PURPOSE: To use a low-dielectric-strength element as a cathode drive element.

CONSTITUTION: The plasma address display device consisting of liquid crystal cells and plasma cells has the cathode drive element Q connected between a cathode electrode and a cathode voltage supply means and also has a switching means 170 for anode driving connected between an anode electrode and an anode voltage supply means. They are so controlled that a 2nd transistor(TR) Tb turns ON after the cathode drive element Q turns ON completely. Consequently, the dielectric strength of the cathode drive element Q can be made low. To control the potential between the anode and cathode only by the cathode drive element, the dielectric strength of the drive element Q should be set above a discharge start voltage.