passive-matrix addressing

Passive-matrix addressing is a method used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) where pixels are controlled in groups. This is in contrast to active-matrix addressing, where each pixel has its own individual electronic switch.12

In passive-matrix LCDs, pixels are arranged in rows and columns. Applying a voltage to a specific row and column activates the pixel at their intersection. While simpler and less expensive to manufacture, passive-matrix displays often suffer from "crosstalk," which limits the number of rows and the complexity of the images they can display. This technology was first used in the late 1960s and early 1970s for simpler devices like watches and calculators, but more advanced displays now utilize active-matrix technology.2