A method of manufacturing active matrix display backplanes and displays therefrom, comprising: providing a substrate; forming a pattern of pixels on said substrate; forming a plurality of row and column intersecting pixel activation lines, interconnecting substantially all of said row lines to one another and substantially all of said column lines to one another; forming an outer electrostatic discharge guard ring on said substrate coupled to said interconnected row and column lines via a resistance to provide protection from electrostatic discharges between said row and column activation lines during manufacture of the displays; and removing said outer guard ring and row and column interconnections prior to completion of the display. view more

The method as defined in claim 1 including forming an inner electrostatic discharge guard ring on said substrate coupled to said row and column lines via shunt switching elements to provide protection from electrostatic discharges between said row and column activation lines during manufacture of the displays and thereafter. view more