Matrix format
All flat panels consist of a number of picture elements, known as pixels arranged in a matrix format of rows and columns as illustrated in Figure For colour production, each pixel is sub-divided into three sub-pixels or cells. The construction of a colour flat panel will be as illustrated in Figure 10.2 with barrier ribs separating the pixel cells.
Resolution
The resolution of an FPD is defined as the number of pixels that make up the panel. It is specified as X X Y where X and Y are the number of pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions respectively. Although a flat panel may be manufactured with any resolution, the following is the accepted standard resolutions:
The total number of pixels in a panel is the product X X Y. For example, an SVGA panel has total number of pixels = 800 X 600 = 480,000. It should be noted here that the number of cells is 3 X 800 X 600 = 1,440,000. It fol- lows that while the number of rows or pixel lines = 600, the number of columns = 3 X 800 = 2400.
Pixel specifications
The size of a pixel is normally defined by its horizontal pitch which is the distance between the middle of one cell and the next cell of the same colour as illustrated in Figure 10.2. A pixel also has a vertical pitch dimen- sion. Pixel size depends on screen size as well as resolution. Higher reso- lutions for same screen size necessitate a smaller pixel size and vice versa.
Typical values for a PDP are 1080 Jlm (H) and 810 Jlm (V) for a 42 in. VGA panel. For high resolution PDPs, a typical pixel pitch could be as low as 800 Jlm (H) and 500 Jlm (V).
The size of a cell is normally defined by its horizontal pitch or width which is the distance between the middle point of adjacent cells. A cell also has a vertical pitch dimension which is the same as the pixel pitch (verti- cal). The cell pitch depends on screen size as well as resolution. A typical cell width for a PDP is between 360 and 300 Jlm.
The final specification of a pixel is the rib width and height (or vertical) dimensions, typically 80 and and 150 Jlm respectively for a plasma panel. For deep cell construction, the rib height is doubled.