Patent ID: 7427970
Filing Date: 2008-09-23
Classification: G09G

Abstract:
1. A drive circuit for driving a light emitting element which has a first electrode and a second electrode and which emits light by a forward current flowing through the element between the first electrode and the second electrode, said drive circuit comprising: a forward drive section which draws out a current from a first power supply line set to a first voltage and supplies the forward current to the light emitting element; a first switch which establishes a connection between the first electrode and either the forward drive section or a second power supply line set to a second voltage; a third power supply line connected to the second electrode; and a second switch which establishes a connection between the third power supply line and either a source set to a third voltage or a source set to a fourth voltage, wherein none of the first, second or third power supply lines, supply negative voltages; and wherein, when the the first electrode is connected to the second power supply line, and the third power supply line is connected to the source set to third voltage, which is higher than the second voltage, a reverse current is supplied to the light emitting element between the second power supply line and the third power supply line.