Analog signal voltages are updated sequentially in a first sample-and-hold circuit, while an emitter element displays a pixel of a first display frame in response to a stored analog signal voltage in an isolated parallel second sample-and-hold circuit. After all unit cells are updated, the switches are reversed for the two parallel sample-and-hold circuits, displaying a pixel of a second display frame in response to an updated stored analog signal voltage in the first sample-and-hold circuit. The operation of the two parallel circuits alternates for each sequential frame. A constant current source in the unit cell provides constant power dissipation and temperature, independent from variations in emitter element current, up to a predetermined constant current limit. For emitter element currents greater than the predetermined limit, an independent current source in the unit cell is automatically activated without involving external control logic. Modular system architecture permits large area displays, 1024.times.1024 emitter elements and larger, having high data throughput. All-digital signal and control logic interfaces provide versatile operation, wide dynamic range, and noise immunity.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/285,509, filed Apr. 2, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,777 to Parrish et al., entitled "Constant Power Snapshot Microemitter Array With Integral Digital Interface, Isolated Substrate Current Return, and Linearized Signal Response," commonly assigned, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
