Abstract: A Field Emission Display ("FED") is disclosed having an array of display grids formed within a region of a semiconductor substrate. The array is defined by a number of rows and a number of columns. Further, a multiplicity of field emitter tips are incorporated for driving the array, each of the tips being coupled with a display grid of the array. To select any row of the array, a row select switch is employed. The row select switch is preferably formed outside the region of the substrate. In operation, a row is selected when a row control signal is received by the row select switch. Further, a column select switch for selecting any of said columns is also employed, formed outside the region. In operation, a column is selected when a column control signal is received by the column select switch. Moreover, a plurality of constant current sources, formed outside the region, are provided for generating a constant current to each of the tips.