(See also: Display matrix) For a screen size of m×n pixels, this scheme requires m+n control signals.
As many images are shown on a 16:9 aspect ratio, the sequential addressing is typically done row-by-row (i. e. line-by-line).
Passive matrix addressing is used with the help of persistence of vision of the (usually human) eye so the cell need not be bistable.
Persistence of vision is used in simpler, slower changing displays with relatively few picture elements such as clocks.
When the electro-optical property of cells itself is bistable, passive matrix addressing without external capacitor can be implemented.