Passive Matrix: Passive-matrix is a technology that uses a grid of vertical and horizontal wires to display an image on the screen. Each pixel is controlled by an intersection of two wires in the grid. The liquid crystal material is sandwiched between the two glass substrates and a polarizing film is added to the outer side of each substrate. To turn on a pixel, the integrated circuit sends a charge down the correct column of one substrate and a ground activated on the correct row of the other. By altering the electrical charge at a given intersection, the color and brightness of the corresponding pixel can be changed.
Since the charge of two wires (both vertical and horizontal) must be altered in order to change a single pixel, the response time of passive-matrix displays is relatively slow. To address a pixel the column containing the pixel is sent a charge, the corresponding row is connected to ground. When sufficient voltage is placed across the pixel, the liquid crystal molecules align parallel to the electric field. In passive matrix there are no switching devices, and each pixel is addressed for more than one frame time.