Abstract: An electroluminescent device is disclosed having a layout particularly suited for plug compatibility. The device includes a polymeric substrate having a first conductor fixed to the substrate. The first conductor is spaced inwardly from the edges of the substrate in a preselected pattern to form a first electrode. A luminescent coating covers a first portion of the first electrode leaving at least one edge of the first electrode uncovered. The luminescent coating extends across a second edge of the first conductor and onto the substrate. A pair of second conductors are situated adjacent to each other on the substrate at a preselected distance. One of the pair of the second conductors covers substantially the whole of the luminescent coating and extends across the second edge onto the substrate. The other of the pair of second conductors extends along the one edge of the first conductor and on into the substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming electroluminescent devices is disclosed. A first conductor is deposited on a substrate in a preselected pattern so as to form a first electrode. A first portion of the first conductor is then covered with a luminescent coating. A pair of second conductors are then deposited adjacent to each other, one of the second conductors forming a second electrode and contacting only the luminescent coating and the substrate, while the other second conductor contacts only the first conductor and the substrate. An insulative film is then deposited so as to cover the pair of second conductors. A conductive shielding layer is then deposited over the insulating film. The shielding layer includes a terminal portion adapted to be connected to a suitable ground.

Abstract: An inverter for providing power to an electroluminescent lamp which optimizes the light output over the life of the lamp, includes an oscillator and a voltage feedback for sensing the voltage across the electroluminescent lamp, the oscillator being responsive to the feedback voltage to generate a time varying signal at a frequency related to the sensed feedback voltage.