Importance

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Abstract

An electroluminescent panel is formed on a conductive baseplate by a pair of electrodes that are electrically insulated from the baseplate. The first electrode is a base electrode that acts as the hot electrode. The second electrode is a transparent conductive cover electrode. The cover electrode is grounded to act as a reference electrode. An electroluminescent layer formed from a phosphor-impregnated glass separates the base electrode and cover electrode. Upon application of a voltage between the base electrode and cover electrode, the electroluminescent material emits light that is transmitted through the cover electrode toward a viewer. A passivation layer covers the cover electrode to protect and insulate the cover electrode. In one embodiment, the baseplate is grounded and the cover electrode is referenced to ground through a ground fault interrupt sensor. In another embodiment, a graphical layer overlays the cover electrode, beneath the passivation layer, to present a decorative or informative image. Because the baseplate is not used as an electrode, a substantially thick insulative layer covers the base electrode to insulate the base electrode without affecting the performance of the electroluminescent panel.

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First Claim