E-ink displays – external driver

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Driver IC is a timing controller (Tcon) to output different sources/data and control the gates per pixel on EPD (e-paper display). It’s always bonded on TFT backplane which is also called CoG (Chip on Glass). The output image on an EPD is realized by controlling the pixel electrode voltage, thus affecting motion of charged particles in the neutral suspension. A voltage sequence applied to the pixel electrode is called a driving waveformCharge pump, a kind of DC to DC converter (DC/DC) that uses capacitors for energetic charge storage to raise or lower voltages.
When the DC/DC is embedded in the CoG and driving waveform is pre-programmed in CoG, we call it internal timing controller (iTC) ,and similarly, if the DC/DC circuit is arranged outside the EPD module and driving waveform is controller from MCU, we call it external timing controller (eTC).

This type of EPD is a unique specification of our company, which uses external charge pump, external driving waveform to output the image on screen. There are 1.44″, 1.9″, 2.0″(EoL), 2.6″ and 2.71″, total 5 models which are all monochrome black and white colors only that cannot be changed to three-colors film material.

Please click on the “Driver IC” tabstripe to check if it matches your use case before developing.

Find the detailed tutorial of working with EXT2 kit here.

The different types of E ink imaging film

E ink film typeTemperature rangeColorsOperating
temperature
Storage
temperature
Remark
AuroraZero aboveblack, white
(BW)
0°C to +50°C-20°C to +60°CStandard monochrome display for most indoor operating conditions.
Support fast updates.
Aurora -25Freezerblack, white
(BW)
-25°C to +30°C-25°C to +60°CSuitable for freezing operating conditions.
Wide TemperatureWideblack, white
(BW)
-15°C to +60°C
(Fast Update: 0°C to +50°C)
-20°C to +70°CNew generation of our unique monochrome display and support fast updates.
Spectra RedZero aboveblack, white, red
(BWR)
0°C to +40°C-25°C to +60°C3-colors pigments inside.
Taking longer time to complete a refresh.
Spectra 4Zero aboveblack, white, red, yellow
(BWRY)
0°C to +40°C-25°C to +60°CNew generation of color display upgraded by BWR to provide additional yellow.

Driver comparison of iTC and eTC

Driver type
iTC (internal timing controller)
eTC (external timing controller)
EPD with host board
EPD with host board
Waveform location
iTC waveform
eTC waveform
Driving waveformEmbedded in driver IC (CoG)Controlled by MCU
Customization / Design flexibility
NormalHigher
Design-in effortEasierNormal
Power consumptionNormalLower
Explanation


  • The driving waveforms (LUTs, lookup tables) have been pre-programmed in the driver IC. Developers just need to send image data and update command to complete the screen refresh.

  • If developers need special support to change the waveforms, extra LUTs can be sent externally.




  • Following our driving guide, developers can fully control the driving flow and stage from the MCU.

  • Developers need to send converted image data at each specific stage.

  • Taking longer time to design-in.

  • Longer initial, power-up and power-off periods. (500ms above)


Technical Details/Specs

Model Name E2144CS021
Driver IC External driving (eTC)
Product Specification 1.44” TFT EPD Panel (E2144CS021) (pdf - 1.93Mb)
Driving Document Driving Interface document for external driver type of EPDs (pdf - 1.96Mb)
Development Kits EPD Extension Kit Gen 2 (EXT2)
Buy Digi-key Mouser
Model Name E2190CS021
Driver IC External driving (eTC)
Product Specification 1.9” TFT EPD Panel (E2190CS021) (pdf - 1.94Mb)
Driving Document Driving Interface document for external driver type of EPDs (pdf - 1.96Mb)
Development Kits EPD Extension Kit Gen 2 (EXT2)
Buy Digi-key Mouser
Model Name E2260CS021
Driver IC External driving (eTC)
Product Specification 2.6” TFT EPD Panel (E2260CS021) (pdf - 1.37Mb)
Driving Document Driving Interface document for external driver type of EPDs (pdf - 1.96Mb)
Development Kits EPD Extension Kit Gen 2 (EXT2)
Buy Digi-key Mouser
Model Name E2271CS021
Driver IC External driving (eTC)
Product Specification 2.7" TFT EPD Panel (E2271CS021) (pdf - 1.82Mb)
Driving Document Driving Interface document for external driver type of EPDs (pdf - 1.96Mb)
Development Kits EPD Extension Kit Gen 2 (EXT2)
Buy Digi-key Mouser

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