Plasma Display Techniques Study. Volume I. Summary.

Abstract : The report summarizes the results of a program to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of a spectrum of electrical gas discharge techniques applicable or potentially applicable to aircraft displays. Fixed format displays, which include segmented numeric and column presentations, were studied and implemented in both ac- and dc-driven devices. The existence of aircraft instruments incorporating dc gas discharge displays shows that a sufficient number of requirements have been met to permit limited application of this type of display element in aircraft. Analogous ac-driven devices were proven feasible with excellent display characteristics. These devices are less developed than their dc counterparts, but results indicate that a good potential exists for overcoming some limitations inherent in dc-driven devices. (Author)