Abstract: Low cost apparatus for a gas display panel is operated by a method to provide reliable write, sustain, and erase operations. For sustain operations a first square wave train is applied to all horizontal lines of the gas display panel simultaneously as a second square wave train, displaced 90.degree. from the first square wave train is applied to all vertical lines. For a write operation the frequency of the first and second square wave trains is reduced, and a pulse is superimposed or algebraically added to the sustain signals which results in a composite signal. The superimposed signal (a) increases the potential on a selected horizontal line, (b) decreases the potential on the remaining horizontal lines, (c) decreases the potential on a selected vertical line, and (d) inceases the potential on the remaining vertical lines.

Abstract: In plasma display panels requiring interstitial spacer elements within the display area to provide and maintain a uniform discharge gap, the spacers are positioned between lines which constitute the display. The lines adjacent the spacer elements experience a significant decrease in operating margin. This margin decrease is compensated for by either jogging the lines adjacent the spacers outwardly, by widening the lines in the affected areas or a combination of both. Various embodiments for providing this compensation are illustrated and described.

Abstract: A system for addressing and controlling a gaseous discharge display or memory device is adapted for intercommunication between a processor or controller, control logic and panel driving circuits in a gaseous discharge display system. By application of write and systain signals to selected transverse conductors disposed on opposite sides of a gas filled panel, selected sites positioned at conductor intersections are discharged, emitting light, and the resultant display maintained by the wall charge phenomenon and sustain signals. Logic circuits and panel drive circuits are electrically floated on the sustain voltage for the panel whereby the sustain signal provides a common reference, thus permitting the use of low voltage circuits particularly adapted to integrated circuit packaging. Coupling means are employed to isolate the signals from the logic control from the panel selection, control and drive circuits, permitting control of the high voltage panel operation by low level coded signals.

Abstract: A modular control system is provided for a gas panel of the type having an array of row wires and column wires that form light emitting cells at their crossover points. A row counter and a column counter provide selection signals for entering characters sequentially on the panel. The counters provide borrow and carry signals to components that control the display. Thus, the control operates without regard to the actual size of the display and provides a modular construction for displays of various sizes.