Passive-matrix and active-matrix addressed LCDs

LCDs with a small number of segments, such as those used in digitalBCM8706BIFBG

 watches and pocket calculators, have individual electrical contacts for each segment. An external dedicated circuit supplies an electric charge to control each segment. This display structureTMS1943N2L

 is unwieldy for more than a few display elements.Small monochrome displays such as those found in personal organizers, electronic weighing scales, older laptop screens, and the original Nintendo Game Boyoz9936

 have a passive-matrix structure employing super-twisted nematic (STN)[16] or double-layer STN (DSTN) technology (the latter of which addresses a colour-shifting problem with the former), and colour-STN (CSTN) in which colour is added by using an internal filter.N7100170FSB000

 Each row or column of the display has a single electrical circuit. The pixels are addressed one at a time by row and column addresses. This type of display is called passive-matrix addressed because the pixel must retain its state between refreshes without theIXGH60N60C2

 benefit of a steady electrical charge. As the number of pixels (and, correspondingly, columns and rows) increases, this type of display becomes less feasible. Very slow response times and poor contrast are typical of passive-matrix addressed LCDs.