KR100800465B1 - Plasma Display Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plasma display device, wherein a positive sustain signal and a negative sustain signal are applied to either the scan electrode Y or the sustain electrode Z, and a bias signal is applied to the other. This has the effect of increasing the sustain discharge efficiency.

The plasma display apparatus of the present invention has a plasma display panel on which scan electrodes, sustain electrodes and address electrodes are formed, and a voltage greater than the ground level GND at any one of the scan electrodes and the sustain electrodes in the sustain period for displaying an image. A positive sustain signal rising to the first voltage and a negative sustain signal falling to a second voltage smaller than the voltage at ground level are applied, and the magnitude of the first voltage is greater than the magnitude of the second voltage. It is preferable to include a driving unit which is made large so as to apply a bias signal to the address electrode while a positive sustain signal and a negative sustain signal are applied to the scan electrode or the sustain electrode.

Description

Plasma Display Apparatus {Plasma Display Apparatus}

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a plasma display device of the present invention.

2A to 2B are views for explaining an example of the structure of a plasma display panel included in the plasma display device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a frame for implementing grayscale of an image in the plasma display device of the present invention; FIG.

4 is a view for explaining an example of the operation of the plasma display device of the present invention;

5A to 5B are diagrams for explaining another form of the rising ramp signal or the second falling ramp signal.

6 is a diagram for explaining a sustain signal in more detail.

7 is a diagram for explaining the magnitudes of the voltages of the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal in more detail.

Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining another form of the sustain signal.

9 is a diagram for explaining a sustain signal considering a reference voltage.

10 is a view for explaining an example of a method of changing the order of applying a positive sustain signal and a negative sustain signal.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: plasma display panel 110: driver

The present invention relates to a plasma display device (Plasma Display Apparatus).

The plasma display apparatus includes a plasma display panel having electrodes formed thereon, and a driver for applying a predetermined driving signal to the electrodes of the plasma display panel.

In general, a phosphor layer is formed in a discharge cell (Cell) partitioned by a partition, and a plurality of electrodes are formed in the plasma display panel.

The driving unit applies a driving signal to the discharge cell through the electrode.

Then, the discharge is generated by the drive signal supplied in the discharge cell. Here, when discharged by a drive signal in the discharge cell, the discharge gas filled in the discharge cell generates vacuum ultraviolet rays, and the vacuum ultraviolet light emits the phosphor formed in the discharge cell to emit visible light. Generate. The visible light displays an image on the screen of the plasma display panel.

In such a plasma display device, there is a problem that the discharge efficiency is lowered when a discharge occurs in the discharge cell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a plasma display device which suppresses a decrease in discharge efficiency by improving a sustain signal applied in a sustain period for displaying an image.

The plasma display device of the present invention for achieving the above object is a ground level (GND) of any one of the scan electrode or the sustain electrode in the sustain period for the image display and the plasma display panel is formed of the scan electrode, the sustain electrode and the address electrode A positive sustain signal rising to the first voltage greater than the voltage of and a negative sustain signal falling to the second voltage smaller than the voltage of the ground level are applied, and the magnitude of the first voltage is applied to the second voltage. It is preferable to include a driver for applying a bias signal to the address electrode while the positive electrode and the negative sustain signal are applied to the scan electrode or the sustain electrode.

In addition, the driving unit is characterized in that the alternating application of a positive sustain signal and a negative sustain signal.

In addition, the difference between the magnitude of the first voltage and the second voltage is characterized in that about 10V or more and 40V or less.

In addition, the difference between the magnitude of the first voltage and the second voltage is characterized in that about 20V or more and 30V or less.

In addition, the magnitude of the first voltage is about 180V or more and 190V or less, and the magnitude of the second voltage is about 150V or more and 170V or less.

The driving unit may apply a bias signal to the other one of the scan electrode and the sustain electrode.

In addition, the bias signal is characterized in that the voltage at the ground level is kept substantially constant.

Hereinafter, a plasma display device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a view for explaining the configuration of the plasma display device of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the plasma display apparatus of the present invention includes a plasma display panel 100 and a driver 110.

In the sustain period for displaying an image, the driver 110 increases the first voltage higher than the voltage of the ground level GND to either the scan electrode Y or the sustain electrode Z of the plasma display panel 100. A positive sustain signal and a negative sustain signal falling down to a second voltage smaller than the voltage at ground level are applied, where the magnitude of the first voltage is greater than the magnitude of the second voltage.

The driving unit 110 of the plasma display device of the present invention will be more clearly described later.

In the plasma display panel 100, scan electrodes Y and sustain electrodes Z parallel to each other are formed.

An example of the structure of the plasma display panel 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2B.

2A to 2B are views for explaining an example of the structure of the plasma display panel included in the plasma display device of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 2A, a plasma display panel according to the present invention includes a front panel 201 including an electrode, preferably a front substrate 201 on which scan electrodes 202 and Y and sustain electrodes 203 and Z are formed. A rear panel including a back substrate 211 on which an electrode intersecting the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z, preferably the address electrodes 213 and X, is formed. 210 is made of a combination.

Here, the electrodes formed on the front substrate 201, preferably the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z, generate a discharge in a discharge space, that is, a discharge cell, and at the same time Maintain the discharge.

The dielectric layer, preferably on the upper surface of the front substrate 201 where the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z are formed to cover the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z. Upper dielectric layer 204 is formed.

This upper dielectric layer 204 limits the discharge current of the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z and insulates the scan electrodes 202 and Y from the sustain electrodes 203 and Z.

A protective layer 205 is formed on the top surface of the upper dielectric layer 204 to facilitate discharge conditions. The protective layer 205 is formed by, for example, depositing a material such as magnesium oxide (MgO) over the upper dielectric layer 204.

Meanwhile, the electrodes formed on the rear substrate 211, preferably the address electrodes 213 and X, are electrodes that apply a data signal to the discharge cells.

A dielectric layer, preferably a lower dielectric layer 215 is formed on the rear substrate 211 on which the address electrodes 213 and X are formed to cover the address electrodes 213 and X.

This lower dielectric layer 215 insulates the address electrodes 213, X.

On top of the lower dielectric layer 215, a partition 212, such as a stripe type, a well type, a delta type, a honeycomb type, for partitioning a discharge cell, that is, a discharge cell, is formed. Is formed. Accordingly, discharge cells such as red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are formed between the front substrate 201 and the rear substrate 211.

Here, a predetermined discharge gas is filled in the discharge cell partitioned by the partition wall 212.

In addition, a phosphor layer 214 is formed in a discharge cell partitioned by the partition 212 to emit visible light for image display during address discharge. For example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) phosphor layers may be formed.

In the plasma display panel of the present invention described above, when the driving signal is supplied to at least one of the scan electrodes 202, Y, the sustain electrodes 203, Z, and the address electrodes 213, X, the barrier rib 212 is provided. Discharges occur within the discharge cells partitioned by each other.

Then, vacuum ultraviolet rays are generated in the discharge gas filled in the discharge cells, and the vacuum ultraviolet rays are applied to the phosphor layer 214 formed in the discharge cells. Then, a predetermined visible light is generated in the phosphor layer 214, and the visible light is emitted to the outside through the front substrate 201 in which the upper dielectric layer 204 is formed. A predetermined image is displayed on the outer surface.

Meanwhile, in the description of FIG. 2A, only the case where the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z are each formed of one layer is illustrated and described. However, the scan electrodes 202 and Y or the It is also possible that at least one of the sustain electrodes 203 and Z consists of a plurality of layers. This will be described with reference to FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z may be formed of two layers, respectively.

In particular, in consideration of light transmittance and electrical conductivity, the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z are opaque silver (Ag) to emit light generated in the discharge cell to the outside and to secure driving efficiency. Bus electrodes 202b and 203b and transparent electrodes 202a and 203a made of transparent indium tin oxide (ITO).

As such, the reason why the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z include the transparent electrodes 202a and 203a is that when visible light generated in the discharge cells is emitted to the outside of the plasma display panel. To be released effectively.

In addition, the reason why the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z include the bus electrodes 202b and 203b is that the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z are transparent electrodes. In the case of including only 202a and 203a, the driving efficiency can be reduced because the electrical conductivity of the transparent electrodes 202a and 203a is relatively low, so that the transparent electrodes 202a and 203a can cause such a reduction in the driving efficiency. To compensate for the low electrical conductivity.

As described above, in the case where the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z include the bus electrodes 202b and 203b, the transparent electrodes (202b and 203b) prevent the reflection of external light by the bus electrodes 202b and 203b. Black layers 220 and 221 may be further provided between the 202a and 203a and the bus electrodes 202b and 203b.

Meanwhile, the transparent electrodes 202a and 203a may be omitted in the same structure as in FIG. 2B. In other words, ITO-Less is also possible.

For example, the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z may be made of only the bus electrodes 202b and 203b without the transparent electrodes 202a and 203a in FIG. 2B. That is, the scan electrodes 202 and Y and the sustain electrodes 203 and Z may be formed of one layer of the bus electrodes 202b and 203b.

2A to 2B, only one example of the plasma display panel of the present invention is shown and described, and it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the plasma display panel having the structure as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2B. For example, the plasma display panel of FIGS. 2A-2B shows only the case where the upper dielectric layer 204 and the lower dielectric layer 215 are each one layer, but the upper dielectric layer 204 is shown. And at least one of the lower dielectric layers 215 may be formed of a plurality of layers.

In addition, a black layer (not shown) may be further formed on the top of the partition 212 to prevent reflection of the external light due to the partition 212.

As such, the structure of the plasma display panel applied to the plasma display apparatus of the present invention may be variously changed.

An example of the operation of the plasma display apparatus of the present invention including the plasma display panel will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a frame for implementing gray levels of an image in the plasma display apparatus of the present invention.

4 is a view for explaining an example of the operation of the plasma display device of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 3, in the plasma display device of the present invention, a frame for implementing gray levels of an image is divided into several subfields having different emission counts.

In addition, although not shown, each subfield may further include a reset period for initializing all discharge cells, an address period for selecting discharge cells to be discharged, and a sustain period for implementing gray levels according to the number of discharges. Sustain Period).

For example, when displaying an image with 256 gray levels, a frame period (16.67 ms) corresponding to 1/60 second is divided into eight subfields SF1 to SF8 as shown in FIG. Each of the subfields SF1 to SF8 is divided into a reset period, an address period, and a sustain period.

The gray scale weight of the corresponding subfield may be set by adjusting the number of the sustain signals supplied in the sustain period. That is, a predetermined gray scale weight can be given to each subfield using the sustain period. For example, the gray scale weight of each subfield is 2n by setting the gray scale weight of the first subfield to 2 ⁰ and the gray scale weight of the second subfield to 21, where n = 0, 1, and 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) can be determined to increase the gray scale weight of each subfield. As described above, the number of sustain signals supplied in the sustain period of each subfield is adjusted according to the gray scale weight in each subfield, thereby implementing gray levels of various images.

The plasma display device of the present invention uses a plurality of frames to display an image of one second. For example, 60 frames are used to display an image of 1 second.

In FIG. 3, only one frame is composed of eight subfields. However, the number of subfields forming one frame may be changed in various ways. For example, one frame may be configured with 12 subfields from the first subfield to the twelfth subfield, or one frame may be configured with 10 subfields.

The image quality of the image implemented by the plasma display apparatus implementing the gray level of the image using the frame may be determined according to the number of subfields included in the frame. That is, when 12 subfields are included in a frame, gray levels of 212 images can be expressed. When 8 subfields are included in a frame, 28 gray levels can be realized.

Also, in FIG. 3, subfields are arranged according to the order of increasing the magnitude of gray scale weight in one frame. Alternatively, subfields may be arranged in the order of decreasing gray scale weight in one frame. Subfields may be arranged regardless of the weight.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, an example of an operation of the plasma display apparatus of the present invention in any one of a plurality of subfields included in the same frame as in FIG. 3 is shown.

First, the driving unit 110 of FIG. 1 applies a first ramp-down signal to the scan electrode Y in the pre-reset period before the reset period.

In addition, the driving unit 110 applies a first sustain bias signal in a direction opposite to the first falling ramp signal to the sustain electrode Z while the first falling ramp signal is applied to the scan electrode Y.

Here, it is preferable that the first falling ramp signal applied to the scan electrode Y gradually descends to the tenth voltage V10. Preferably, the first falling ramp signal is preferably gradually lowered from the voltage of the ground level GND.

In addition, the first sustain bias signal preferably maintains the first sustain bias voltage Vz1 substantially constant. Here, it is preferable that the first sustain bias voltage Vz1 is approximately the same voltage as the voltage of the sustain signal SUS applied in the subsequent sustain period, that is, the sustain voltage Vs.

As described above, when the first falling ramp signal is applied to the scan electrode Y and the first sustain bias signal is applied to the sustain electrode Z in the pre-reset period, the wall charge of a predetermined polarity is applied to the scan electrode Y. Wall charges are accumulated, and wall charges of opposite polarity to the scan electrode Y are accumulated on the sustain electrode Z. For example, positive wall charges are accumulated on the scan electrode Y, and negative wall charges are accumulated on the sustain electrode Z.

This makes it possible to generate a setup discharge of sufficient intensity in the subsequent reset period, thereby enabling the initialization to be sufficiently stable.

Even when the amount of wall charges in the discharge cell is insufficient, a setup discharge of sufficient intensity can be generated.

In addition, even when the voltage of the rising ramp signal Ramp-Up applied to the scan electrode Y becomes smaller in the reset period, setup discharge of sufficient intensity can be generated.

The pre-reset period described above may be included before the reset period in all subfields of the frame.

Alternatively, a pre-reset period is included before the reset period in one subfield having the smallest gray scale weight among the subfields of the frame from the viewpoint of securing the driving time, or a reset period in two or three subfields of the subfields of the frame. It is also possible to include a pre-reset period before.

After the pre-reset period, in the set-up period of the reset period for initialization, the driving unit 110 applies a ramp-up signal in a direction opposite to the first falling ramp signal to the scan electrode Y. do.

Here, the rising ramp signal may include a first rising ramp signal gradually increasing with a first slope from the twentieth voltage V20 to the thirtieth voltage V30 and the second rising ramp signal from the thirtieth voltage V30 to the forty-th voltage V40. It is preferred to include a second rising ramp signal that rises with a slope.

At this time, the driving unit 110 preferably applies a second sustain bias signal having a voltage lower than the first sustain bias voltage Vz1 of the first sustain bias signal to the sustain electrode Z.

Here, the second sustain bias signal preferably maintains the second sustain bias voltage Vz2 substantially, and the second sustain bias voltage Vz2 may be a voltage of the ground level GND.

In this setup period, a weak dark discharge, that is, setup discharge, occurs in the discharge cell by the rising ramp signal. This setup discharge causes a certain amount of wall charges to accumulate in the discharge cell.

Here, it is preferable that the second slope of the second rising ramp signal is gentler than the first slope. As such, when the second slope is made gentler than the first slope, the voltage is increased relatively quickly until the setup discharge occurs, and the voltage is increased relatively slowly while the setup discharge occurs. The amount of light generated by the setup discharge can be reduced.

Accordingly, the contrast characteristic can be improved.

In the set-down period after the set-up period, the driving unit 110 applies a second ramp-down signal in the opposite polarity direction to the scan electrode Y after the ramp ramp signal. .

Here, it is preferable that the second falling ramp signal gradually decreases from the twentieth voltage V20 to the fifty voltage V50.

In this case, the driving unit 110 may receive the second sustain bias signal Vz2 that substantially maintains the second sustain bias voltage Vz2 in a part while the second falling ramp signal is applied to the scan electrode Y in the reset period. It is preferable to apply.

As a result, weak erase discharge, that is, set-down discharge, occurs in the discharge cell. By this set-down discharge, wall charges such that address discharge can be stably generated in the discharge cells remain uniformly.

Meanwhile, unlike FIG. 4, the rising ramp signal or the second falling ramp signal may be set, which will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5B.

5A to 5B are diagrams for explaining another form of the rising ramp signal or the second falling ramp signal.

First, referring to FIG. 5A, the rising ramp signal gradually increases from the thirtieth voltage V30 to the forty-th voltage V40 after rapidly rising to the thirtieth voltage V30.

As such, the rising ramp signal may rise gradually with different inclinations over two stages, as shown in FIG. 4, and in various forms, such as gradually rising in one stage as shown here in FIG. 5A. It is possible to change.

Next, referring to FIG. 5B, the second falling ramp signal has a form in which the voltage gradually decreases from the thirtieth voltage V30.

As described above, the second falling ramp signal may be changed in various forms, such as a different point in time at which the voltage falls.

This concludes the description of FIGS. 5A to 5B.

Meanwhile, in the address period after the reset period, the driver 110 may apply a scan bias signal to the scan electrode Y that substantially maintains a voltage higher than the 50 th voltage V50 of the second falling ramp signal.

In addition, a scan signal Scan, which drops from the scan bias signal to the sixtieth voltage V60, is applied to all the scan electrodes Y1 to Yn.

For example, the first scan signal Scan 1 is applied to the first scan electrode Y1, the second scan signal Scan 2 is applied to the second scan electrode Y2, and the nth scan is applied. The nth scan signal Scan n is applied to the electrode Yn.

As such, when the scan signal falling down to the 60th voltage V60 is applied to the scan electrode Y, the data signal rising up to the data voltage Vd is applied to the address electrode X correspondingly. Can be.

Accordingly, the voltage difference between the negative scan voltage (-Vy) of the scan signal Scan and the data voltage Vd of the data signal and the wall voltage generated by the wall charges generated in the reset period are added to the voltage of the data signal ( An address discharge is generated in the discharge cell to which Vd) is applied.

In this discharge cell selected by the address discharge, wall charges such that sustain discharge can occur when the sustain signal SUS is applied in a subsequent sustain period are formed.

In addition, in such an address period, the driving unit 110 preferably applies a third sustain bias signal to the sustain electrode Z in order to prevent the address discharge from becoming unstable due to interference by the sustain electrode Z.

Here, it is preferable that the third sustain bias signal maintains the third sustain bias voltage Vz3 substantially smaller than the first sustain bias voltage Vz1 and greater than the second sustain bias voltage Vz2.

Thereafter, the driver 110 applies the sustain signal SUS to either the scan electrode Y or the sustain electrode Z during the sustain period for displaying an image. Preferably, a positive sustain signal and a negative sustain signal are alternately applied to the scan electrode among the scan electrode (Y) or the sustain electrode (Z).

As described above, while the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal are applied to the scan electrode Y, the driving unit 110 preferably applies a bias signal to the remaining sustain electrode Z.

Here, the bias signal preferably maintains the voltage at the ground level GND substantially constant.

As a result, the discharge cells selected by the address discharge have the scan voltage Y and the sustain electrode each time the sustain signal Vs is applied while the wall voltage in the discharge cell and the sustain voltage Vs of the sustain signal Vs are added. A sustain discharge, that is, a display discharge occurs between Z). Accordingly, a predetermined image is implemented on the plasma display panel.

As such, when the sustain signal is applied to only one of the scan electrode Y and the sustain electrode Z and the bias signal is applied to the other electrode in the sustain period, the shape of the driving unit can be simplified.

For example, when a sustain signal is applied to the scan electrode Y, and a sustain signal is also applied to the sustain electrode Z, a driving board on which circuits for applying the sustain signal to the scan electrode Y are arranged And driving boards on which circuits for applying a sustain signal to the sustain electrode Z are arranged.

On the other hand, when the sustain signal is applied to only one of the scan electrode (Y) and the sustain electrode (Z) as in the present invention, the sustain is applied to any one of the scan electrode (Y) or the sustain electrode (Z). Only one driving board on which circuits for applying a signal are arranged is required.

As a result, the overall size of the driving unit can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

Here, the sustain signal applied in the sustain period will be described in more detail as follows.

6 is a diagram for explaining the sustain signal in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the sustain period for displaying an image, the sustain signal applied to the scan electrode Y is increased to the first voltage V1 which is greater than the voltage of the ground level GND. And a negative sustain signal falling down to the second voltage V2 which is smaller than the voltage of the level GND. In particular, the magnitude of the first voltage V1 is greater than the magnitude of the second voltage V2 here. That is, ΔV1 is larger than ΔV2. In other words, the magnitude of the positive sustain signal is larger than that of the negative sustain signal.

Here, it is preferable that the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal are alternately applied to the scan electrode (Y).

As such, the reason for making the magnitude of the positive sustain signal larger than the magnitude of the negative sustain signal is that the characteristics of the sustain discharge generated by the positive sustain signal and that of the sustain discharge generated by the negative sustain signal are different from each other. Because it can.

More specifically, the positive wall charge, ie the mass of the positive charge, has a relatively larger value compared to the negative wall charge, ie the mass of the electrons.

Accordingly, the amount of energy of the sustain discharge generated by fully utilizing the repulsive force of the positive wall charge by applying the positive sustain signal becomes relatively larger than the amount of energy of the sustain discharge generated by applying the negative sustain.

Therefore, it is more advantageous in terms of energy efficiency to make the magnitude of the positive sustain signal larger than the magnitude of the negative sustain signal.

For example, assume a negative sustain signal falling to -160V and a sustain signal rising to + 160V. In this case, the total swing is 320V from -160V to +160. Let this be a first type (Type 1).

On the other hand, suppose a negative sustain signal falling to -140V and a sustain signal rising to + 180V. In this case, the total swing is 320V from -140V to +180. Let this be a second type (Type 2).

The first type and the second type have the same swing widths of the total voltages, but the second type swings larger in the direction of the positive voltage than the first type.

Here, even if the second type has the same swing width as the first type, since the swing swings larger in the positive voltage direction, the efficiency of the sustain discharge is relatively higher.

Here, the difference between the voltages of the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal, that is, the difference between the magnitudes of the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 is determined by considering the efficiency of the sustain discharge and the balance of the sustain discharge. It is desirable to be.

For example, an increase in the efficiency of the sustain discharge can be expected only when the magnitude of the first voltage V1 is greater than the magnitude of the second voltage V2, and the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 are also expected to be increased. In the case where the magnitude of the difference is excessively increased, that is, when the magnitude of the first voltage V1 is excessively larger than the magnitude of the second voltage V2, the sustain discharge is in the scan electrode Y or the sustain electrode Z. By being excessively biased in either direction, the efficiency of the sustain discharge can be reduced rather.

In consideration of this, it is preferable that the difference between the magnitudes of the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2, that is, ΔV1-ΔV2 is approximately 10V or more and 40V or less.

Here, when further considering the balance of the sustain discharge, it is more preferable that the difference between the magnitudes of the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2, that is, ΔV1-ΔV2 is approximately 20V or more and 30V or less.

More preferably, the magnitude of the positive sustain signal, that is, the magnitude of the first voltage V1 is about 180V or more and 190V or less, and the magnitude of the negative sustain signal, that is, the magnitude of the second voltage V2 is about 150V or more and 170V. It is preferable that it is the following.

That is, considering that the second voltage V2 is a voltage below the ground level GND, the second voltage V2 is preferably about -170V or more and -150V or less.

The relationship between the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2, that is, the magnitudes of the voltages of the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing the magnitudes of voltages of a positive sustain signal and a negative sustain signal in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 7, the indication of (●) is a case where the magnitude of the negative sustain signal is changed while the magnitude of the positive sustain signal is fixed, and the indication of (▲) is the magnitude and negative sustain of the positive sustain signal. This is a case where the magnitude of the signal is changed while being the same, and the indication (■) shows a case where the magnitude of the positive sustain signal is changed while the magnitude of the negative sustain signal is fixed.

First, when the magnitude of the negative sustain signal is fixed at 160 V and the negative signal is changed within the range of 160 V to 190 V, the relative discharge efficiency (AU) is It can be seen that it gradually worsens from about 0.175 to 0.16.

Next, looking at the mark (▲) that equalizes the magnitude of the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal and changes the magnitude of the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal from 160V to 190V, the relative discharge efficiency is It can be seen that it gradually improves from about 0.175 to 0.19.

Next, look at the indication (■) of changing the magnitude of the positive sustain signal within the range of 160V to 190V with the magnitude of the negative sustain signal fixed at 160V, and the relative discharge efficiency is gradually increased from approximately 0.175 to 0.215. It can be seen that the improvement.

This confirms that the discharge efficiency is higher than in the case of the display of (▲) equalizing the magnitude of the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal. In particular, it can be seen that the discharge efficiency is relatively high when the magnitude of the negative sustain signal is 160V and the magnitude of the positive sustain signal is about 180V or more and 190V or less.

This is the case where the magnitude of the positive sustain signal of FIG. 6, that is, the magnitude of the first voltage V1 is approximately 180V or more and 190V or less, and the magnitude of the negative sustain signal, that is, the magnitude of the second voltage V2 is approximately 160V. This may mean that the discharge efficiency is relatively high.

Next, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another form of the sustain signal.

Referring to FIG. 8, a positive sustain signal and a negative sustain signal are applied to the sustain electrode Z among the scan electrode Y or the sustain electrode Z, and a bias signal is applied to the scan electrode Y. That is, the case is opposite to the case of FIG.

As such, the electrodes to which the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal are applied may be changed.

On the other hand, in the above description, the positive sustain signal rises from the voltage of the ground level GND to the first voltage V1, and the negative sustain signal falls from the voltage of the ground level GND to the second voltage V2. Although only illustrated and described as being possible, other forms are possible. This is as follows.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a sustain signal considering a reference voltage. FIG.

9, the positive sustain signal rises from the reference voltage V3 to the first voltage, and the negative sustain signal falls from the reference voltage V3 to the second voltage V2.

Here, the reference voltage V3 is a voltage having a higher level than the voltage of the ground level GND.

Therefore, even if the difference ΔV10 between the magnitude of the reference voltage V3 and the first voltage V1 and the difference ΔV20 between the magnitude of the reference voltage V3 and the second voltage V2 are substantially the same, the positive sustain is positive. The magnitude of the signal, that is, the difference ΔV1 between the first voltage V1 and the voltage of the ground level GND, is the magnitude of the negative sustain signal, that is, the voltage of the ground level GND and the second voltage V2. It is larger than the difference ΔV2 in magnitude.

In this manner, a sustain signal of a type that sets the reference voltage V3 and swings from the reference voltage V3 can also be applied.

Next, FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of changing the order of applying the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal.

Referring to FIG. 10, a first positive sustain signal rising to the first voltage V1, a first negative sustain signal falling to the second voltage V2, a second positive sustain signal, and a second negative sustain signal And after the third positive sustain signal is sequentially applied, the third negative sustain signal is not applied and the fourth positive sustain signal is applied.

That is, the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal may be applied alternately, but as shown in FIG. 10, one or more of the positive sustain signal or the negative sustain signal may be applied continuously two or more times. It can be changed.

As such, the technical configuration of the present invention described above can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention.

Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described above are to be understood as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing detailed description, and the meaning and scope of the claims are as follows. And all changes or modifications derived from the equivalent concept should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

As described in detail above, the plasma display apparatus of the present invention applies a positive sustain signal and a negative sustain signal to either the scan electrode Y or the sustain electrode Z, and applies a bias signal to the other. This has the effect of increasing the sustain discharge efficiency.

Claims (7)

A plasma display panel in which scan electrodes, sustain electrodes and address electrodes are formed; A positive sustain signal rising to a first voltage greater than the voltage of the ground level GND to either the scan electrode or the sustain electrode in the sustain period for displaying an image and a second voltage smaller than the voltage of the ground level Apply a negative sustain signal that descends to and make the magnitude of the first voltage greater than the magnitude of the second voltage, A driver configured to apply a bias signal to the address electrode while the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal are applied to the scan electrode or the sustain electrode; Plasma display device comprising a. The method of claim 1, The driving unit And applying the positive sustain signal and the negative sustain signal alternately. The method of claim 1, The difference between the magnitudes of the first voltage and the second voltage is 10V or more and 40V or less. The method of claim 3, wherein And the difference between the magnitudes of the first voltage and the second voltage is 20V or more and 30V or less. The method of claim 1, And the magnitude of the first voltage is greater than or equal to 180V and less than or equal to 190V, and the magnitude of the second voltage is greater than or equal to 150V and less than or equal to 170V. The method of claim 1, The driving unit And applying a bias signal to the other one of the scan electrode and the sustain electrode. The method of claim 6, And the bias signal maintains a substantially constant voltage at ground level.

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