Electronic matrix array devices and systems incorporating such devices.

摘要

In an electronic matrix array device, for example a data storage device, such as a datacard, or an electro-optic active matrix display device, comprising crossing sets of row and column conductors (11,12) and matrix elements, e.g. memory cell locations or picture elements (70) respectively, at the intersections of the sets of conductors, at least some of which elements comprise two terminal thin film non-linear devices (14,72), either bidirectional, e.g. MIMs, or unidirectional, e.g. diodes, and further including address circuits (16,18) for the sets of conductors, the row and/or column address circuit comprises a decoder circuit (16,18) consisting of a respective stage for each conductor of the associated set comprising a multi-input, single output logic (AND) gate circuit (30) having a capacitance (31) connected to its output and in which each input is connected to the output via a respective non-linear device (34) of the same kind as those of the array, the inputs being connected to a common address bus (19) to which address codes are applied to select the matrix elements. The decoder circuit can be readily integrated with at least part of the matrix array by common thin film fabrication on the same substrate, thus simplifying manufacture and reducing the number of external interconnections required. <IMAGE>