Peter Pleshko

An Investigation of the Potential of MOS Transistor Memories

The design and performance characteristics of a 128X64 MOS transistor memory is given. The storage cell used operates with a low standby power, 0.1 mW. The memory operates with a 12-ns access time, 35-ns read cycle time, and a 60-ns write cycle time.

A versatile selection system for matrix displays requiring AC drive waveforms

An apparatus which generates complex high-voltage drive waveforms with zero d.c. content for matrix or multiplexed displays is described. It is versatile in that the same apparatus can generate several types of selection waveforms. Most of the component circuits are of the low-voltage binary-level switching type with few high-voltage drive devices and float on the outputs of other circuits. The breakdown voltages of the drivers are minimized by synthesizing the required complex high-voltage waveforms from simpler lower amplitude component waveforms. This scheme is particularly suited to driving liquid crystal displays.

Advances in new display technology (Panel Session)

New display technology has made some significant strides forward in the last few years. Although the CRT remains the most prevalent display device, accounting for over 85% of all installations, flat-panel matrix displays are becoming an increasingly significant factor in this area. The most important advances have been in thin film electroluminescence, gas discharge panels, and liquid crystal displays. In addition, light emitting diodes have shown improvements in light output and efficiency, and some recent work in electrophoretics give some promise that this technology will lead to viable display devices. Also, older technologies such as incandescent, vacuum flourescent, and electromechanical are still with us, and continue to be useful in many applications, the first where very high luminance is required, the second in such applications as automobile dashboards, and the third in various outdoor and large board installations. Finally, the CRT, not to be outdone by its rivals, has come up with improvements in performance, and with the flat tube versions in form factors that compete with those offered by the matrix displays. All of these advances will be discussed by the members of this panel.