Cost-Effective Driving System Based on Switching Scan IC for AC Plasma Display Panels

A low-cost driving system for plasma display panels (PDPs) is proposed from standpoints of the entire driver. The proposed driving system is developed with no path switches, based on the series connection of the ramp-generating switches with the sustain circuit. In addition, the proposed driver is arranged in such a way that the scan integrated circuits (ICs) can be utilized with switching operation during sustain periods. The operation of the switching scan ICs results in a simplified sustain circuit with low-cost and low-voltage-rating circuit components. Since the proposed driver is designed by circuit devices with low voltage rating, it can take advantages of semiconductor devices with reduced conduction and switching losses as well as cost effectiveness. Furthermore, the developed driving system requires no power supply assigned to the bias circuit, and parts of the sustain circuit can be used for the bias circuit as well. As a result, the PDP driving system presented in this paper can feature low-cost structure, reduced number of switching devices, smaller size, and high efficiency.