Abstract:
A plasma display panel and a driving method and apparatus that are capable of improving a brightness. A sustaining discharge is caused between scanning/sustaining electrodes formed at each of adjacent scanning lines after a data was written into scanning lines, thereby improving a brightness and a discharge efficiency.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a plasma display panel and a driving method and apparatus thereof, and more particularly to a plasma display panel and a driving method and apparatus that can improve a brightness. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Generally, a plasma display panel(PDP) radiates a fluorescent body by an ultraviolet with a wavelength of 147 nm generated during a discharge of He+Xe or Ne+Xe gas to thereby display a picture including characters and graphics. Such a PDP permits it to be easily made into a thin film and large-dimension type. Moreover, the PDP provides a very improved picture quality owing to a recent technical development. The PDP can be classified into an alternating current(AC) driving system making a surface discharge and a direct current(DC) driving system in accordance with its driving system. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a PDP driving apparatus of AC system that includes a PDP  10  having a pixel matrix consisting of mxn discharge cells  1 . In the PDP  10 , m scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and m common sustaining electrode lines Z 1  to Zm are alternately formed, in parallel, on an upper substrate(not shown). Also, n address electrode lines X 1  to Xn are formed on a lower substrate(not shown) in a direction perpendicular to the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and the common sustaining electrode lines Z 1  to Zm. Each of the mxn discharge cells  1  is arranged in a matrix pattern at intersections among the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym, the common sustaining electrode lines Z 1  to Zm and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. A barrier rib(not shown) is formed on the lower substrate in parallel with the address electrode lines XX 1  to Xn to divide the discharge cells  1  arranged at the vertical direction. 
     Further, the PDP driving apparatus of AC driving system includes first and second address drivers  6 A and  6 B connected to the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn of the PDP  10 , a scanning/sustaining driver  2  connected to the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym of the PDP  10 , and a common sustaining driver  4  connected to the common sustaining electrode lines Z 1  to Zm of the PDP  10 . The first address driver  6 A is connected to odd-numbered address electrode lines X 1 , X 3 , . . . , Xn−3, Xn−1 and the second address driver  6 B is connected to even-numbered X electrodes X 2 , X 4 , . . . , Xn−2, Xn to apply a video data to each address electrode line X 1  to Xn. The scanning/sustaining driver  2  is connected to m scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym to select a scanning line to be displayed and to cause a sustaining discharge at the displayed scanning line. The common sustaining driver  4  is commonly connected to m common sustaining electrode lines Z 1  to Zm to apply an identical waveform of voltage signal to all the common sustaining electrode lines Z 1  to Zm, thereby causing a sustaining discharge. 
     In such a PDP, one frame consists of a number of sub-fields, and a gray level is realized by a combination of the sub-fields. For instance, when it is intended to realize 256 gray levels, one frame interval is time-divided into 8 sub-fields. Further, each of the 8 sub-fields is again divided into an address interval and a sustaining interval. A discharge initiated at each of the discharge cells selected in the address interval is sustained during the sustaining interval. The sustaining interval is lengthened by an interval corresponding to 2 n  depending on a weighting value of each sub-field. In other words, the sustaining interval involved in each of first to eighth sub-fields increases at a ratio of 2 0 , 2 1 , 2 3 , 2 4 , 2 5 , 2 6  and 2 7 . To this end, the number of sustaining pulses generated in the sustaining interval also increases into 2 0 , 2 1 , 2 3 , 2 4 , 2 5 , 2 6  and 2 7  depending on the sub-fields. A brightness and a chrominance of a displayed image are determined in accordance with a combination of the sub-fields. 
     However, the PDP shown in FIG. 1 has a problem in that, since it causes a discharge within a discharge area provided in a minute size of discharge cell  1 , its brightness and its discharge efficiency is low. More specifically, the PDP allows a negative glow discharge to lead the entire luminescence. The negative glow discharge results in a low brightness because a luminescence occurs in an ionized process. On the other hand, a luminescence occurring upon positive column discharge is leaded by a luminescence caused by an excitation, the brightness becomes very high. In a PDP having a very small independent discharge area, the positive column discharge area becomes small within each discharge area. 
     FIG. 2 shows brightness of adjacent discharge cells  1 A and  1 B shown in FIG.  1 . When an A discharge cell  1 A and a B discharge cell  1 B arranged in the adjacent scanning lines are discharged, each discharge cell  1 A and  1 B is emitted at the glow discharge area. At this time, the brightness of the A discharge cell  1 A and the B discharge cell  1 B has a maximum value within each discharge area while having a minimum value in their boundary. Accordingly, even when all the two adjacent discharge cells  1 A and  1 B are discharged, a sufficient brightness is not provided. A scheme of increasing a size of the discharge area enough to enlarge the positive column area may be considered, but a size of each discharge cell and therefore a size of the discharge area must be limited so as to meet a desired resolution within a certain screen dimension. Accordingly, since the discharge area is reduced so much that the numbers of lines and discharge cells becomes larger as a resolution becomes higher, a brightness and a discharge efficiency are more deteriorated. 
     A scheme for improving a brightness by reducing the number of sustaining electrode lines has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Gazette No. Pyung 9-16050. The PDP shown in FIG. 1 requires 2 m electrode lines, i.e., m scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and m common sustaining electrode lines while the suggested PDP requires only a total (m−1) scanning electrode lines and a sustaining electrode line with respect to m scanning lines. 
     The suggested PDP is driven in the interlacing system for displaying a picture by constructing one frame by a number of sub-fields, each of which is divided into odd-numbered fields and even-numbered fields. In the odd-numbered fields, an address discharge is caused by applying data pulses corresponding to only the odd-numbered scanning lines to the address electrode lines and, at the same time, applying scanning pulses to (m/2)−1 scanning electrode lines arranged between m/2 sustaining electrode lines. In the sustaining interval, a sustaining discharge is generated between the corresponding scanning electrode line and the adjacent sustaining electrode lines. Then, in the even-numbered fields, an address discharge is generated by applying data pulses corresponding to only the even-numbered scanning lines to the address electrode lines and, at the same time, applying scanning pulses sequentially to the scanning electrode lines. In the sustaining interval, a sustaining discharge is generated between the corresponding scanning electrode line and the adjacent sustaining electrode lines. 
     As described above, the suggested PDP reduces the number of sustaining electrode lines into a half of that in the prior art to lengthen a length between the scanning electrode lines, so that it can improve a brightness and a discharge efficiency. Also, according to the suggested PDP, since the number of electrode lines is reduced, it has been expected as a strategy favorable to an implementation of high resolution. However, the suggested PDP has a drawback in that, since it can be applied to only a display device of interlace system such as television, its application range must be limited. Therefore, the suggested PDP fails to be applied to a display device of progressive system which is forecast to be largely employed as a driving system for a display device having a resolution of the high definition(HD) class. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a PDP and a driving method and apparatus thereof that are capable of improving a brightness as well as a discharge efficiency. 
     Further object of the present invention is to provide a PDP and a driving method and apparatus thereof that are applicable to an interlace system as well as a progressive system. 
     In order to achieve these and other objects of the invention, a plasma display panel according to one aspect of the present invention includes scanning/sustaining electrodes formed at each of scanning lines; and common sustaining electrodes formed at the scanning lines, wherein said scanning/sustaining electrodes are arranged adjacently to other scanning/sustaining electrodes formed at the adjacent scanning lines, said common sustaining electrodes are arranged adjacently to other common sustaining electrodes formed at the adjacent scanning lines. 
     In a plasma display panel according to another aspect of the present invention, and each of m scanning lines is provided with an address electrode supplied with a data and a scanning/sustaining electrode for performing a scanning and a sustaining discharge. 
     A driving apparatus for a plasma display panel according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a display panel arranged in such a manner that scanning/sustaining electrodes formed at each of adjacent scanning lines is adjacent to each other and in such a manner that common sustaining electrodes formed at each of the adjacent scanning lines is adjacent to each other; and driving means for generating a sustaining discharge between the scanning/sustaining electrode and the common sustaining electrode formed at each of the adjacent scanning lines. 
     A driving apparatus for a plasma display panel according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a display panel in which each of the scanning lines is provided with an address electrode supplied with a data and an scanning/sustaining electrode for performing a scanning and a sustaining discharge; and driving means for causing a sustaining discharge between the scanning/sustaining electrodes formed at each of adjacent scanning lines. 
     A method of driving a plasma display panel according to still another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of writing a data into m scanning lines; and causing a sustaining discharge between the scanning/sustaining electrodes formed at each of the adjacent scanning lines. 
     A method of driving a plasma display panel according to still another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of applying an inverse phase of pulse signals to scanning/sustaining electrodes and common sustaining electrodes formed at each of adjacent scanning lines; and applying pulse signals having a phase difference corresponding to a pulse width between the scanning/sustaining electrodes and the common sustaining electrodes formed at the same scanning line to shut off a discharge within the same scanning line. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a conventional PDP driving apparatus of AC driving system; 
     FIG. 2 is a graph showing a brightness distribution of the adjacent discharge cells in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a PDP driving apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is waveform diagrams of sustaining pulses in the PDP shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing discharge areas upon sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 6 is a graph showing a brightness distribution of the adjacent discharge cells in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a PDP driving apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is waveform diagrams of driving signals for making a reset discharge and an address discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is waveform diagrams of driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 10 is a plan view showing discharge areas upon sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 11 is waveform diagrams of another driving signals for making a reset discharge and an address discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 12 is waveform diagrams of another driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 13 is a plan view showing discharge areas and blocks upon sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 14 is waveform diagrams of still another driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a PDP driving apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 16 is waveform diagrams of driving signals for making a reset discharge and an address discharge of the PDP in FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 17 is waveform diagrams of driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 18 is a plan view showing discharge areas upon sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a PDP driving apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 20 is waveform diagrams of driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 19; and 
     FIG. 21 is a plan view showing discharge areas upon sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG.  19 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a PDP driving apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention that includes a PDP  20  having a discharge cell matrix consisting of mxn discharge cells  21 . In the PDP  20 , m scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and m common sustaining electrode lines Z 1  to Zm are formed, in parallel, on an upper substrate. Herein, in odd-numbered scanning lines, odd-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yodd, i.e., Y 1 , Y 3 , . . . , Ym−3, Ym−1 are arranged at the upper portion and odd-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zodd, i.e., Z 1 , Z 3 , . . . , Zm−3, Zm−1 are arranged at the lower portion. On the other hand, in even-numbered scanning lines, even-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zeven, i.e., Z 2 , Z 4 , . . . , Zm−2, Zm are arranged at the upper portion and even-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yeven, i.e., Y 2 , Y 4 , . . . , Ym−2, Ym are arranged at the lower portion. N address electrode lines X 1  to Xn are formed on a lower substrate in a direction perpendicular to the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and the common sustaining electrode lines Z 1  to Zm. 
     Each of the mxn discharge cells  21  is arranged in a matrix pattern at intersections among the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym, the common sustaining electrode lines Z 1  to Zm and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. Meanwhile, a barrier rib(not shown) is formed on the lower substrate in parallel to the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn to divide the discharge cells  21  standing at the vertical direction. 
     Further, the PDP driving apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a first address driver  16 A for applying a video data to the odd-numbered address electrode lines Xodd, i.e., X 1 , X 3 , . . . , Xn−3, Xn−1, a second address driver  16 B for applying a video data to the even-numbered address electrode lines Xeven, i.e., X 2 , X 4 , . . . , Xn−2, Xn, a first scanning/sustaining driver  12 A for driving the odd-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yodd, a second scanning/sustaining driver  12 B for driving the even-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yeven, a first common sustaining driver  14 A for driving the odd-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zodd, and a second common sustaining driver  14 B for driving the even-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zeven. The first address driver  16 A is synchronized with a scanning pulse applied to scanning lines to apply a video data to the odd-numbered address lines Xodd. The second address driver  16 B is synchronized with a scanning pulse applied to the scanning lines to apply a video data to the even-numbered address lines Xeven. The first scanning/sustaining driver  12 A is arranged at the left side of the PDP  20  to apply a reset pulse, a scanning pulse and a sustaining pulse sequentially to the odd-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yodd. The second scanning/sustaining driver  12 B is arranged at the right side of the PDP  20  to apply a reset pulse, a scanning pulse and a sustaining pulse sequentially to the even-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yeven. The first common sustaining driver  14 A is arranged at the left side of the PDP  20  to apply a reset pulse and a sustaining pulse to the odd-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zodd. The second common sustaining driver  14 B is arranged at the right side of the PDP  20  to apply a reset pulse and a sustaining pulse to the even-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zeven. 
     FIG. 4 is waveform diagrams showing sustaining pulses of the PDP in FIG. 3, and which is explained in conjunction with FIG. 5 representing discharge areas. In an interval t 1 , an inverse phase of sustaining pulses are applied between the odd-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yodd and the even-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zeven. At this time, a voltage difference Yodd-Zeven between the odd-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yodd and the even-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zeven becomes more than a voltage level that can cause a discharge. In an interval t 2 , an inverse phase of sustaining pulses are applied between the even-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yeven and the odd-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zodd. At this time, a voltage difference Yeven-Zodd between the even-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yeven and the odd-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zodd becomes more than that causes a discharge. 
     On the other hand, the sustaining pulses applied to the odd-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yodd and the odd-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zodd, or the even-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yeven and the even-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zeven have a phase difference corresponding to one pulse width. Accordingly, a voltage difference Yodd-Zodd between the odd-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yodd and the odd-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zodd and a voltage difference Yeven-Zeven between the even-numbered scanning/sustaining electrode lines Yeven and the even-numbered common sustaining electrode lines Zeven become less than a voltage level that can always cause a discharge. 
     For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1  and the second common sustaining electrode line Z 2  are discharged in the t 1  interval while the second scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 2  and the third common sustaining electrode line Z 3  are discharged in the t 2  interval. Since the discharge areas  18 A and  18 B at this time include two scanning line width, a luminescence area is enlarged to that extent such that a luminescence is made until a positive column area. A luminescence distribution at the adjacent scanning lines is shown in FIG.  6 . Specifically, when two adjacent discharge areas  18 A and  18 B are emitted, a brightness in a half area of the discharge cell overlapped with the luminous areas  18 A and  18 B is added to a brightness of each luminous areas  18 A and  18 B and therefore it is more enhanced. 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a PDP driving apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The PDP driving apparatus includes a PDP  30  in which m scanning lines consists of m scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and n address electrode lines X 1  to Xn are crossed with the m scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym. Each of the mxn discharge cells  31  is arranged in a matrix pattern at intersections between the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. A barrier rib(not shown) is formed in parallel to the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. 
     Further, the PDP driving apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a first address driver  26 A for applying a video data to the odd-numbered address electrode lines Xodd, i.e., X 1 , X 3 , . . . , Xn−3, Xn−1, a second address driver  26 B for applying a video data to the even-numbered address electrode lines Xeven, i.e., X 2 , X 4 , . . . , Xn−2, Xn, a first scanning/sustaining driver  22 A for driving (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) (wherein k is an integer corresponding to 0≦k&lt;(m−4)/4), i.e., Y 1 , Y 5 , . . . , Ym−7, Ym−3, a second scanning/sustaining driver  22 B for driving (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+2), i.e., Y 2 , Y 6 , . . . , Ym−6, Ym−2, a third scanning/sustaining driver  22 C for driving (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3), i.e., Y 3 , Y 7 , . . . , Ym−5, Ym−1, and a fourth scanning/sustaining driver  22 D for driving (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4), i.e., Y 4 , Y 8 , . . . , Ym−4, Ym. The first address driver  26 A is synchronized with a scanning pulse applied to scanning lines to apply a video data to the odd-numbered address lines Xodd. The second address driver  26 B is synchronized with a scanning pulse applied to the scanning lines to apply a video data to the even-numbered address lines Xeven. The first scanning/sustaining driver  22 A applies the scanning pulse synchronized with a video data to (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) during an address interval to cause an address discharge between the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. The first scanning/sustaining driver  22 A applies a sustaining pulse synchronized, in an inverse phase, with a sustaining pulse applied to the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+2) to the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) during a sustaining interval. The second scanning/sustaining driver  22 B applies the scanning pulse synchronized with a video data to (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+2) during an address interval to cause an address discharge between the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+2) and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. The second scanning/sustaining driver  22 B applies a sustaining pulse synchronized, in an inverse phase, with a sustaining pulse applied to the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) to the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+2) during a sustaining interval. The third scanning/sustaining driver  22 C applies the scanning pulse synchronized with a video data to (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) during an address interval to cause an address discharge between the (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. The third scanning/sustaining driver  22 C applies a sustaining pulse synchronized, in an inverse phase, with a sustaining pulse applied to the (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4) to the (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) during a sustaining interval. The fourth scanning/sustaining driver  22 D applies the scanning pulse synchronized with a video data to (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4) during an address interval to cause an address discharge between the (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4) and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. The fourth scanning/sustaining driver  22 D applies a sustaining pulse synchronized, in an inverse phase, with a sustaining pulse applied to the (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) to the (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4) during a sustaining interval. 
     As a result, the first to fourth scanning/sustaining drivers  22 A to  22 D generate an address discharge between each scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1  to Ym included the corresponding scanning line and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn during an address interval. Then, the first to fourth scanning/sustaining drivers  22 A to  22 D generate a sustaining discharge between scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym included in the adjacent scanning lines. 
     FIG. 8 shows waveform diagrams of driving signals for making a reset discharge and an address discharge of the PDP in FIG.  7 . When the PDP in FIG. 7 has 480 scanning lines, all the 480 scanning lines are reset-discharged in a reset interval and then a data is sequentially written into the 480 scanning lines in an address interval. In the reset interval, a negative polarity(−) of reset pulse −Vrst is applied to the entire scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Y 480  to cause a discharge between the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn and the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Y 480 . At this time, the scanning lines of the entire screen are charged with the same amount of wall charge to be initialized. The wall charge formed in the reset interval lowers a driving voltage during the address discharge. In the address interval, a negative polarity(−) of scanning pulse −Vscan synchronized with a video data is sequentially applied to the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Y 480 . Accordingly, the video data is sequentially written into the first to 480th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Y 480 . 
     FIG. 9 shows waveforms of driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7, and which will be explained in conjunction with FIG. 10 representing discharge areas. In an interval t 1 , an inverse phase of sustaining pulses with positive(+) and negative(−) high levels are applied to the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) and the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+2), respectively. On the other hand, an inverse phase of sustaining pulses applied to (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) and (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4) have the same low level. Accordingly, a voltage difference Y(4k+1)−Y(4k+2) between the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines and the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines becomes more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, so that a sustaining discharge is generated between the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) and the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+2). Otherwise, a voltage difference between the (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) and the (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4) becomes less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, so that a sustaining discharge is not generated between the (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) and the (4k+4)the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4). 
     Subsequently, in an interval t 2 , an inverse phase of sustaining pulses with a low level are applied to the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) and the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3). On the other hand, an inverse phase of sustaining pulse with positive(+) and negative(−) high levels are applied to the (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) and the (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4), respectively. Accordingly, a voltage difference Y(4k+1)−Y(4k+2) between the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) and the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+2) becomes less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, so that a sustaining discharge is not generated between the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) and the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+2). Otherwise, a voltage difference Y(4k+3)−Y(4k+4) between the (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) and the (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4) becomes more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, so that a sustaining discharge is generated between the (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+3) and the (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+4). 
     For instance, as shown in FIG. 10, a sustaining discharge occurs at the discharge area  28 A corresponding to two scanning line widths between the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1  and the second scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 2  in the t 1  interval. Then, a sustaining discharge occurs at the discharge area  28 B corresponding to two scanning line widths between the third scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and the fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 4 . The discharge areas  28 A and  28 B at this time includes two scanning line widths, a luminous area is enlarged to that extent. 
     FIG. 11 shows waveform diagrams of another driving signals for making a reset discharge and an address discharge of the PDP in FIG.  7 . Referring to FIG. 11, in the reset interval, a negative polarity(−) of reset pulse −Vrst is applied to the entire scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym to cause a discharge between the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn and the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Y 480 . At this time, the scanning lines of the entire screen are charged with the same amount of wall charge to be initialized. In the address interval, a negative polarity(−) of scanning pulse −Vscan synchronized with a video data is sequentially applied to the (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining lines Y(4k+1), the (4k+2)th scanning/sustaining lines Y(4k+2), the (4k+3)th scanning/sustaining lines Y(4k+3) and the (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining lines Y(4k+4). 
     FIG. 12 is waveforms of another driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7, which represent four-step sustaining pulses for causing a sustaining discharge at 9 scanning lines. FIG. 12 will be described in conjunction with FIG. 13 representing discharge areas. Referring to FIG.  12  and FIG. 13, in the sustaining interval, the four-step sustaining pulses applied to the (4k+1)th to (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) to Y(4k+4) has the same shape in which their phases are delayed by one pulse width. These four-step sustaining pulses have the same shape every four scanning line interval. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the PDP in FIG. 7 is sequentially sustaining-discharged within blocks B 1  to B 4  each including four scanning lines, which are sustaining-discharged in the same sustaining discharge sequence. First, in an interval t 1 , a high level of sustaining pulses are applied to the first, fifth and ninth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1 , Y 5  and Y 9 . At this time, a low level of sustaining pulses are applied to the second and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 6  while a first intermediate level of sustaining pulses higher than the low level are applied to the third and seventh scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 7 . A second intermediate level of sustaining pulses having a level value between the high level and the first intermediate level are applied to the fourth and eighth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 4  and Y 8 . Accordingly, more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge is derived between the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1  and the second scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 2  and between the fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 5  and the sixth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 6  in the t 1  interval, so that a sustaining discharge is generated. Otherwise, since other scanning/sustaining electrode lines have a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, a sustaining discharge is not generated. 
     In the t 2  interval, voltage levels of the first, fifth and ninth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1 , Y 5  and Y 9  are changed into the second intermediate level. At this time, voltage levels of the second and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 6  are changed into the high level while voltage levels of the third and seventh scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 7  are changed into the low level. Voltage levels of the fourth and eighth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 4  and Y 8  are changed into the first intermediate level. Accordingly, more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge is derived between the second scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 2  and the third scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 3  and between the sixth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 6  and the seventh scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 7  in the t 2  interval, so that a sustaining discharge is generated. Otherwise, since other scanning/sustaining electrode lines have a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, a sustaining discharge is not generated. 
     In the t 3  interval, voltage levels of the first, fifth and ninth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1 , Y 5  and Y 9  are changed into the first intermediate level. At this time, voltage levels of the second and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 6  are changed into the second intermediate level while voltage levels of the third and seventh scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 7  are changed into the high level. Voltage levels of the fourth and eighth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 4  and Y 8  are changed into the low level. Accordingly, more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge is derived between the third scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 3  and the fourth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 4  and between the seventh scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 7  and the eight scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 8  in the t 3  interval, so that a sustaining discharge is generated. 
     Otherwise, since other scanning/sustaining electrode lines have a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, a sustaining discharge is not generated. 
     In the t 4  interval, voltage levels of the first, fifth and ninth scanning/sustaining electrode lines YI, Y 5  and Y 9  are changed into the low level. At this time, voltage levels of the second and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 6  are changed into the first intermediate level while voltage levels of the third and seventh scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 7  are changed into the second intermediate level. Voltage levels of the fourth and eighth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 4  and Y 8  are changed into the high level. Accordingly, more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge is derived between the fourth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 4  and the fifth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 5  and between the eighth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 8  and the ninth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 9  in the t 4  interval, so that a sustaining discharge is generated. Otherwise, since other scanning/sustaining electrode lines have a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, a sustaining discharge is not generated. As a result, a sustaining discharge is sequentially generated at the scanning lines within a desired size of blocks B 1  to B 4 , each of which is simultaneously sustaining-discharged. Each discharge area  28 A to  28 D at this time includes two scanning line widths, so that a luminous area is enlarged to that extent. 
     FIG. 14 is waveforms of still another driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP in FIG. 7, which represent three-step sustaining pulses for causing a sustaining discharge at 4 scanning lines. Referring to FIG. 14, in the sustaining interval, the three-step sustaining pulses applied to the (4k+1)th to (4k+4)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(4k+1) to Y(4k+4) has the same shape in which their phases are delayed by one pulse width. These three-step sustaining pulses have the same shape every four scanning line interval. Also, the three-step sustaining pulse includes a block pulse Vbl. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the PDP in FIG. 7 is sequentially sustaining-discharged within blocks B 1  to B 4  each including four scanning lines, which are sustaining-discharged in the same sustaining discharge sequence. First, in an interval t 1 , a high level of sustaining pulse is applied to the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1 . At this time, a low level of sustaining pulse is applied to the second scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 2  while the block pulse Vbl is applied to the third scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 3 . A low level of sustaining pulse is applied to the fourth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 4 . Accordingly, a sustaining discharge is generated only between the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1  and the second scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 2  in the t 1  interval. 
     In the t 2  interval, a voltage level of the first scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  is changed into an intermediate level. At this time, a voltage level of the second scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  is changed into the high level while a voltage level of the third scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  is changed into the low level. The block pulse Vbl is applied to the fourth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 4 . Accordingly, a sustaining discharge is generated only between the second scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 2  and the third scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 3  in the t 2  interval. 
     In the t 3  interval, a voltage level of the first scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  is changed into the low level. At this time, a voltage level of the second scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  is changed into the intermediate level while a voltage level of the third scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  is changed into the high level. A voltage level of the fourth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 4  is changed into the low level. Accordingly, a sustaining discharge is generated only between the third scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 3  and the fourth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 4  in the t 3  interval. 
     In the t 4  interval, a voltage level of the first scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  remains at the low level. At this time, a voltage level of the second scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  is changed into the low level while a voltage level of the third scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  is changed into the intermediate level. A voltage level of the fourth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 4  is changed into the high level. Accordingly, a sustaining discharge is generated only between the fourth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 4  and the fifth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 5 (not shown) in the t 4  interval. 
     Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown a PDP driving apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The PDP driving apparatus includes a PDP  40  in which m scanning lines consists of m scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and n address electrode lines X 1  to Xn are crossed with the m scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym, a first scanning/sustaining driver  32 A for driving (4k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) (wherein k is an integer corresponding to 0≦k&lt;(m−3)/3), i.e., Y 1 , Y 4 , . . . , Ym−5, Ym−2, a second scanning/sustaining driver  32 B for driving (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2), i.e., Y 2 , Y 5 , . . . , Ym−4, Ym−1, a third scanning/sustaining driver  32 C for driving (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3), i.e., Y 3 , Y 6 , . . . , Ym−3, Ym. Each of the m×n discharge cells  41  is arranged in a matrix pattern at intersections between the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. A barrier rib(not shown) is formed in parallel to the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. The first scanning/sustaining driver  32 A applies the scanning pulse synchronized with a video data to (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) during an address interval to cause an address discharge between the (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. The first scanning/sustaining driver  32 A applies a three-step sustaining pulse to (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) during a sustaining interval. The second scanning/sustaining driver  32 B applies the scanning pulse synchronized with a video data to (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2) during an address interval to cause an address discharge between the (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2) and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. The second scanning/sustaining driver  32 B applies a three-step sustaining pulse phase-delayed to the three-step sustaining applied to the (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) to (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2) during a sustaining interval. The third scanning/sustaining driver  32 C applies the scanning pulse synchronized with a video data to (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3) during an address interval to cause an address discharge between the (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3) and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. The third scanning/sustaining driver  32 C applies a three-step sustaining pulse phase-delayed to the three-step sustaining applied to the (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2) to (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3) during a sustaining interval. 
     Further, the PDP driving apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a first address driver  36 A for supplying a video data to the odd-numbered address electrode lines Xodd, and a second address driver  36 B for supplying a video data to the even-numbered address electrode lines Xeven. The first address driver  36 A is synchronized with scanning pulses applied to the scanning lines to supply a video data to the odd-numbered address lines Xodd. The second address driver  36 B is synchronized with scanning pulses applied to the scanning lines to supply a video data to the even-numbered address lines Xeven. 
     FIG. 16 shows waveform diagrams of driving signals for making a reset discharge and an address discharge of the PDP in FIG.  15 . Referring to FIG. 16, in the reset interval, a negative polarity(−) of reset pulse −Vrst is applied to the entire scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym to cause a discharge between the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn and the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym. At this time, the scanning lines of the entire screen are charged with the same amount of wall charge to be initialized. In the address interval, a negative polarity(−) of scanning pulse −Vscan synchronized with a video data is sequentially applied to the (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining lines Y(3k+1), the (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining lines Y(3k+2) and the (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining lines Y(3k+3). 
     FIG. 17 shows waveforms of driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP shown in FIG. 15, which represent three-step sustaining pulses for causing a sustaining discharge at 6 scanning lines. FIG. 17 will be described in conjunction with FIG. 18 representing discharge areas. Referring to FIG.  17  and FIG. 18, three-step sustaining pulses applied to the (3k+1)th and (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) and Y(3k+2) are supplied with waveforms in which their phase are different and their shape are same. Otherwise, a three-step sustaining pulse applied to the (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3) has a phase difference with respect to the three-step sustaining pulse applied to the (3k+1)th and (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines. In addition, it includes a block pulse Vbl. This block pulse Vbl prevents an interference between the adjacent scanning lines and a misdischarge at the time of sustaining discharge. First, in an interval t 1 , a high level of sustaining pulses are applied to the first and fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 4  included in the (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1). At this time, a low level of sustaining pulses are applied to the second and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 5  included in the (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2) while an intermediate level of block pulse Vbl is applied to the third and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 6  included in the (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3). Accordingly, in the t 1  interval, the first and second scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 2  has a voltage difference more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, so that a sustaining discharge is generated. Likewise, a sustaining discharge is generated between the fourth and fifth scanning electrode lines Y 4  and Y 5 . Otherwise, a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge is derived between the second and third scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 3  and between the third and fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 4 , so that a sustaining discharge is not generated. 
     In the t 2  interval, sustaining pulses with an intermediate level equal to a level of the block pulse Vbl are applied to the first and fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 4 . At this time, a high level of sustaining pulses are applied to the second and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 5  while a low level of sustaining pulses are applied to the third and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 6 . Accordingly, in the t 2  interval, the second and third scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 3  has a voltage difference more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, so that a sustaining discharge is generated. Likewise, a sustaining discharge is generated between the fifth and sixth scanning electrode lines Y 5  and Y 6 . Otherwise, a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge is derived between the first and second scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 2  and between the fourth and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 4  and Y 5 , so that a sustaining discharge is not generated. 
     In the t 3  interval, a low level of sustaining pulses are applied to the first and fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 4 . At this time, an intermediate level of sustaining pulses are applied to the second and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 5  while a high level of sustaining pulses are applied to the third and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 6 . Accordingly, in the t 3  interval, the third and fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 4  has a voltage difference more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, so that a sustaining discharge is generated. Otherwise, a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge is derived between the first and second scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 2 , the second and third scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 3 , between the fourth and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 4  and Y 5  and between the fifth and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 5  and Y 6 , so that a sustaining discharge is not generated. 
     In the t 4  interval, an intermediate level of sustaining pulses are applied to the (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3), whereas a low level of sustaining pulses are applied to other scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) and Y(3k+2). In the t 5  and t 6  intervals, sustaining pulses applied to all the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym remain at the low level. Accordingly, in the t 5  and t 6  intervals, a sustaining discharge is not generated at the entire scanning lines. The sustaining pulses applied in the t 1  to t 6  intervals are repeated in a sustaining interval after the t 1  interval is terminated. 
     As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, a sustaining discharge is sequentially generated at the scanning lines within a desired size of blocks B 1  to B 4 , each of which is simultaneously sustaining-discharged. Each discharge area  28 A to  28 D at this time includes two scanning line widths, so that a luminous area is enlarged to that extent. 
     Referring now to FIG. 19, there is shown a PDP driving apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The PDP driving apparatus includes a PDP  50  in which m scanning lines consists of m scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and a dummy electrode line Yd is defined, a first scanning/sustaining driver  42 A for driving (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) (wherein k is an integer corresponding to 0≦k&lt;(m−3)/3), a second scanning/sustaining driver  42 B for driving (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2), a third scanning/sustaining driver  42 C for driving (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3). Each of the m×n discharge cells  51  is arranged in a matrix pattern at intersections between the scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Ym and the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn. The dummy electrode line Yd is formed on the upper portion of the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1  to generate a sustaining discharge along with the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1  by a voltage difference from the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1 . 
     The first scanning/sustaining driver  42 A causes an address discharge and, at the same time, applies three-step sustaining pulses to the (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) in the sustaining interval to cause a sustaining discharge between the (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) and the (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2). In this case, the (3k) th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k) includes the dummy electrode line Yd and the (3k+3) th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3). The second scanning/sustaining driver  42 B causes an address discharge and, at the same time, applies three-step sustaining pulses to the (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2) in the sustaining interval to cause a sustaining discharge between the (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2) and the (3k+1) th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1). The third scanning/sustaining driver  42 C causes an address discharge and, at the same time, applies three-step sustaining pulses to the (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3) in the sustaining interval to cause a sustaining discharge between the (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3) and the (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2). Meanwhile, the first and second address drivers  46 A and  46 B are synchronized with scanning pulses applied to the scanning lines to apply a video data to the address electrode lines X 1  to Xn in similarity to those shown in FIG.  11 . 
     Since a reset discharge and an address discharge of the PDP shown in FIG. 19 is caused by the driving waveform shown in FIG. 16, a detailed explanation as to that will be omitted. In the reset interval, the entire scanning lines are simultaneously discharged to be initialized. Subsequently, in the addressing interval, an address discharge is generated in a sequence of the scanning lines including the (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1), the scanning lines including the (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2) and the scanning lines including the (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+3) by a scanning pulse −Vscan synchronized with a video data. 
     FIG. 20 shows waveforms of driving signals for making a sustaining discharge of the PDP shown in FIG. 19, which represent three-step sustaining pulses for causing a sustaining discharge at  6  scanning lines. FIG. 20 will be described in conjunction with FIG. 21 representing discharge areas. Referring to FIG.  20  and FIG. 21, three-step sustaining pulses applied to the (3k+2)th and (3k+3)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+2) and Y(3k+3) are supplied with waveforms in which their phase are different and their shape are same. Otherwise, three-step sustaining pulses applied to the (3k+1)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k+1) have a phase difference with respect to the three-step sustaining pulses applied to the (3k)th and (3k+2)th scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y(3k) and Y(3k+2). In addition, they include a block pulse Vbl. This block pulse Vbl prevents an interference between the adjacent scanning lines and a misdischarge at the time of sustaining discharge. First, in an interval t 1 , an intermediate level of sustaining pulses are applied to the first and fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 4 . At this time, a low level of sustaining pulses are applied to the second and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 5 , the dummy electrode line Yd and the third and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 6 . Accordingly, in the t 1  interval, the first to sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Y 6  have a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, so that a sustaining discharge is not generated. 
     In the t 2  interval, a high level of sustaining pulses are applied to the first and fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 4 . At this time, voltage levels at the dummy electrode line Yd and the third and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 6  remain at the low level, whereas voltage levels at the second and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 5  are changed into the intermediate level. Accordingly, in the t 2  interval, a voltage difference more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge is derived between the dummy electrode line Yd and the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1 , so that a sustaining discharge is generated. Otherwise, since other scanning/sustaining electrode lines have a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge. 
     In the t 3  interval, voltage levels of the first and fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 4  are changed into the low level. At this time, voltage levels at the dummy electrode line Yd and the third and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 6  are changed into the intermediate level, whereas voltage levels at the second and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 5  are changed into the high level. Accordingly, in the t 3  interval, the first scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 1  and the second scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 2  have a voltage difference more than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge, so that a sustaining discharge is generated. Likewise, a sustaining discharge are generated between the fourth and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 4  and Y 5 . Otherwise, since other scanning/sustaining electrode lines have a voltage difference less than a voltage level capable of causing a discharge. 
     In the t 4  interval, the block pulse Vbl is applied to the first and fourth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  and Y 4 . At this time, voltage levels at the dummy electrode line Yd and the third and sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 3  and Y 6  are changed into the high level, whereas voltage levels at the second and fifth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 2  and Y 5  are changed into the low level. Accordingly, in the t 4  interval, a sustaining discharge is generated between the second scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 2  and the third scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 3  and between the fifth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 5  and the sixth scanning/sustaining electrode line Y 6 . Otherwise, other scanning/sustaining electrode lines does not generate a sustaining discharge. In the t 5  and t 6  intervals, the first to sixth scanning/sustaining electrode lines Y 1  to Y 6  including the dummy electrode line Yd remains at the low level. Accordingly, in the t 5  and t 6  intervals, a sustaining discharge is not generated at the entire scanning lines. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21, a sustaining discharge is sequentially generated at the scanning lines within a desired size of blocks B 1  to B 4 , each of which is simultaneously sustaining-discharged. Each discharge area  28 A to  28 D at this time includes two scanning line widths, so that a luminous area is enlarged to that extent. 
     As described above, the PDP and the driving apparatus and method thereof according to the present invention cause a sustaining discharge between the scanning/sustaining electrode lines formed at each of the adjacent scanning lines to increase a size of the discharge area, so that they can utilize the positive column area. Accordingly, a brightness and a discharge efficiency are improved. The PDP and the driving apparatus and method thereof according to the present invention are applicable to the interlace system as well as the progressive system suitable for a high definition television. Moreover, the PDP and the driving apparatus and method according to the present invention reduce the number of sustaining electrodes into 1/2, so that they are not only favorable to an implementation of high resolution, but also they can reduce the manufacturing cost thereof. 
     Although the present invention has been explained by the embodiments shown in the drawings described above, it should be understood to the ordinary skilled person in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments, but rather that various changes or modifications thereof are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention shall be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.