High resolution and high luminance plasma display panel and drive method for the same

Abstract

When a gas discharge panel is driven, a voltage is applied between scan and address electrode groups to perform set-up. The voltage waveform has four intervals. In a first interval, the voltage is raised in a short time (less than 10 &mgr;s) to a first voltage, wherein 100 V&lE;first voltage<starting voltage. Then, in a second interval, the voltage is raised to a second voltage no less than the starting voltage and with an absolute gradient smaller than that for the voltage rise in the first interval (no more than 9 V/&mgr;s). Next, in a third interval, the voltage is lowered in a short time (no more than 10 &mgr;s) from the second voltage to a third voltage no more than the starting voltage. Following this, in a fourth interval, the voltage is lowered still further (for 100 &mgr;s to 250 &mgr;s) with a gradient smaller than that for the voltage fall in the third interval. The time occupied by the whole voltage waveform should be no more than 360 &mgr;s. This means that a wall charge can be properly accumulated, allowing stable addressing to be performed even when the pulse applied during the address period is short (no more than 1.5 &mgr;s). This lengthens the discharge sustain period and improves luminance.