Patent Publication Number: US-7714509-B2

Title: Plasma display panel having auxiliary terminals

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. §119 from an application for PLASMA DISPLAY PANEL earlier filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on 12 Aug. 2005 and there duly assigned Serial No. 10-2005-0074501. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a Plasma Display Panel (PDP). 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Plasma Display Panels (PDPs) have replaced conventional Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) and display desired images using visible light rays generated by sealing a discharge gas and supplying a discharge voltage between two substrates on which a plurality of electrodes are formed to generate vacuum ultraviolet rays and exciting phosphors on which the vacuum ultraviolet rays are directed in a predetermined pattern. 
     A conventional three-electrode surface discharge PDP, similar to a PDP discussed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 1998-172442, includes a first substrate, pairs of sustain electrodes, a first dielectric layer on the sustain electrodes, a protective layer on the first dielectric layer, a second substrate facing the first substrate, address electrodes arranged in parallel on the second substrate, a second dielectric layer on the address electrodes, barrier ribs formed on the second dielectric layer, and phosphor layers formed on a top surface of the second dielectric layer and sides of the barrier ribs. 
     However, the PDP has low luminous efficiency since a substantial portion (approximately 40%) of the visible light generated by the phosphor layers is absorbed by the sustain electrodes, the first dielectric layer, and the protective layers. Also, the three-electrode surface discharge PDP displays an image for a long time, causing ion-sputtering which damages the phosphor layers due to charged particles, causing a permanent afterimage. 
     To solve this problem, Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-40635 discusses a PDP that increases brightness and liminous efficiency by generating a discharge from discharge electrodes arranged on the sides of barrier ribs. 
     However, in this PDP in which the discharge electrodes are arranged in the sides of barrier ribs, terminals of the discharge electrodes connected to an external signal connector are exposed to the surface of the barrier ribs, which damages the terminals when the terminals are connected to the signal connector. 
     In more detail, a terminal of a discharge electrode is exposed to the surface of barrier ribs without any support to form a cantilever beam. Since the terminal of the discharge electrode is generally formed using a printing process, it is not strong, and drops due to an external force, and the terminal in the form of the cantilever beam is easily damaged. Also, since a shear force and a bending moment are indispensably applied to the terminal of the discharge electrode when the terminal is connected to the signal connector, the terminal of the discharge electrode can be easily damaged when it is connected to the signal connector, which increases a failure rate and increases costs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) in which a terminal of a discharge electrode is stably arranged. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) is provided including: first and second substrates spaced apart from each other and facing each other; first barrier ribs interposed between the first and second substrates and partitioning a plurality of discharge cells; and a plurality of pairs of discharge electrodes adapted to generate a discharge in the discharge cells. The discharge electrodes are buried in the first barrier ribs, extend along an outside of the discharge cells arranged in a direction to form a terminal in an edge of the discharge electrodes, and at least one groove is arranged in an outermost side of the first barrier ribs through which the terminals of the discharge electrodes are exposed. 
     The at least one groove is preferably exposed to either a bottom or top surface of the terminals of the discharge electrodes. 
     The discharge electrodes are preferably spaced apart from and parallel to the terminals and further include auxiliary terminals electrically connected to the terminals. 
     The terminals and the auxiliary terminals are preferably spaced apart from each other on either the first substrate or the second substrate in a perpendicular direction, and the at least one groove is preferably arranged between the terminals and the auxiliary terminals. 
     The PDP preferably further includes a signal connector interposed between the terminal and the auxiliary terminal and adapted to be connected to both the terminal and the auxiliary terminal and to transfer an electrical signal to the discharge electrode. The signal connector preferably includes an insertion terminal adapted to be inserted between the terminal and the auxiliary terminal, and a fixing portion including a first end connected to the insertion terminal and a second end contacting either the top or the bottom of the first barrier ribs to increase a connection between the insertion terminal and the discharge electrode. 
     The first barrier ribs preferably include a dielectric material. 
     Each of the pairs of discharge electrodes preferably includes a first discharge electrode and a second discharge electrode that extend in parallel each other. The first and second discharge electrodes preferably at least partially surround the discharge cells and are arranged in a direction. The first and second discharge electrodes preferably face each other. 
     The PDP preferably further includes address electrodes extending to cross the first and second discharge electrodes. Terminals of the address electrodes are preferably arranged on the first substrate or the second substrate. 
     The PDP preferably further includes a dielectric layer covering the address electrodes. 
     The PDP preferably further includes second barrier ribs interposed between the dielectric layer and the first barrier ribs and adapted to partition the discharge cells together with the first barrier ribs. 
     The PDP preferably further includes phosphor layers arranged on sides of the second barrier ribs. 
     The PDP preferably further includes protective layers arranged on sides of the first barrier ribs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the present invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similar components, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a conventional Plasma Display Panel (PDP); 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded perspective view of a PDP according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the PDP taken along a line III-III in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the PDP taken along a line IV-IV in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the PDP taken along a line V-V in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of discharge cells, first and second discharge electrodes, and address electrodes of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a partially exploded perspective view of a PDP according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the PDP taken along a line VIII-VIII in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the PDP taken along a line IX-IX in  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the PDP taken along a line X-X in  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a conventional three-electrode surface discharge PDP  100  similar to a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) discussed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 1998-172442. The PDP includes a first substrate  101 , pairs of sustain electrodes  106  and  107 , a first dielectric layer  109  on the sustain electrodes  106  and  107 , a protective layer  111  on the first dielectric layer  109 , a second substrate  115  facing the first substrate  101 , address electrodes  117  arranged in parallel on the second substrate  115 , a second dielectric layer  113  on the address electrodes  117 , barrier ribs  114  formed on the second dielectric layer  113 , and phosphor layers  110  formed on a top surface of the second dielectric layer  113  and sides of the barrier ribs  114 . 
     However, the PDP  100  has low luminous efficiency since a substantial portion (approximately 40%) of the visible light generated by the phosphor layers  110  is absorbed by the sustain electrodes  106  and  107 , the first dielectric layer  109 , and the protective layers  111 . Also, the three-electrode surface discharge PDP  100  displays an image for a long time, causing ion-sputtering which damages the phosphor layers  110  due to charged particles, causing a permanent afterimage. 
     The present invention is described below more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. 
     A PDP  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to  FIGS. 2 through 6 . 
     The PDP  200  includes a first substrate  210 , a second substrate  220 , first discharge electrodes  260 , second discharge electrodes  270 , address electrodes  250 , first barrier ribs  214 , second barrier ribs  224 , protective layers  215 , phosphor layers  225 , a dielectric layer  227 , a sealing member  299 , first, second, and third signal connector  291 ,  293 , and  295 , and a discharge gas (not shown). 
     The first substrate  210  is formed of a highly transparent material such as glass. The first substrate  210  can be colored in order to increase a bright room contrast by reducing reflections. The second substrate  220  is spaced apart from the first substrate  210  and is also formed of a highly transparent material such as glass. The second substrate  220  can be colored similar to the first substrate  210 . 
     In the current embodiment of the present invention, visible light generated in the discharge cells  230  is projected through the first substrate  210  and/or the second substrate  220 . The sustain electrodes  106  and  107 , the first dielectric layer  109 , and the protective layer  111  formed on the first substrate  101  of the PDP  100  of  FIG. 1  are not formed on the first substrate  210  and/or the second substrate  220  of the PDP  200  of  FIG. 2 , and thus a transmission rate of the visible light is remarkably increased. Therefore, when the PDP  200  displays an image having the brightness of a conventional PDP, the first and second discharge electrodes  260  and  270  can operate with a relatively low voltage. 
     The first barrier ribs  214  partition a plurality of discharge cells  230  and dummy cells  235  and are interposed between the first substrate  210  and the second substrate  220 . The dummy cells  235  surround the discharge cells  230  and do not display an image. However, while the present invention is not necessarily restricted thereto, the first barrier ribs  214  partitions only the discharge cells  230 . In the current embodiment of the present invention but not necessarily restricted thereto, the first barrier ribs  214 , partition the discharge cells  230 , which have circular cross-sections. That is, the first barrier ribs  214  can have a variety of patterns to partition the plurality of discharge cells  230 . For example, like the current embodiment of the present invention, the discharge cells  230  can have many-cornered cross-sections such as triangles, tetragons, octagons, etc. or oval cross-sections. 
     The first barrier ribs  214  can be formed of a dielectric layer capable of accumulating wall charges by inducing charges, while preventing an electrical short of the first and second discharge cells  260  and  270  and preventing damage due to collisions between positive ions or electrons and the first and second discharge electrodes  260  and  270 . 
     The second barrier ribs  224  are interposed between the first barrier ribs  214  and the second substrate  220 . The second barrier ribs  224  partition the discharge cells  230  like the first barrier ribs  214 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the second barrier ribs  224  and the first barrier ribs  214  partition the discharge cells  230  and the dummy cells  235 , which have circular cross-sections, and can have a variety of patterns to form a plurality of discharge spaces. The present invention is not restricted to these shapes. Also, the first and second barrier ribs  214  and  224  can be different from each other. However, they can have the same shape in view of a constant discharge and ease of manufacturing. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first discharge electrode  260  that is paired with the second discharge electrode  270  generates a discharge from the discharge cells  230 . The first discharge electrode  260  includes a first discharging portion  261 , a first connecting portion  262 , a first auxiliary connecting portion  265 , a first terminal  263 , and a first auxiliary terminal  264 . The first discharging portion  261  is formed by connecting a plurality of circular first loops  261   a  in which each of the plurality of first loops  261   a  surrounds the discharge cells  230  arranged in a row. However, the first loops  261   a  are not restricted to a circular form but can have a variety of forms including a tetragon. For example, the first loops  261   a  can have the same shape as the cross section of the discharge cells  230 . The first discharging portion  261  is buried in the first barrier ribs  214 . The first connecting portion  262  of the first discharging portion  261  extends from the first barrier ribs  214  to edges of the first substrate  210 . The first terminal  263  is connected to an edge of the first connecting portion  262 . The first terminal  263  extends parallel from the edge of the first connecting portion  262 . Also, the first auxiliary terminal  264  is parallel to the first terminal  263  in the first barrier ribs  214 . The first auxiliary terminal  264  increases a contact area of an electrode to more stably form an electrical connection, and is connected to the first connecting portion  262  via the first auxiliary connecting portion  265 . The first discharge electrode  260  can be formed using a variety of processes such as a printing process. 
     A first groove  267  is interposed between the first terminal  263  and the first auxiliary terminal  264  in an outermost side  214   a  of the first barrier ribs  214 . As a result, the bottom surface of the first terminal  263  and a top surface of the first auxiliary terminal  264  are exposed. The first groove  267  can be formed discontinuously between a plurality of the first terminals  263  and the first auxiliary terminals  264 . However, the first groove  267  can be also formed continuously between the plurality of the first terminals  263  and the first auxiliary terminals  264  in terms of manufacturing convenience. 
     The first terminal  263  is electrically connected to the first signal connector  291  that electrically connects the PDP  200  and an operating circuit (not shown) of the PDP  200 . More specifically, the first signal connector  291  includes a first insertion terminal  291   a  and a first fixing portion  291   b . The first insertion terminal  291   a  is inserted into the first groove  267 , such that the top and the bottom of the first insertion terminal  291   a  are respectively electrically connected to the first terminal  263  and the first auxiliary terminal  264 . The first fixing portion  291   b  contacts a bottom surface near the outermost side  214   a  of the first barrier ribs  214 . Therefore, the first signal connector  291  and the first barrier ribs  214  are forcibly fixed via the first insertion terminal  291   a  and the first fixing portion  291   b , thereby increasing the connection between the first discharge electrode  260  and the first signal connector  291  and preventing the first terminal  263  from disconnecting due to an external force. 
     The first signal connector  291  can be a Flexible Printed Cable (FPC), a Tape Carrier Package (TCP), or a Chip on Film (COF). 
     The first terminal  263  is connected to each of the conductive portions of the first signal connector  291  via a first anisotropic conductive film  292 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the second discharge electrodes  270  extend parallel to the first discharge electrodes  260  and are spaced apart from the first discharge electrodes  260  and the first substrate  210  in a perpendicular direction (z direction). The first discharge electrodes  260  are adjacent to the first substrate  210  rather than the second discharge electrodes  270  but are not necessarily restricted thereto. 
     The second discharge electrode  270  includes a second discharging portion  271 , a second connecting portion  272 , a second auxiliary connecting portion  275 , a second terminal  273 , and a second auxiliary terminal  274 . The second discharging portion  271  is formed by connecting a plurality of circular second loops  271   a  in which each of the plurality of second loops  271   a  surrounds the discharge cells  230  arranged in a row. The second discharging portion  271  is buried in the first barrier ribs  214 . The second connecting portion  272  of the second discharge electrode  270  extends from the first barrier ribs  214  to edges of the first substrate  210 . The second terminal  273  is connected to the second connecting portion  272 . The second terminal  273  extends parallel from the edge of the second connecting portion  272 . Also, the second auxiliary terminal  274  is parallel to the second terminal  273  in the first barrier ribs  214 . The second auxiliary terminal  274  increases a contact area of an electrode to more stably form an electrical connection, and is connected to the second connecting portion  272  via the second auxiliary connecting portion  275 . 
     A second groove  277  is interposed between the second terminal  273  and the second auxiliary terminal  274  in an outermost side  214   b  of the first barrier ribs  214 . As a result, the top of the second terminal  273  and the bottom of the second auxiliary terminal  274  are exposed through the second groove  277 . The second groove  277  can be formed discontinuously between a plurality of the second terminals  273  and the second auxiliary terminals  274 . However, the second groove  277  can also be formed continuously between the plurality of the second terminals  273  and the second auxiliary terminals  274  in terms of manufacturing convenience. 
     The second terminal  273  electrically connects the PDP  200  and an operating circuit (not shown) of the PDP  200  and is electrically connected to the second signal connector  292  including a second insertion terminal  293   a  and a second fixing portion  293   b . The second insertion terminal  293   a  is inserted into the second groove  277 , such that the bottom and the top of the second insertion terminal  293   a  are electrically connected to the second terminal  273  and the second auxiliary terminal  274 , respectively. The second fixing portion  293   b  contacts a bottom surface near the outermost side  214   b  of the first barrier ribs  214 . Therefore, the second signal connector  293  and the first barrier ribs  214  are forcibly fixed via the second insertion terminal  293   a  and the second fixing portion  293   b , thereby increasing the connection between the second discharge electrode  270  and the second signal connector  293  and preventing the second terminal  273  from disconnecting due to an external force. 
     The first and second discharge electrodes  260  and  270  can be formed of a conductive metal, such as aluminum or copper, etc., since they do not reduce the transmission rate of visible light. Therefore, the first and second discharge electrodes  260  and  270  have a small voltage drop, thereby stably transmitting signals. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the address electrodes  250  cross the first and second discharge electrodes  260  and  270 . Also, the address electrodes  250  have a stripe form and are spaced apart from each other. A third terminal  253  is externally exposed and is formed on an edge of each of the address electrodes  250 . A plurality of the third terminals  253  can be preferably formed on boundaries of the second substrate  220 . The third terminals  253  are electrically connected to the third signal connector  295  via a third anisotropic conductive film  296 . The address electrodes  250  can be formed using a variety of processes, such as photo-etching. 
     In the address electrodes  250  having the above structure, the third terminals  253  are stably supported by the second substrate  220  and are electrically connected to the third signal connector  295 , thereby preventing the third terminals  253  from being damaged. 
     The address electrodes  250  generate an address discharge to assist the first and second discharge electrodes  260  and  270  in generating a sustain discharge, and reduce the voltage needed for effecting the sustain discharge. An address discharge is generated between a scan electrode and an address electrode. When the address discharge is completely effected, positive ions are accumulated in the scan electrode and electrons are accumulated in a common electrode, such that the sustain discharge is easily effected between the scan electrode and the common electrode. In the current embodiment of the present invention, the second discharge electrode  270  adjacent to the address electrode  250  serves as the scan electrode, and the first discharge electrode  260  serves as the common electrode, but are not necessarily restricted thereto. 
     The dielectric layer  227  is coated on the second substrate  220  to cover the address electrode  250 . The dielectric layer  227  can be formed of a dielectric that accumulates wall charges by inducing charges, while preventing the address electrodes  250  from being damaged. 
     The protective layers  215  are formed on sides of the first barrier ribs  214 . The protective layers  215  prevent the first barrier ribs  214  formed of the dielectric and the first and second discharge electrodes  260  and  270  from being damaged due to sputtering of plasma particles, discharge secondary electrons, and reduce a discharge voltage. The protective layers  215  are formed by coating magnesium oxide (MgO), for example, on the sides of the first barrier ribs  214 . 
     The phosphor layers  225  are formed on the second substrate  220  and on sides of the second barrier ribs  224 , although they are not necessarily restricted thereto. For example, grooves having a predetermined depth can be formed in the first substrate  210  and the phosphor layers  225  can be arranged in the grooves. 
     The phosphor layers  225  generate visible light in response to ultraviolet rays. That is, a phosphor layer formed in a red luminous discharge cell can include Y(V,P)O 4 :Eu, a phosphor layer formed in a green luminous discharge cell can include Zn 2 SiO 4 :Mn, or YBO 3 :Tb, and a phosphor layer formed in a blue luminous discharge cell can include BAM:Eu. 
     The sealing member  299  that surrounds the discharge cells  230  and the dummy cells  235  is interposed between the first substrate  210  and the second substrate  220  and seals an inner space from outside. The sealing member  299  is interposed between the first barrier ribs  214  and the dielectric layer  227  such that both sides of the first barrier ribs  214  can be externally extended. 
     A discharge gas, such as Ne, Xe, and a mixture thereof, is sealed in the discharge cells  230 . In the present invention, a discharge surface is increased and a discharge area is expanded, which increases an amount of plasma and allows operation at a low voltage. Therefore, the PDP  200  can be operated at a low voltage when a high density Xe gas is used as the discharge gas, thereby dramatically increasing luminous efficiency, in contrast to the conventional PDP  100  that cannot be operated at a low voltage when a high density Xe gas is used as the discharge gas. 
     The PDP  200  according to the current embodiment of the present invention generates an address discharge by supplying an address voltage to an address electrode  250  and a second discharge electrode  270 , resulting in the selection of a discharge cell  230  that generates a sustain discharge. 
     Thereafter, when a sustain voltage is supplied between the first discharge electrode  260  and the second discharge electrode  270  of the selected discharge cell  230 , the sustain discharge is generated between the first and second discharge electrodes  260  and  270 . An energy level of the discharge gas excited by the sustain discharge is reduced, thereby discharging ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet rays excite the phosphor layers  225  coated in the discharge cells  230 , such that an energy level of the excited phosphor layers  225  is reduced to discharge visible light. The discharged visible light forms an image. 
     The conventional PDP  100  has a small discharge area since the sustain discharge is generated perpendicularly between the sustain electrodes  106  and  107 . However, the PDP  200  according to the current embodiment of the present invention generates the sustain discharge on all sides of the discharge cells  230  that define the discharge cells  230  and a large discharge area as well. 
     In the current embodiment of the present invention, the sustain discharge is formed as a closed curve along the sides of the discharge cell  230  and is gradually extended to the center of the discharge cell  230 . Accordingly, the area where the sustain discharge is generated increases and space charges of a discharge cell that is rarely used contributes to luminous, resulting in the increase of luminous efficiency of the PDP  200 . In particular, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the discharge cells  230  having circular cross-sections generate a constant sustain discharge on all sides. 
     Also, the sustain discharge is generated in the center of the discharge cells  230 , which prevents ion-sputtering from damaging the phosphor layer  225  due to charged particles and prevents causing a permanent afterimage even if an image is displayed for a long time. 
     A PDP  300  according to another embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to  FIGS. 7 through 10  in terms of differences between the current embodiment and the previous embodiment. 
     The PDP  300  includes a first substrate  310 , a second substrate  320 , first discharge electrodes  360 , second discharge electrodes  370 , address electrodes  350 , first barrier ribs  314 , second barrier ribs  324 , protective layers  315 , phosphor layers  325 , a dielectric layer  327 , a sealing member  399 , first, second, and third signal connectors  391 ,  393 , and  395 , and a discharge gas (not shown). 
     The first substrate  310  and the second substrate  320  face each other and are spaced apart from each other. The first barrier ribs  314  that partition a plurality of discharge cells  330  and dummy cells  335  are interposed between the first substrate  310  and the second substrate  320 . The second barrier ribs  324  are interposed between the first barrier ribs  314  and the second substrate  320 . The second barrier ribs  324  partition the discharge cells  330  together with the first barrier ribs  314 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the first discharge electrodes  360  that are paired with the second discharge electrodes  370  generate a discharge from the discharge cells  330 . The first discharge electrodes  360  and the second discharge electrodes  370  face each other and extend parallel to each other. Each of the first discharge electrodes  360  extend in a direction to have a stripe form, and includes a first discharging portion  361 , a first connecting portion  362 , a first auxiliary connecting portion  365 , a first terminal  363 , and a first auxiliary terminal  364 . The first discharging portion  361  generates a discharge in the discharge cells  330  and is buried in the first barrier ribs  214 . The first connecting portion  362  of the first discharging portion  361  extends from the first barrier ribs  314  to edges of the first substrate  310 . The first terminal  363  is connected to an edge of the first connecting portion  362 . The first terminal  363  extends parallel from the edge of the first connecting portion  362 . Also, the first auxiliary terminal  364  is parallel to the first terminal  363  in the first barrier ribs  314 , and is connected to the first connecting portion  362  via the first auxiliary connecting portion  365 . 
     A first groove  367  is interposed between the first terminal  363  and the first auxiliary terminal  364  in an outermost side  314   a  of the first barrier ribs  314 . As a result, a bottom surface of the first terminal  363  and a top surface of the first auxiliary terminal  364  are exposed through the first groove  367 . 
     The first terminal  363  electrically connects the first discharge electrode  360  and an operating circuit (not shown) of the PDP  300  and is electrically connected to the first signal connector  391  that includes a first insertion terminal  391   a  and a first fixing portion  391   b . The first insertion terminal  391   a  is inserted into the first groove  367 , such that the top surface and the bottom surface of the first insertion terminal  391   a  are electrically connected to the first terminal  363  and the first auxiliary terminal  364 , respectively. The first fixing portion  391   b  contacts a bottom surface near the outermost side  314   a  of the first barrier ribs  314 . Therefore, the first signal connector  391  and the first barrier ribs  314  are forcibly fixed via the first insertion terminal  391   a  and the first fixing portion  391   b , thereby increasing the connection between the first discharge electrode  360  and the first signal connector  391  and preventing the first terminal  363  from disconnecting due to an external force. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 9 , the second discharge electrodes  370  extend parallel to the first discharge electrodes  360  and have a stripe form. Each of the second discharge electrodes  370  includes a second discharging portion  371 , a second connecting portion  372 , a second auxiliary connecting portion  375 , a second terminal  373 , and a second auxiliary terminal  374 . The second discharging portion  371  is buried in the first barrier ribs  314 . The second connecting portion  372  of the second discharge electrodes  370  extends from the first barrier ribs  314  to edges of the first substrate  310 . The second terminal  373  is connected to an edge of the second connecting portion  372 . The second terminal  373  extends parallel from the edge of the second connecting portion  372 . Also, the second auxiliary terminal  374  is parallel to the second terminal  373  in the first barrier ribs  314 . The second auxiliary terminal  374  increases a contact area of an electrode to more stably form an electric connection, and is connected to the second connecting portion  372  via the second auxiliary connecting portion  375 . 
     A second groove  377  is interposed between the second terminal  373  and the second auxiliary terminal  374  in an outermost side  314   b  of the first barrier ribs  314 . As a result, a top surface of the second terminal  373  and a bottom surface of the second auxiliary terminal  374  are exposed through the second groove  377 . The second groove  377  can be formed discontinuously between a plurality of the second terminals  373  and the second auxiliary terminals  374 . However, the second groove  377  can be also formed continuously between the plurality of the second terminals  373  and the second auxiliary terminals  374  in terms of manufacturing convenience. 
     The second terminal  373  is electrically connected to the second signal connector  393  including a second insertion terminal  393   a  and a second fixing portion  393   b . The second insertion terminal  393   a  is inserted into the second groove  377 , such that a bottom surface and a top surface of the second insertion terminal  393   a  are electrically connected to the second terminal  373  and the second auxiliary terminal  374 , respectively. The second fixing portion  393   b  contacts a bottom surface near the outermost side  314   b  of the first barrier ribs  314 . Therefore, the second signal connector  393  and the first barrier ribs  314  are forcibly fixed via the second insertion terminal  393   a  and the second fixing portion  393   b , thereby increasing the connection between the second discharge electrode  370  and the second signal connector  393  and preventing the second terminal  373  from disconnecting due to an external force. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , the address electrodes  350  cross the first and second discharge electrodes  360  and  370 . Also, the address electrodes  350  have a stripe form and are spaced apart from each other on the second substrate  320 . A third terminal  353  is externally exposed and is formed on an edge of each of the address electrodes  350 . The third terminals  353  can be preferably formed on edges of the second substrate  320 . The third terminals  353  are electrically connected to the third signal connector  395  via a third anisotropic conductive film  396 . In the address electrodes  350  having the above structure, the third terminals  353  are stably supported by the second substrate  320  and are electrically connected to the third signal connector  395 , thereby preventing the third terminals  353  from being damaged. 
     The dielectric layer  327  is coated on the second substrate  320  to cover the address electrodes  350 . The protective layers  315  are formed on sides of the first barrier ribs  314 . 
     The phosphor layers  325  are formed on the second substrate  320  on the sides of the second barrier ribs  324 . The sealing member  399  that surrounds the discharge cells  330  and the dummy cells  335  is interposed between the first substrate  310  and the second substrate  320  and seals an inner space from outside. A discharge gas, such as Ne, Xe, or a mixture thereof, is sealed in the discharge cells  330 . 
     The PDP  300  according to another embodiment of the present invention generates an address discharge by supplying an address voltage to an address electrode  350  and a second discharge electrode  370 , resulting in the selection of a discharge cell  330  that generates a sustain discharge. Thereafter, when a sustain voltage is supplied between the first discharge electrode  360  and the second discharge electrode  370  of the selected discharge cell  330 , the sustain discharge is generated between the first and second discharge electrodes  360  and  370 . An energy level of the discharge gas excited by the sustain discharge is reduced, thereby discharging ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet rays excite the phosphor layers  325  coated in the discharge cells  330 , such that an energy level of the excited phosphor layers  325  is reduced to discharge visible light. The discharged visible light forms an image. 
     The PDP according to the present invention has the following effects: 
     The terminals of the discharge electrodes are stably connected to the signal connector, thereby reducing a failure rate in transferring signals due to an open circuit. Also, the terminals are arranged in the first barrier ribs, thereby preventing the terminals from being damaged. 
     Therefore, the PDP according to the present invention can reduce damage to a terminal of a discharge electrode. 
     While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.