Abstract: An active matrix electroluminescent device includes a plurality of layers including at least a transparent electrode layer, a circuit layer including a plurality of first electrical traces, and at least two layers including an electroluminescent layer and a dielectric layer. The at least two layers are disposed between the circuit layer and the transparent electrode layer so as to emit light upon the application of an electric field. The plurality of layers are supported by a support layer. An elongate cable includes a plurality of second electrical traces supported thereon. In a first aspect of the present invention the cable is supported by the support layer and a plurality of electrical conductors electrically interconnecting respective ones of the first traces with the second traces. The electrical signals transmitted from respective ones of the second traces to the first traces permit selection of individual pixels within the device.

Abstract: A method of illuminating an active matrix EL device (AMEL) to provide a gray scale display. The device comprises a first electrode layer comprising an active matrix of individually adjustable pixel electrodes, a second electrode layer, and a thin film EL laminate stack including at least an EL phosphor layer and a dielectric layer, and the stack being disposed between the first and second electrode layers. The gray scale display is illuminated by the steps of, energizing a first set of selected ones of the pixel electrodes with data signals during a first subframe time period. Selected pixels are illuminated by driving the second electrode layer during the first subframe time period a first illuminating signal having predetermined characteristics including frequency, amplitude, wave shape and time duration. Thereafter, a second set of selected ones of the pixel electrodes are energized with data signals during a next subframe time period.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device comprises a plurality of layers including at least a transparent electrode layer, a circuit layer, and typically three layers including an electroluminescent layer sandwiched between front and rear dielectric layers, all three layers thereof disposed between the circuit layer and the transparent electrode layer. The circuit layer further comprises a first gating device coupled to a data line and a select line and having an output coupled to an input of a charge storage device. The charge storage device has a terminal connected to a first ground layer. A second gating device comprises a transistor operating in a breakdown region. The transistor has a gate coupled to the input to the charge storage device and has a first terminal coupled to a second ground layer and a second terminal coupled to a pixel electrode.