the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes is 220V and Vos is 170V, Vow can be set to 0V, Vod to 70V, and Vosw to about Vos + 20V.

Therefore, only in the discharge cells to which the data pulse Pod is applied in accordance with the application of the scanning pulse Pow, a counter discharge is generated between the scanning electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 as shown in FIG. t _4). At this time, since a potential difference (Vosw) due to the scan pulse Pow and the auxiliary scan pulse Posw is given between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, the counter discharge is used as a trigger between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3. Also discharge occurs. This discharge becomes an address discharge. This writing discharge is performed stably with a discharge probability corresponding to the amount of space charge and active particles present in the discharge space 6 due to discharge in the preliminary discharge period A, wall charge erasure, and the like. As a result, as shown in FIG. 26E, positive wall charges are formed on the scan electrodes 2 and negative wall charges are formed on the sustain electrodes 3 only in the selected discharge cells 12 (time). t _5).

  Thereafter, in the sustain period C, the sustain pulse Pos whose peak values are inverted with respect to the sustain voltage Vos is applied to all the scan electrodes 2 and the sustain electrodes 3. The sustain voltage Vos is generated when the wall voltage formed on the surface electrode by the writing discharge in the selection operation period B is superimposed on the sustain voltage Vos, and when there is no such wall charge superposition. The voltage is set such that the surface electrode discharge does not exceed the discharge start threshold voltage and discharge does not occur. Accordingly, a sustain discharge for display is generated only in the discharge cells 12 in which the write discharge is generated in the selection operation period B and the wall charges are formed.

  In the subsequent sustain erasure period D, the voltage of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vos, and a negative sawtooth sustain erase pulse Poe having a reaching potential of 0 V is applied to the scan electrode 2. By this step, the wall charges on the surface electrode are erased, and the initial state, that is, the state before the preliminary discharge pulses Pops and Popc are applied in the preliminary discharge period A, is restored. It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the sustain erasing period D includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step is performed satisfactorily.

  In the actual plasma display driving method, the period from the preliminary discharge period A or the selection operation period B to the sustain erasing period D is set as one subfield, and the number of sustain pulses Pos in the sustain period C is changed. A plurality of subfields are combined into one field, and display luminance is adjusted by selecting each subfield on / off.

  In the conventional plasma display panel driving method, the discharge formed by the scan pulse Pow and the data pulse Pod has a low probability of occurrence, so that the pulse width of the scan pulse Pow is increased to, for example, 10 μsec. Is advantageous for making a more reliable selection.

JP 2001-13910 A

However, in practice, the pulse width of the scanning pulse Pow is normally set to about 3 μs due to the time restriction of one field in television display or the like. For this reason, measures such as increasing the potential Vod of the data pulse Pod to increase the discharge probability are taken. However, increasing the data pulse potential Vod results in an increase in power consumption. Further, when the pulse width of the scanning pulse Pow is increased, the time required for the selection operation period B to be one field is increased, and the duration of the sustain period C is inevitably shortened, thereby reducing the number of sustain pulses Pos, that is, luminance. This results in a decrease in.

  By the way, according to experiments by the inventors, discharge in the preliminary discharge period A between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 with the scan electrode 2 as an anode and the data electrode 5 as a cathode, ie, scanning in the selection operation period B. It has been confirmed that the discharge probability in the selection operation period B is remarkably improved by generating a discharge having the opposite polarity to the opposite discharge by the pulse Pow and the data pulse Pod.

  However, if the potential of the scan electrode 2 is gradually increased while the data electrode 5 is fixed, no continuous weak discharge is observed, a strong discharge is generated when a certain voltage is exceeded, and the discharge is temporarily stopped. The phenomenon is seen. This is due to the influence of the phosphor layer 8 formed on the data electrode 5. The secondary electron emission coefficient of the phosphor is generally lower than that of magnesium oxide (MgO) used for the protective layer 10. For this reason, the discharge using the data electrode 5 as a cathode has a problem that not only the discharge start voltage becomes high, but also it is difficult to sustain stably.

  In order to generate the counter discharge, it is necessary to increase the ultimate potential Vops of the preliminary discharge pulse Pops. When the ultimate potential Vops is increased, a discharge is generated between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 in the preliminary discharge period A, or the discharge amount is increased. In the plasma display panel, the increase in the discharge amount is almost equal to the increase in the light emission amount, so that the light emission amount in the preliminary discharge period A also increases. Further, the light emission in the preliminary discharge period A coincides with the luminance when no discharge cell 12 is selected, that is, the luminance in black display. As a result, there is a problem that the contrast, which is one of the display characteristics of the display, deteriorates due to an increase in the luminance of black display. Furthermore, since the discharge voltage of the discharge using the data electrode 5 as a cathode is determined by the physical properties of the phosphor, in the plasma display panel in which a plurality of phosphors are separately applied for multicolor display, the discharge start voltage for each color. There is also a problem that the discharge characteristics such as are different and the control becomes difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and can improve the certainty of the selection operation to obtain good display characteristics, preferably improve the contrast, and drive characteristics by emission color. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for driving a plasma display panel that can absorb the difference between the two.

  A method for driving a plasma display panel according to the present invention is provided in a first direction provided on a facing surface of a first substrate and a second substrate arranged to face each other and the second substrate of the first substrate. Provided on the surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, the plurality of first electrodes extending, and arranged to extend in the first direction in pairs with the first electrodes. A plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of third electrodes provided on a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate and extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; A plasma display panel driving method in which a display according to a video signal is performed on a plasma display panel in which discharge cells are arranged at intersections of the first and second electrodes and the third electrode. In the preliminary discharge period, the second and second Applying a voltage that gradually increases the potential of the first electrode to the first electrode to generate a discharge between the first and second electrodes, and thereafter, And a step of causing the potential of the second electrode to follow the potential of the first electrode by capacitive coupling using the potential of the second electrode as a floating potential.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a stable counter discharge between the first and third electrodes while reducing the generation amount of the surface discharge, and it is possible to improve the contrast without impairing the driving characteristics. In addition, a reduction in luminance in black display can be obtained without adding a circuit.

  Then, a stable counter discharge can be generated in the preliminary discharge period, and positive wall charges can be formed on the data electrode. As a result, an address discharge can be generated with a high discharge probability in the selection operation period. This is because a stable counter discharge can be obtained by generating a surface discharge prior to the counter discharge in the preliminary discharge period.

  Further, by stopping or weakening the surface discharge during the preliminary discharge period, the total discharge amount in the preliminary discharge period can be reduced and the luminance in black display can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to improve contrast which is one of display characteristics.

  Furthermore, by applying different voltages to the data electrodes for each type of phosphor during the preliminary discharge period, the difference in discharge start voltage due to the type of phosphor can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the discharge amount over the entire preliminary discharge period, and to reduce the luminance in black display, that is, improve the contrast.

It is a timing chart which shows the drive method of the plasma display panel in the 1st reference example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the wall charge inside a discharge cell and the discharge in the 1st reference example of this invention. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the preliminary discharge pulse voltage Vps and the scanning pulse width in the 1st reference example of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in the 2nd reference example of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in the 3rd reference example of the present invention. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in the 4th reference example of the present invention. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in the 5th reference example of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the electric potential difference between electrodes of the 1st and 5th reference example of this invention, and the mode of discharge. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the preliminary discharge pulse voltage Vpc and black luminance in the 5th reference example of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in the 6th reference example of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the electric potential difference between electrodes of the 1st and 6th reference examples of this invention, and the mode of discharge. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in the 7th reference example of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the electric potential difference between electrodes of the 1st and 7th reference examples of this invention, and the mode of discharge. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in 1st Example of this invention. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the preliminary discharge pulse voltage Vpcs and black luminance in the 1st Example of this invention. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the preliminary discharge pulse voltage Vpcs and scanning pulse width in the 1st Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the electric potential difference between electrodes of the 1st Example of this invention, and the mode of discharge. It is a schematic diagram which shows the preliminary discharge generation circuit in the 1st and 7th reference examples of this invention, and a 1st Example. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in the 8th reference example of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in 2nd Example of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in the 3rd Example of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the electrical potential difference between electrodes of the 3rd Example of this invention, and the mode of discharge. It is principal part sectional drawing of a plasma display panel. It is a schematic diagram which shows the electrode arrangement | positioning of a plasma display panel. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method of the conventional plasma display panel. It is the model which shows the mode of the wall charge inside a discharge cell and the state of discharge in the drive method of the conventional plasma display panel. It is a timing chart which shows the drive method in the 9th reference example of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the electric potential difference between electrodes of the 9th reference example of this invention, and the mode of discharge.

  Hereinafter, a method for driving a plasma display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a time chart showing a driving method of a plasma display panel according to a first reference example of the present invention.

The basic structure of the plasma display panel driven by the first reference example is the same as that of the conventional plasma display panel, and one scan electrode 2 and one sustain electrode 3 are orthogonal to these. One discharge cell 12 is provided at the intersection with the data electrode 5. In FIG. 1, the inter-surface electrode potential difference is a potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 formed by applying an external voltage, and the counter electrode potential difference is formed by applying an external voltage. The potential difference between the scanning electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the state of discharge inside the discharge cell and the state of wall charges in the first reference example. 2A to 2D correspond to the states at times t _{1 to} t ₄ in FIG. 1, respectively. In FIG. 2, the trace electrode, the protective layer, the phosphor layer, and the like are omitted. Further, the charge adsorbed by diffusion other than the upper part of the electrode is also omitted.

  In FIG. 1, a period A is a preliminary discharge period for facilitating discharge in a subsequent selection operation period, a period B is a selection operation period for selecting on / off of display of each discharge cell, and a period C Is a sustain period in which display discharge is performed in all selected discharge cells, and period D is a sustain erase period in which display discharge is stopped. In the first reference example, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period C. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  Next, a method for driving the plasma display panel will be described. First, in the preliminary discharge period A, a positive sawtooth-shaped preliminary discharge pulse Pps with an arrival potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2, and at the same time, a rectangular preliminary discharge pulse Ppc with a negative potential of Vpc is applied to the sustain electrode 3. Apply. At this time, the potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. The potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set to a value exceeding the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the potential difference between the counter electrodes is set. Is set to a value that exceeds the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when there are a large amount of active particles such as ions or electrons in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. For example, if the discharge cell 12 has a discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes of 250 V and a discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes of 350 V when a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space, the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches. The potential Vps is set to 400V, and the potential Vpc of the preliminary discharge pulse Ppc is set to 0V.

Therefore, when the preliminary discharge pulses Pps and Ppc are applied to the respective electrodes, the voltage of the sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps rises and exceeds the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes of 250 V. FIG. As shown in a), a weak discharge is generated between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 (time t ₁ ). Thereafter, the potential of the scan electrode 2 further rises, but a weak discharge is continuously generated between the plane electrodes. Since a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space due to the discharge between the surface electrodes, from the point in time when the voltage of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps exceeds 350 V which is the discharge start threshold voltage between the counter electrodes, FIG. As shown, a weak discharge is generated between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 (time t ₂ ). This counter discharge is stably maintained as the potential of the scanning electrode 2 increases due to the active particles generated by itself. Thereafter, the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches Vps, and the discharge between the surface electrodes and between the counter electrodes stops together with the stop of the potential change. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2C, negative wall charges are formed on the scan electrodes 2, and positive wall charges are formed on the sustain electrodes 3 and the data electrodes 5 (time t ₃ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a pre-discharge erase pulse Ppe having a sawtooth and negative polarity following application of the pre-discharge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erasing pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 as shown in FIG. It is erased (time t ₄ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period A includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  Next, in the selection operation period B, the potential of the scan electrode 2 is temporarily fixed to the scan base voltage Vbw, and then the negative scan pulse Pw is sequentially applied to the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 is subjected to display data. The data pulse Pd is applied. During this time, a positive auxiliary scanning pulse Psw having a potential of Vsw is applied to the sustain electrode 3. Note that the potentials Vw and Vd of the scan pulse Pw and the data pulse Pd are set so that the counter electrode voltage between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 is any one of the counter electrodes composed of the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. It is set so as not to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage when applied, but to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage when both pulses are superimposed. Further, the potential of the auxiliary scanning pulse Psw is set so that the surface electrode voltage between the scanning electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 does not exceed the discharge start threshold voltage even when the auxiliary scanning pulse Psw is superimposed on the scanning pulse Pw. For example, if the discharge start threshold voltage of the counter discharge is 200V, the scanning pulse Vw is set to 0V and the data pulse Vd is set to 50V. The base voltage Vbw is set to 80V, and the potential of the auxiliary scanning pulse Psw is set to about Vs + 20V. Note that the pulse width of the scanning pulse Vw is, for example, about 3 μs, and the pulse width of the data pulse Vd is also set to the same level.

  Next, the reason why the discharge start threshold voltage of the counter discharge in the selection operation period B is as low as 200 V with respect to the discharge start threshold voltage of 350 V in the preliminary discharge period A will be described. In the counter discharge occurring in the preliminary discharge period A, the data electrode 5 serves as a cathode. On the other hand, in the counter discharge in the selection operation period B, the scanning electrode 2 becomes a cathode. A protective layer 10 made of magnesium oxide (MgO) is formed on the scan electrode 5. Since magnesium oxide has a high secondary electron emission coefficient, it is known that the discharge start threshold voltage can be lowered when used as a cathode material. On the other hand, since the secondary electron emission coefficient of the phosphor layer 8 formed on the data electrode 5 is low, the discharge start threshold voltage becomes high when it becomes a cathode. For this reason, the discharge start threshold voltage varies greatly depending on the polarity.

  Thereafter, in the sustain period C, the sustain pulse Ps whose peak values are inverted with the sustain voltage Vs is applied to all the scan electrodes 2 and the sustain electrodes 3. Therefore, a sustain discharge for display is generated only in the discharge cell 12 in which the write discharge is generated in the selection operation period B and the wall charge is formed, and display light emission is obtained.

  Further, in the sustain erasing period D, the voltage of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs, and a negative sawtooth-shaped sustain erase pulse Pe having a reaching potential of 0 V is applied to the scan electrode 2. By this step, the wall charges on the surface electrode are erased and the initial state, that is, the state before the preliminary discharge pulses Pps and Ppc are applied in the preliminary discharge period A, is restored. It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the sustain erasing period D includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step is performed satisfactorily. In this initial state, the state of charge in each discharge cell 12 is almost uniform.

  Hereinafter, the reason why the data voltage Vd, which has been set to 70 V in the conventional plasma display panel driving method, can be reduced to 50 V according to this reference example will be described. The operation period of each scan electrode 2 is 3 μs, and the discharge probability necessary for generating discharge in all the selected cells is defined within this period. Since the discharge probability is proportional to the intensity of the electric field formed in the discharge space, the discharge probability can be increased by increasing the voltage applied from the outside, for example, Vd. On the other hand, in this reference example, as shown in FIG. 2D, positive wall charges are formed on the data electrodes 5 and negative wall charges are formed on the scanning electrodes 2 in the preliminary discharge period A. Therefore, the internal voltage due to the wall charges is superimposed on the external voltage applied to each electrode and formed in the discharge space. For this reason, it becomes possible to reduce the voltage applied from the outside by the amount of the internal voltage due to the wall charges.

  FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the ultimate potential Vps of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps and the pulse width of the scan pulse Pw necessary for generating the write discharge with a probability of 99.9% in the selection operation period B. As shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that the required scanning pulse width decreases sharply when the ultimate potential Vps rises and counter discharge occurs.

As a result, when the same write voltages (Vw and Vd) as in the conventional case are applied, the pulse width of the scan pulse Pw can be shortened, and the selection operation period B is shortened. As a result, more time can be allocated to the sustain period C, and the number of sustain pulses Ps can be increased, that is, higher luminance can be achieved. In addition, when the pulse width of the scan pulse Pw is set to be the same as the conventional one, the data voltage Vd can be lowered, and the power consumption can be reduced.

  Next, the effect obtained by generating the surface discharge prior to the counter discharge will be described. The discharge generated between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 by the preliminary discharge pulse Pps during the preliminary discharge period is a discharge using the data electrode 5 as a cathode. One of the major factors that determine the discharge start threshold voltage is the secondary electron emission coefficient on the cathode surface. Since the discharge start threshold voltage can be lowered as the secondary electron emission coefficient is higher, the protective layer 10 formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 has high sputtering resistance and a relatively high secondary electron emission coefficient. Magnesium or the like is used. On the other hand, a phosphor layer 8 for obtaining visible light emission is formed on the surface of the data electrode 5. Since the material of the phosphor contained in the phosphor layer 8 is selected with the highest priority on the light emission characteristics, a material having an extremely low secondary electron emission coefficient is usually used as compared with magnesium oxide or the like. Therefore, when the data electrode 5 is a cathode, the discharge start threshold voltage is considerably higher than the opposite polarity. Further, when a material having a low secondary electron emission coefficient is formed on the cathode surface, there is a problem that not only the discharge start threshold voltage is increased but also stable discharge is difficult to be sustained. For example, when a voltage pulse is applied so that the potential difference between the electrodes gradually increases with time, if a substance with a high secondary electron emission coefficient is present on the cathode surface, a weak discharge is generated from the point when the discharge start threshold voltage is exceeded. Occurs stably with increasing external potential difference. For this reason, a discharge in a so-called positive characteristic region can be formed. On the other hand, when a substance having a low secondary electron emission coefficient is present on the cathode surface, a discharge occurs after the potential difference becomes extremely high, so that a strong discharge occurs and a large wall opposite to the external charge is formed on the electrode. Phenomenon such as discharge stops due to the formation of electric charge. The amount of wall charges formed by such strong discharge varies greatly depending on the individual discharge cells 12, and thus appears as a variation in characteristics in the subsequent drive. That is, it has no effect as an initializing discharge that stabilizes the state of the discharge cell 12. However, even if a substance with a low secondary electron emission coefficient is formed on the cathode surface, there are a large amount of active particles related to discharge such as electrons, discharge gas ions, or discharge gas particles excited in a metastable order in the discharge space. In this case, the discharge start threshold voltage is considerably lowered. As described above, when the discharge starts at a low voltage, it is possible to continuously generate a weak discharge as in the case where a substance having a high secondary electron emission coefficient is present on the cathode. If a weak discharge between the surface electrodes is generated in advance of the counter discharge, a large amount of active particles are formed in the discharge space, so that the start threshold voltage of the counter discharge is lowered and the stable weak discharge is generated. Can be generated continuously. As described above, it is possible to stably generate an effective initializing discharge by controlling the order of the surface discharge and the counter discharge.

  However, in order to generate a counter discharge after generating a surface discharge as described above, it is not necessary to simply set the ultimate potential Vps to a high potential in the preliminary discharge period A. As described above, it is important to generate the discharge between the surface electrodes prior to the discharge between the counter electrodes in the preliminary discharge period, and it is necessary to set an appropriate voltage according to the structure of the plasma display panel. Hereinafter, a driving method when the relationship between the discharge start threshold voltages changes, particularly when the discharge start threshold voltage of the counter discharge is lower than the discharge start threshold voltage of the surface discharge will be described as a second reference example. To do.

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing a driving method of the plasma display panel according to the second reference example of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows only the preliminary discharge period, but thereafter, as in the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. Also in the second reference example, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 200V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The basic configuration of the plasma display panel driven by the second reference example is the same as that driven by the first reference example. However, depending on the size and / or material of each part, for example, between the surface electrodes It is assumed that the discharge start threshold voltage is as high as 320 V, and the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes is as low as 280 V when a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space.

  In this reference example, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive and sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps with an arrival potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2, and at the same time, a negative and rectangular potential with a potential of Vpc is applied to the sustain electrode 3. A preliminary discharge pulse Ppc is applied. At this time, the potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs prior to the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vpc is set to −60V and Vps is set to 320V.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 260 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 320 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t _1). ). Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 280V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 also becomes 280V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge exist in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is generated stably and stably between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 (time t ₂ ). Thereafter, the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches Vps, and the discharge is stopped as the change in potential difference stops (time t ₃ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a pre-discharge erase pulse Ppe having a sawtooth and negative polarity following application of the pre-discharge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₄ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  After that, similarly to the first reference example, the discharge cell is selected in the selection operation period, display light emission is obtained by the discharge in the sustain period, and the discharge is stopped in the sustain erase period. A similar display operation can be performed.

  As described above, according to this reference example, it is possible to stably generate the counter discharge even in the plasma display panel in which the relationship of the discharge start voltage is changed, and positive wall charges can be formed on the data electrode 5. it can. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  Next, another reference example for driving a plasma display panel having the same voltage characteristics as the second reference example will be described.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a method of driving a plasma display panel according to the third reference example of the present invention. Although only the preliminary discharge period is shown in FIG. 5, the selection operation period , the sustain period, and the sustain erase period are provided thereafter, as in the first reference example. Also in the third reference example, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 200V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The structure of the plasma display panel driven by the third reference example is the same as that of the second reference example. For example, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is 320 V, and active particles are present in the discharge space. The discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount exists is 280V.

  In this reference example, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive and sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps with an arrival potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2, and at the same time, a negative and rectangular potential with a potential of Vpc is applied to the sustain electrode 3. A preliminary discharge pulse Ppc is applied. Further, a preliminary discharge pulse Ppd having a potential of Vpd is applied to the data electrode 5. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs prior to the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vpc is set to 0V, Vps is set to 400V, and Vpd is set to 50V.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 320 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 320 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₁ ). . At this time, since the counter electrode potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 is 270 V, no discharge occurs between the counter electrodes. Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 330V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 280V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge exist in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is generated stably and stably between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 (time t ₂ ). Thereafter, the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches Vps, and the discharge is stopped as the change in potential difference stops (time t ₃ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a sawtooth negative predischarge erasing pulse Ppe following application of the predischarge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₄ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  Thereafter, similarly to the first and second reference examples, the discharge cells are selected in the selection operation period, display light emission by discharge is obtained in the sustain period, and discharge is stopped in the sustain erasure period. A display operation similar to that of the second reference example can be performed.

  Also in this reference example, positive wall charges can be formed on the data electrode 5 by stably generating the counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  Further, in the second reference example, it is necessary to newly form a potential of Vpc. However, according to this reference example, the potential Vpd of the preliminary discharge pulse Ppd applied to the data electrode 5 is applied, for example, in the selection operation period. By making it the same as the potential Vd of the pulse Pd, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost associated with an increase in the type of potential.

  Next, a fourth reference example of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration of the plasma display panel driven by the fourth reference example is the same as that of the plasma display panel shown in the first reference example, and includes one scan electrode 2 and one sustain electrode 3 and these. One discharge cell 12 is provided at the intersection with one orthogonal data electrode 5. However, in order to perform color display, a plurality of phosphors, for example, three types of phosphors of red, green, and blue, are divided into barrier ribs 7 and painted separately. In the phosphor layer 8, the same color phosphor layer 8 is formed on one data electrode 5 by the partition wall 7.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing a method of driving a plasma display panel according to the fourth reference example of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows only the preliminary discharge period, but thereafter, as in the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. Also in the fourth reference example, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  In this reference example, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive and sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps with an arrival potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2, and at the same time, a negative and rectangular potential with a potential of Vpc is applied to the sustain electrode 3. A preliminary discharge pulse Ppc is applied. At this time, the preliminary discharge pulse Ppd is applied to the data electrode 5. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. However, since the materials of the respective phosphors are usually selected mainly based on various light emission characteristics, there are many cases where the discharge characteristics cannot be unified. In particular, for the discharge using the data electrode 5 as a cathode, the secondary electron emission coefficient of the phosphor on the data electrode 5 has a great influence. For this reason, the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space is different for each emission color, for example, 330 V for red and blue, and 390 V for green. On the other hand, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is substantially constant regardless of the emission color, for example, 250V. In such a plasma display panel, the ultimate potential Vps of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps is set to 360V, and the potential Vpc of the preliminary discharge pulse Ppc is set to 0V. Further, the potential Vpdg of the preliminary discharge pulse Ppdg applied to the data electrode 5 corresponding to the discharge cell 12 in which the green phosphor layer 8 is formed is −60 V, and the discharge cell in which the red and blue phosphor layers 8 are formed. The potentials Vpdr and Vpdb of the preliminary discharge pulses Ppdr and Ppdb applied to the data electrode 5 corresponding to 12 are both 0 V, that is, no pulse is applied.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 250 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 exceeds the discharge start threshold voltage, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes. Occurs (time t ₁ ). Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 330 V, the red and blue discharge cells 12 have a counter electrode potential difference between the scanning electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 of 330 V, and the green discharge cell 12 has a counter electrode potential difference. 390V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge exists in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is generated stably and stably between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 in all the discharge cells 12. (Time t ₂ ). This counter discharge is stably maintained as the potential of the scanning electrode 2 increases due to the active particles generated by itself. Thereafter, the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches Vps, and the discharge between the surface electrodes and between the counter electrodes stops together with the stop of the potential change (time t ₃ ). As a result, negative wall charges are formed on the scan electrodes 2, positive wall charges are formed on the sustain electrodes 3, and substantially the same amount of positive wall charges are formed on all the data electrodes 5.

  Thereafter, similarly to the above-described reference example, after applying the preliminary discharge erasing pulse Ppe, the discharge cell is selected in the selection operation period, display light emission is obtained in the sustain period, and the discharge is stopped in the sustain erase period. Thus, a display operation can be performed.

  Also in this reference example, it is possible to form a positive wall charge on the data electrode 5 by generating a counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  In addition, according to this reference example, the voltage Vpd corresponding to each color of the phosphor layer 8 is applied to the data electrode 5, so that it is not affected by the difference in the discharge start threshold voltage due to the phosphor material, and the counter discharge is not affected. It is possible to match the start timing. As a result, it is possible to form substantially the same amount of wall voltage for each color of the phosphor layer 8, and it is possible to further uniform the discharge characteristics in the subsequent selection operation period.

  Hereinafter, a reference example in which the black luminance is reduced, that is, the contrast is improved will be described.

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing a method of driving a plasma display panel according to the fifth reference example of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows only the preliminary discharge period, but thereafter, as in the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. Also in the fifth reference example, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The structure of the plasma display panel driven by the fifth reference example is the same as that driven by the first reference example, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is 250 V, and a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space. When present, the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes is 350V.

  In this reference example, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive and sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps with an arrival potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2, and at the same time, a negative and rectangular potential with a potential of Vpc is applied to the sustain electrode 3. A preliminary discharge pulse Ppc is applied. At this time, the potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs immediately before the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vpc is set to 80V and Vps is set to 400V.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 330 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 250 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₁ ). . Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 350V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 also becomes 350V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge exist in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is generated stably and stably between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 (time t ₂ ). Thereafter, the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches Vps, and the discharge is stopped as the change in potential difference stops (time t ₃ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a sawtooth negative predischarge erasing pulse Ppe following application of the predischarge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₄ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  The driving method of the plasma display panel according to this reference example is the same as that of the first reference example, except that the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Ppc applied to the sustain electrode 3 is 80V. Hereinafter, the discharge state in each preliminary discharge pulse of the present reference example and the first reference example will be described in comparison. FIGS. 8A and 8B are time charts schematically showing respective potential differences and discharge states between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 or the data electrode 5 in the fifth reference example and the first reference example, respectively. It is a chart.

  The counter discharge between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 is continuously generated from the time when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 350 V in both reference examples to 400 V which is the maximum potential. Further, regarding the surface discharge between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, in the first reference example, the discharge between the surface electrodes is performed from the time when the potential of the scan electrode 2 reaches 250V to 400V which is the maximum potential. It occurs continuously. On the other hand, in the fifth reference example, the discharge between the surface electrodes does not occur until the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 330V. Accordingly, the discharge amount in the preliminary discharge is reduced in the fifth reference example as compared with the first reference example. In the plasma display panel, the ultraviolet light generated by the discharge is converted into visible light and recognized as light emission, so that a decrease in the discharge amount leads to a decrease in luminance. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the change in emission luminance due to the preliminary discharge when the potential Vpc of the preliminary discharge pulse Ppc is changed from 0 V (the state of the first reference example). It can be seen that the luminance decreases as the potential Vpc increases, and that the potential Vpc is reduced by about 40% when the potential Vpc is 80V. The light emission by the preliminary discharge corresponds to the brightness in the state where all the displays are off, that is, the black display, and as a result, the black brightness is reduced and the contrast is improved.

  Following the preliminary discharge period, similarly to the first reference example, by selecting a discharge cell in the selection operation period, obtaining display light emission by discharge in the sustain period, and further stopping the discharge in the sustain erase period, A display operation similar to that in the first reference example can be performed.

  Also in this reference example, it is possible to form a positive wall charge on the data electrode 5 by generating a counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

Next, a sixth reference example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a time chart showing a method of driving a plasma display panel according to the sixth reference example of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows only the preliminary discharge period, but thereafter, as in the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. Also in the sixth reference example, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The structure of the plasma display panel driven by the sixth reference example is the same as that driven by the first reference example, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is 250 V, and a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space. When present, the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes is 350V.

  In this reference example, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive and sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps with an arrival potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2, and at the same time, a negative and rectangular potential with a potential of Vpc is applied to the sustain electrode 3. A preliminary discharge pulse Ppc is applied. Further, a rectangular preliminary discharge pulse Ppd having a potential of Vpd is applied to the data electrode. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs immediately before the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vps is set to 320V, Vpc is set to 0V, and Vpd is set to −80V.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 250 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 250 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₁ ). . Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 270V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 350V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge exist in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is generated stably and stably between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 (time t _2). ). Thereafter, the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches Vps, and the discharge is stopped as the change in potential difference stops (time t ₃ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a sawtooth negative predischarge erasing pulse Ppe following application of the predischarge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₄ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  After that, similarly to the first reference example, the discharge cell is selected in the selection operation period, display light emission is obtained by the discharge in the sustain period, and the discharge is stopped in the sustain erase period. A similar display operation can be performed.

  Also in this reference example, it is possible to form a positive wall charge on the data electrode 5 by generating a counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  Hereinafter, the discharge state in each preliminary discharge pulse of the present reference example and the first reference example will be described in comparison. FIGS. 11A and 11B are time charts schematically showing respective potential differences and discharge states between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 or the data electrode 5 in the sixth reference example and the first reference example, respectively. It is a chart.

  The surface discharge between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 occurs from the time when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 250 V in both reference examples. However, while the potential of the scan electrode 2 is maintained until the potential of the scan electrode 2 reaches 400 V in the first reference example, the process ends when the potential reaches 320 V in the sixth reference example. On the other hand, the counter discharge between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 lasts from the time when the potential of the scan electrode 2 reaches 350V until the maximum potential reaches 400V in the first reference example. In this reference example, the voltage continues from the time when the potential of the scanning electrode reaches 270V until the maximum potential reaches 320V. If these are expressed by the potential difference between the scanning electrode 2 and the data electrode 5, it can be seen that in both reference examples, the potential difference is continuously generated from the time when the potential difference becomes 350V to 400V. That is, the generation amount of the counter discharge is almost equal, and according to this reference example, only the duration of the surface discharge is shortened. As a result, as in the fifth reference example, the light emission amount in the preliminary discharge is reduced, and the contrast is improved.

  Further, according to this reference example, since the preliminary discharge pulse Ppd is applied to the data electrode 5, the potential Vpd of the preliminary discharge pulse Ppd is selected in accordance with the discharge characteristics of the phosphors of each color applied to the phosphor layer 8. Thus, it is possible to absorb the difference in discharge characteristics due to the phosphor.

  Furthermore, according to the present reference example, since the ultimate potential Vps of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps can be kept low, it becomes possible to use relatively inexpensive parts with a low withstand voltage in the drive circuit, thereby reducing the cost. It becomes possible. Further, since the application time of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps can be shortened by the low voltage, the ratio of the preliminary discharge period to the whole can be reduced and the time allocated to the sustain period can be lengthened. As a result, the luminance can be further increased.

Next, a seventh reference example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a time chart showing a method of driving a plasma display panel according to the seventh reference example of the present invention. Although only the preliminary discharge period is shown in FIG. 12, after that, similarly to the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. Also in the seventh reference example, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The structure of the plasma display panel driven by the seventh reference example is the same as that driven by the first reference example, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is 250 V, and a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space. When present, the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes is 350V.

  In the present reference example, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive sawtooth-shaped preliminary discharge pulse Pps having a reaching potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2. On the other hand, a rectangular first preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf having a potential of Vpcf and a rectangular second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs having a potential of Vpcs are successively applied to the sustain electrode 3. At this time, the potential of the data electrode 5 is set to 0V. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs prior to the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vps is set to 400V, Vpcf is set to 0V, and Vpcs is set to 40V. Further, the pulse width of the first preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf is adjusted so that the application timing of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 360V.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 250 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 250 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₁ ). Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 350V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 350V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge exist in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is generated stably and stably between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 (time t ₂ ). Further, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 360 V, the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is applied to the sustain electrode 3 and the surface potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is reduced, so that the surface discharge is stopped. (Time t ₃ ). On the other hand, the counter discharge once generated is stably maintained even after the surface discharge is stopped by the active particles formed by itself. Thereafter, the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches Vps, and the discharge is stopped as the change in potential difference stops (time t ₄ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a sawtooth negative predischarge erasing pulse Ppe following application of the predischarge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erasing pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₅ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  After that, similarly to the first reference example, the discharge cell is selected in the selection operation period, display light emission is obtained by the discharge in the sustain period, and the discharge is stopped in the sustain erase period. A similar display operation can be performed.

  Also in this reference example, it is possible to form a positive wall charge on the data electrode 5 by generating a counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  The driving method of the plasma display panel according to this reference example is the same as that of the first reference example except that the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is applied to the sustain electrode 3. Hereinafter, the discharge state in each preliminary discharge pulse of the present reference example and the first reference example will be described in comparison. FIGS. 13A and 13B are time charts schematically showing respective potential differences and discharge states between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 or the data electrode 5 in the seventh reference example and the first reference example, respectively. It is a chart.

  The surface discharge between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 occurs from the time when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 250 V in both reference examples. However, in the first reference example, the potential continues until the potential of the scan electrode 2 reaches 400V, whereas in the seventh reference example, the process ends when it reaches 360V. Further, the counter discharge between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 is continuously generated from the time when the potential of the scan electrode 2 reaches 350 V in both reference examples until reaching the maximum potential of 400 V. That is, it can be seen that the amount of generation of the counter discharge is substantially the same, and only the duration of the surface discharge is shortened. Thereby, the light emission amount in the preliminary discharge can be reduced, and the improvement in contrast can be obtained.

  In this reference example, as an example, the potential Vpcs and application timing of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs are set so that the surface discharge is stopped after the counter discharge occurs. After the surface discharge is completed, active particles such as electrons decrease exponentially. However, a sufficient amount of active particles remains to generate a stable counter discharge for about 20 μsec. For this reason, even when the surface discharge is actually stopped before the counter discharge occurs, a stable counter discharge can be obtained if the potential difference between the counter electrodes reaches the counter discharge start threshold voltage within approximately 20 μsec after the stop. . Therefore, the timing for stopping the surface discharge is not limited after the counter discharge is generated as shown in this reference example, and may be before the counter discharge is generated or at the same time as the counter discharge is generated. .

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a time chart showing a driving method of the plasma display panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows only the preliminary discharge period, but thereafter, as in the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. Also in the first embodiment, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The structure of the plasma display panel driven by the first embodiment is also the same as that driven by the first reference example, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is 250 V, and a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space. When present, the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes is 350V.

  In this embodiment, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive sawtooth-shaped preliminary discharge pulse Pps having a reaching potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2. On the other hand, a rectangular first preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf having a potential of Vpcf and a sawtooth second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs are continuously applied to the sustain electrode 3. At this time, the slopes of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps and the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs are made substantially equal to each other. The potential of the data electrode 5 is set to 0V. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs prior to the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vps is set to 400V, Vpcf is set to 0V, and Vpcs is set to 40V. Further, the pulse width of the first preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf is adjusted so that the application timing of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 360V.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 250 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 250 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₁ ). Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 350V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 350V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge exist in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is generated stably and stably between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 (time t _2). ). Further, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 360 V, the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is applied to the sustain electrode 3. At this time, the slope of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is substantially equal to that of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps, and thereafter, the surface potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 remains constant without change. The surface discharge is stopped (time t ₃ ). On the other hand, the counter discharge once generated is stably maintained even after the surface discharge is stopped by the active particles formed by itself. Thereafter, the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches Vps, and the discharge is stopped as the change in potential difference stops (time t ₄ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a sawtooth negative predischarge erasing pulse Ppe following application of the predischarge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erasing pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₅ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  After that, similarly to the first reference example, the discharge cell is selected in the selection operation period, display light emission is obtained by the discharge in the sustain period, and the discharge is stopped in the sustain erase period. A similar display operation can be performed.

  Also in this embodiment, it is possible to form a positive wall charge on the data electrode 5 by generating a counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  The driving method of the plasma display panel according to this example is the same as that of the seventh reference example, except that the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is applied to the sustain electrode 3 as a sawtooth wave. Therefore, it is possible to generate a stable counter discharge while reducing the generation amount of the surface discharge, and it is possible to improve the contrast without impairing the driving characteristics.

  FIG. 15 is a graph showing a change in luminance in black display when the ultimate potential Vpcs of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is changed in the driving method according to the first embodiment. It can be seen that the luminance of black display decreases as the arrival potential Vpcs increases, and is reduced by about 40% when the arrival potential Vpcs is 50V.

  FIG. 16 shows the pulse of the scan pulse Pw necessary for generating the potential discharge Vpcs of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs and the write discharge in the selection operation period with a probability of 99.9% in the driving method according to the first embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship with a width | variety. As shown in FIG. 16, it can be seen that the necessary pulse width hardly changes even if the discharge between the surface electrodes is reduced by applying the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs. From the above results, it can be seen that the contrast can be improved without deteriorating the drive characteristics.

  In the first embodiment, the slope of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is substantially equal to that of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps. However, even when the slope of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps is larger than the potential difference between the surface electrodes. Needless to say, the same effect can be obtained since the increase in the number of dots does not increase.

  FIG. 17 shows that when the slope of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is smaller than the slope of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps, for example, when the slope of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps is set to one half of the slope of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps, It is a time chart which shows a mode typically. As shown in FIG. 17, by applying the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs, the subsequent increase rate of the surface potential difference is reduced, so that the discharge between the surface electrodes before the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is applied. In comparison, the discharge after the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is applied is weakened. Therefore, compared with the case where the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is not applied at all, the overall discharge amount can be reduced, and as a result, the luminance in the black display is reduced and the contrast is improved.

  By the way, although the result of operation | movement is the same in a 7th reference example and a 1st Example, the circuit structure for implement | achieving each drive waveform differs. Hereinafter, circuit configurations and operations in these examples and reference examples will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 18A and 18B are schematic diagrams for explaining the circuit operation with respect to the preliminary discharge pulse in the first reference example, the first embodiment, and the seventh reference example, respectively.

  In the plasma display panel, since the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are provided side by side through the dielectric layer 9, if the current flowing by the discharge is ignored, the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are used as the circuit configuration. It can be understood that the capacitor is configured. Therefore, in FIG. 18, the plasma display panel is represented as a panel capacitance component C. The data electrode 5 is not shown.

  First, the operation of the circuit in the first reference example will be described. In FIG. 18A, before the preliminary discharge pulses Pps and Ppc are applied, only the switches Sss and Ssc are closed, and the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are both Vs. Next, the switches Sss and Ssc are opened and the switches CSps and Spc are closed. As a result, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 immediately changes to Vpc (= 0V). On the other hand, since the switch CSps is a controlled switch for applying a sawtooth pulse, the sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps is applied to the scan electrode 2. After the potential of the scan electrode 2 reaches Vps, the switches CSps and Spc are opened, and the switches Sss and Ssc are closed, so that the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 once become Vs. Thereafter, the process proceeds to preliminary discharge erasure.

  Next, the operation of the circuit in the seventh reference example will be described. In FIG. 18B, as in the first reference example, in the initial state, the switches Sss and Ssc are closed, and the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are both Vs. Next, the switches Sss and Ssc are opened and the switches CSps and Spcf are closed. As a result, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 immediately changes to Vpc (= 0V). On the other hand, since the switch CSps is a controlled switch for applying a sawtooth wave, a sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps is applied to the scan electrode 2. Thereafter, the switch Spcf is opened and the switch Spcs is closed in the middle of the preliminary discharge pulse, whereby the potential of the sustain electrode 3 changes to Vpcs. Then, after the potential of the scan electrode 2 reaches Vps, the switches CSps and Spcs are opened, and the switches Sss and Ssc are closed, so that the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 once become Vs. Thereafter, the process proceeds to preliminary discharge erasure.

  Thus, in order to obtain the drive waveform of the seventh reference example, it is necessary to add a power source and a switch Spcs to obtain the potential of Vpcs with respect to the first reference example.

  Next, the operation of the circuit in the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, it is possible to use a circuit similar to that of the first reference example. In FIG. 18A, first, as in the first reference example, in the initial state, the switches Sss and Ssc are closed, and the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are both Vs. Next, the switches Sss and Ssc are opened and the switches CSps and Spcf are closed. As a result, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 immediately changes to Vpc (= 0V). On the other hand, since the switch CSps is a controlled switch for applying a sawtooth wave, a sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps is applied to the scan electrode 2. Thereafter, the switch Spcf is opened in the middle of the preliminary discharge pulse. As a result, all the switches connected to the sustain electrode 3 are opened, and the sustain electrode 3 becomes a floating potential. On the other hand, a sawtooth preliminary discharge pulse Pps is continuously applied to the scan electrode 2 and its potential gradually rises. As a result, since scan electrode 2 and sustain electrode 3 are capacitively coupled to each other via the capacitive component of the panel, the potential of sustain electrode 3 that is a floating potential increases as the potential of scan electrode 2 increases. As a result, apparently sawtooth-shaped second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is applied to sustain electrode 3. Then, after the potential of the scan electrode 2 reaches Vps, the switch CSps is opened, and the switches Sss and Ssc are closed, so that the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 once become Vs. Thereafter, the process proceeds to preliminary discharge erasure.

  As described above, in the driving method according to the first embodiment, the luminance reduction in black display similar to that of the seventh reference example can be obtained without adding any circuit to the first reference example. This is more advantageous than the seventh reference example in terms of cost.

  In the first embodiment, as an example, the potential Vpcs and application timing of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs are set so as to stop the surface discharge after the occurrence of the counter discharge, but the same as in the seventh reference example. In addition, a stable counter discharge can be obtained even when the surface discharge is stopped before the counter discharge is generated.

Next, an eighth reference example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 19 is a time chart showing a method of driving a plasma display panel according to the eighth reference example of the present invention. FIG. 19 shows only the preliminary discharge period, but thereafter, as in the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. Also in the eighth reference example, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The structure of the plasma display panel driven by the eighth reference example is the same as that driven by the first reference example, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is 250 V, and a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space. When present, the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes is 350V.

  In the present reference example, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive sawtooth-shaped preliminary discharge pulse Pps having a reaching potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2. On the other hand, a rectangular preliminary discharge pulse Ppc having a potential of Vpc is applied to the sustain electrode 3. Further, a negative sawtooth-shaped predischarge pulse Ppd having an arrival potential of Vpd is applied to the data electrode 5 with a delay from the predischarge pulses Pps and Ppc. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs immediately before the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vps is 360 V, Vpc is 0 V, and Vpd is −40 V. Further, the pulse width and the like of the preliminary discharge pulse Ppd are adjusted so that the application timing thereof is when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 360V.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 250 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 250 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₁ ). Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 350V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 350V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge exist in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is generated stably and stably between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 (time t ₂ ). Further, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 360 V, the potential of the scan electrode 2 is maintained thereafter, and thus the surface potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes constant and the surface discharge is stopped (time t ₃ ). On the other hand, since the negative predischarge pulse Ppd is applied to the data electrode 5 from the time when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 360 V, the counter potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 continues to rise, Along with this, the counter discharge is also continuously generated. Thereafter, the discharge stops when the potential of the data electrode 5 becomes −40 V and the counter potential difference becomes 400 V (time t ₄ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a sawtooth negative predischarge erasing pulse Ppe following application of the predischarge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erasing pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₅ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed well.

  After that, similarly to the first reference example, the discharge cell is selected in the selection operation period, display light emission is obtained by the discharge in the sustain period, and the discharge is stopped in the sustain erase period. A similar display operation can be performed.

  Also in this reference example, it is possible to form a positive wall charge on the data electrode 5 by generating a counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  In the driving method of the plasma display panel according to this reference example, changes in the potential difference between the surface electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 and the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 are the first. This is the same as those in the first embodiment, and as a result, the luminance in black display can be reduced. Further, according to the present reference example, Vps, which is the highest potential among the potentials applied to each electrode, can be set lower than that in the seventh reference example and the first embodiment. For this reason, it is possible to keep the circuit cost as a whole low by using components with low withstand voltage.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 20 is a time chart showing a method of driving a plasma display panel according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 shows only the preliminary discharge period, but thereafter, as in the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. Also in the second embodiment, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The structure of the plasma display panel driven by the second embodiment is the same as that driven by the first reference example, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is 250 V, and a large amount of active particles are present in the discharge space. When present, the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes is 350V.

  In this embodiment, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive sawtooth-shaped preliminary discharge pulse Pps having a reaching potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2. On the other hand, a rectangular first preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf having a potential of Vpcf and a sawtooth second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs are continuously applied to the sustain electrode 3. At this time, the slopes of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps and the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs are made substantially equal to each other. The potential of the data electrode 5 is set to 0V. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs immediately before the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vps is set to 400V, Vpcf is set to 80V, and Vpcs is set to 120V. Further, the pulse width of the first preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf is adjusted so that the application timing of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 360V.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 330 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 250 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₁ ). . Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 350V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 350V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge exist in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is generated stably and stably between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 (time t _2). ). Further, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 360 V, the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is applied to the sustain electrode 3. At this time, since the slope of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is almost equal to that of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps, the surface potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 does not change thereafter and becomes constant. Discharging stops (time t ₃ ). On the other hand, once the counter discharge is generated, it continues stably after the surface discharge is stopped by the active particles formed by itself, and when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches Vps, the change in potential difference is stopped. And stop (time t ₄ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a sawtooth negative predischarge erasing pulse Ppe following application of the predischarge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erasing pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₅ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  After that, similarly to the first reference example, the discharge cell is selected in the selection operation period, display light emission is obtained by the discharge in the sustain period, and the discharge is stopped in the sustain erase period. A similar display operation can be performed.

  Also in this embodiment, it is possible to form a positive wall charge on the data electrode 5 by generating a counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  The driving method of the plasma display panel according to the present embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment except that the potential Vpcf of the first preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf is 80V. However, in the first embodiment, discharge is generated between the surface electrodes during the period in which the potential of the scan electrode 2 is changed from 250 V to 360 V by the preliminary discharge pulse Pps, whereas in this embodiment, the potential is changed from 330 V. Discharge occurs between the surface electrodes only in a period of changing to 360V. As a result, the luminance in black display can be further reduced.

  Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to add a new circuit in order to apply the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs. Further, the slope of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs at the time of voltage increase need not be equal to the slope of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps, and even if the slope is smaller than the slope of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps, the black luminance is reduced. Needless to say, there is an effect.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 21 is a time chart showing a method of driving a plasma display panel according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 shows only the preliminary discharge period, but thereafter, as in the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. FIG. 22 is a time chart schematically showing each potential difference and the state of discharge between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 or the data electrode 5 in the third embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The structure of the plasma display panel driven by this embodiment is the same as that driven by the fourth reference example. In order to perform color display, a plurality of phosphors, actually, red, green and blue 3 Different types of phosphors are applied separately. For this reason, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is constant at 250 V in all discharge cells, but the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when there are a large amount of active particles in the discharge space is red and blue discharges. The cell has 330V, and the green discharge cell has 390V.

  In this embodiment, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive sawtooth-shaped preliminary discharge pulse Pps having a reaching potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2. On the other hand, a rectangular first preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf having a potential of Vpcf, a sawtooth-shaped second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs, and a rectangular third preliminary discharge pulse Ppct having a potential of Vpct are continuously applied to the sustain electrode 3. Apply. At this time, the slopes of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps and the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs are substantially equal to each other. Further, a rectangular preliminary discharge pulse Ppd having a potential of Vpd is applied to the data electrode 5. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs immediately before the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vps is 350V, Vpcf is 0V, Vpct is 40V, and Vpd is -70V. Further, the pulse width of the first preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf is adjusted so that the application timing of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 270 V due to the preliminary discharge pulse Pps. . Further, the pulse width of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is adjusted so that the application timing of the third preliminary discharge pulse Ppct is when the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 310 V due to the preliminary discharge pulse Pps.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 250 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 250 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₁ ). . Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 260V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 330V. At this time, since there are a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is stably stabilized between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 in the red and blue discharge cells. (Time t ₂ ). Further, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 270 V, the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is applied to the sustain electrode 3. At this time, since the slope of the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is substantially the same as that of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps, the surface potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 does not change and becomes constant thereafter. The surface discharge is stopped (time t ₃ ). On the other hand, the counter discharge once generated in the red and blue discharge cells continues stably even after the surface discharge is stopped by the active particles formed by itself. Further, when the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 310 V, the third preliminary discharge pulse Ppct is applied to the sustain electrode 3, and the surface potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 increases again. For this reason, a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₄ ). Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 320V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 390V. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge are present in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is stably and stably maintained between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 even in the green discharge cell. Occurs (time t ₅ ). Finally, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 350 V, all discharges are stopped (time t ₆ ).

The scan electrode 2 is applied with a sawtooth negative predischarge erasing pulse Ppe following application of the predischarge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erasing pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge occurs between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased (time t ₇ ). It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed satisfactorily.

  After that, similarly to the first reference example, the discharge cell is selected in the selection operation period, display light emission is obtained by the discharge in the sustain period, and the discharge is stopped in the sustain erase period. A similar display operation can be performed.

  Also in this embodiment, it is possible to form a positive wall charge on the data electrode 5 by generating a counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  According to the present embodiment, since the surface discharge is stopped while the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs is being applied, the second preliminary discharge pulse Ppcs and the third preliminary discharge pulse Ppct are not applied. Compared with the total discharge amount, the luminance of black display can be reduced. Further, since active particles are supplied in advance by surface discharge for each discharge cell having a different counter discharge start voltage, it is possible to stably generate a weak counter discharge in all the discharge cells. In the present embodiment, since the same preliminary discharge pulse Ppd is applied to all the data electrodes 5, not only the panel having the structure in the fourth reference example but also a plurality of types of data on one data electrode 5. The present invention can also be applied to a panel coated with a phosphor.

Next, a ninth reference example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 27 is a time chart showing a driving method of the plasma display panel according to the ninth reference example of the present invention. Although only the preliminary discharge period is shown in FIG. 27, after that, similarly to the first reference example, a selection operation period , a sustain period, and a sustain erase period are provided. FIG. 28 is a time chart schematically showing each potential difference and the state of discharge between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 or the data electrode 5 in the ninth reference example. Also in this reference example, the reference potential of the surface electrode composed of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 is set to the sustain voltage Vs for maintaining the discharge in the sustain period. Therefore, regarding the potentials of the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, a potential higher than the sustain voltage Vs is expressed as positive polarity, and a lower potential is expressed as negative polarity. The sustain voltage Vs is, for example, about 170V. The potential of the data electrode 5 is based on 0V.

  The structure of the plasma display panel driven by this reference example is the same as that of the fourth reference example. In order to perform color display, a plurality of phosphors, specifically, for example, red, green, and Three kinds of blue phosphors are separately applied. For this reason, the discharge start threshold voltage between the surface electrodes is constant at 250 V in all discharge cells, but the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when there are a large amount of active particles in the discharge space is red and blue discharges. The cell has 330V, and the green discharge cell has 390V.

  In the present reference example, first, in the preliminary discharge period, a positive sawtooth-shaped preliminary discharge pulse Pps having a reaching potential of Vps is applied to the scan electrode 2. On the other hand, a rectangular preliminary discharge pulse Ppcf having a potential of Vpc is applied to the sustain electrode 3. Further, a rectangular preliminary discharge pulse Ppd having a potential of Vpd is applied to the data electrode 5. The ultimate potential difference between the surface electrodes due to the application of each preliminary discharge pulse is set so as to exceed the discharge start threshold voltage between the planar electrodes, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3, and the ultimate potential difference between the opposing electrodes. Is set so as to exceed the discharge start voltage between the counter electrodes when a large amount of active particles such as ions and electrons are present in the discharge space, that is, between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5. Further, any potential difference is set so that the discharge between the surface electrodes occurs immediately before the discharge between the counter electrodes. Therefore, for example, Vps is set to 420V and Vpc is set to 0V. Further, the potentials Vpdr and Vpdb of the preliminary discharge pulses Ppdr and Ppdb applied to the data electrode 5 corresponding to the discharge cell 12 in which the red and blue phosphor layers 8 are formed are both set to 60 V, and the green phosphor layer 8 is formed. The potential Vpdg of the preliminary discharge pulse Ppdg applied to the data electrode 5 corresponding to the discharged discharge cell 12 is 0 V, that is, no pulse is applied. Furthermore, the application timings of the preliminary discharge pulses Ppdr and Ppdb are adjusted so that the potential of the scan electrode 2 becomes 360 V due to the preliminary discharge pulse Pps.

With this setting, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 250 V, the potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 becomes 250 V, and a weak discharge is continuously generated between the surface electrodes (time t ₁ ). . Thereafter, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 330V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 330V. At this time, since there are a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is stably stabilized between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 in the red and blue discharge cells. (Time t ₂ ). Further, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 360 V, the preliminary discharge pulses Ppdr and Ppdb are applied to the data electrode 5. As a result, the counter potential difference between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 in the red and blue discharge cells decreases, and thereafter, the counter discharge in the discharge cell 12 stops (time t ₃ ). Thereafter, when the preliminary discharge pulse Pps becomes 390V, the potential difference between the counter electrodes between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 becomes 390V in the green discharge cell. At this time, since a large amount of active particles formed by surface discharge are present in the discharge space, a weak counter discharge is stably and stably maintained between the scan electrode 2 and the data electrode 5 in the green discharge cell. Occurs (time t ₄ ). Finally, when the potential of the preliminary discharge pulse Pps reaches 420 V, all surface discharges and counter discharge in the green cells are stopped (time t ₅ ).

  The scan electrode 2 is applied with a sawtooth negative predischarge erasing pulse Ppe following application of the predischarge pulse Pps. The ultimate potential Vpe of the preliminary discharge erase pulse Ppe is set to 0 V, for example. At this time, the potential of the sustain electrode 3 is fixed to the sustain voltage Vs. The potential of the data electrode 5 is fixed at 0V. By applying the preliminary discharge erasing pulse Ppe, a discharge having a polarity opposite to that of the preliminary discharge is generated between the surface electrodes, and the wall charges formed on the scan electrode 2 and the sustain electrode 3 are erased. It should be noted that the wall charge erasing in the preliminary discharge period includes the adjustment of the wall charge so that the operation in the next step such as the selection operation and the sustain discharge is performed well.

  After that, similarly to the first reference example, the discharge cell is selected in the selection operation period, display light emission is obtained by the discharge in the sustain period, and the discharge is stopped in the sustain erase period. A similar display operation can be performed.

  Also in this reference example, it is possible to form a positive wall charge on the data electrode 5 by generating a counter discharge within the preliminary discharge period. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data voltage Vd and shorten the selection operation period.

  According to this reference example, since the opposing discharges in the red and blue discharge cells are stopped by the application of the preliminary discharge pulses Ppdr and Ppdb, the total discharge amount is reduced as compared with the case where the preliminary discharge pulse Ppd is not applied. The luminance of black display can be reduced. In addition, since the counter discharge is generated in the red and blue discharge cells during the period of 330 V to 360 V in the preliminary discharge pulse Pps and in the green discharge cell from 390 V to 420 V, the discharge amount is almost the same in all the discharge cells. It is possible to control. Accordingly, it is possible to form almost the same amount of wall charges in the discharge cells having different counter discharge start threshold voltages, and the stability of the selective discharge in the subsequent selection operation period becomes higher. Further, since the total discharge amount in the discharge cells of the respective colors becomes almost the same amount, there is an advantage that coloring due to the difference in discharge amount on the black screen does not occur.

  In these reference examples, a write selection type driving method is employed in which discharge is generated in a discharge cell for display during a selection operation period to form wall charges. On the other hand, as another driving method, there is a so-called erasure selection type driving method in which wall charges are formed in the preliminary discharge period and discharge is generated in the selection operation period for the discharge cells that do not perform display, so that the wall charges are erased. . Also in the erasure selection type driving method, in order to generate a stable and reliable discharge in the selection operation period, it is important to form a stable wall charge in the preliminary discharge period. Improvements, data voltage reductions and contrast improvements can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the methods directly shown in the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied by appropriately combining them.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1; Insulating substrate 2; Scan electrode 3; Sustain electrode 4; Trace electrode 5; Data electrode 6; Discharge space 7; Partition 8; Phosphor layer 9; First dielectric layer 10; Body layer

Claims (1)

A plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction provided on a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, the first and second substrates disposed opposite to each other; A plurality of second electrodes provided on a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate and arranged to extend in the first direction in pairs with the first electrodes; A plurality of third electrodes provided on a surface of the substrate facing the first substrate and extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the first and second electrodes A plasma display panel driving method for causing a plasma display panel in which a discharge cell is disposed at each intersection of the third electrode and the third electrode to perform display according to a video signal,
In the preliminary discharge period, a voltage that gradually increases the potential of the first electrode with respect to the second and third electrodes is applied to the first electrode, and between the first and second electrodes. A step of generating a discharge, and then a step of causing the potential of the second electrode to follow the potential of the first electrode by capacitive coupling with the potential of the second electrode as a floating potential. To drive a plasma display panel.

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