Home LCD Controller Summary EPM-050C

EPM-050C Controller Board For E Ink 13.3"

epm-050C controller for E Ink

Note: The above image shows the new 4mm thick model.

E Ink Panel Interface

TCON controller board for E Ink 13.3" color & monochrome panels

•  Inputs: Micro USB
•  Panel support: E Ink 13.3"
•  Power: 5VDC or 12VDC (select)

•  Part number: 4160256xx-3
This board is in production

system

EPM-050C Controller Board for E Ink 13.3"

The Digital View EPM-050C interface board is designed for E Ink 13.3" Kaleido color reflective e-paper display panels, it also supports the three color black, white, red panels and the monochrome models. This low power interface accepts an image transferred over USB from a source media player such as the Digital View STM-100, Raspberry Pi or Android PC. E Ink based displays are ideal for public signboards, transport information displays and similar. The significant benefits include the high visibility in bright environments as well as the ability to operate from solar power due to the very low power consumption.

The display system design is broadly similar to working with LCD panels except that the TCON controller board, EPM-050, has a USB interface for the transfer of bitmap images from a media source. Also, partial screen writes are possible enabling faster image updates and further reductions in power consumption. We will be preparing a guide to working with E Ink panels, in the meantime contact us and we will be happy to explain.

Custom layout with additional functions or integration is available as an engineering service. In addition Digital View can assist with display bonding and other integration requirements for the E Ink panel. See also, the 32" and 42" outdoor display which is design as the basis for outdoor project development: Outdoor display.

Specifications: EPM-050C for E Ink 13.3"

Panel Connectivity E Ink 13.3" Kaleido color (EC133UJ1)
E Ink 13.3" 3 color, black, white, red (EL133UR1)
E Ink 13.3" Monochrome (ED133UT3)
Resolution For 13.3": 1600 x 1200
Functions Image rotation: 180 degrees
Image mirror (horizontal flip)
Built-in temperature sensor
16 level grey scale mode
Input Micro USB (for image input)

For demonstrations and small networks we provide Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, 3B+, 4B support as a media player and a Windows application for users to create and transfer images to E Ink displays.
Power Power input 5VDC default, 12VDC selectable (jumper)
Power output (option): 5V DC for (for 12V input only) Raspberry Pi

Standby power consumption (as meaasured):
13.3" Panel + EPM-050 + = 0.5W
Raspberry Pi3 (Model B+) = 0.32A x 5VDC = 1.6W

During image write to panel (as measured):
13.3" Panel + EPM-050 + x 12VDC = 1.5W
Raspberry Pi3 (Model B+) = 0.61A x 5VDC = 3.05W
Image file Supports bitmap (bmp) file format
Board Size 90mm x 90mm
Operating temperature -15°C to +65°C
(based on chamber temperature tests)
Reliability MTBF in excess of 200,000 hours @ 25oC (calculated using Telcordia SR-332 procedure)
Warranty 3 years
Customization
(options*)		 PCB design and layout
Component & connector selection

Note: 1 The Operating temperature is given for reference only, the controller should be tested and verified in the finished display product.

Downloads

•  Manual (PDF)
•  Connection Diagram (Link)

Firmware & Software
•  Firmware: E Ink EC133UJ1, 13.3"
•  Firmware: E Ink EL133UF1, 13.3"
•  Firmware: E Ink ED133UT3, 13.3"

Mechanical Drawings
EPM-050C 2D drawing (PDF)
EPM-050C 3D drawing (SLDPRT, STEP)

Statements & Declarations
•  Revision Note (PDF)
•  Statement of volatility
•  Compliance & declarations page

Support: Phone or Email...

•  USA: +1.408.782.7773
•  UK: +44-(0)20-7631 2150
•  HK: +852-2861 3615

Email: Please use the form below to
direct your enquiry to the nearest office.


Customization

Both firmware and hardware customization options are available to meet specific project and application requirements. Use the form below to contact us.

eink panel

Software, Content Update & Media Players

As a public signage display, a typical system will have a media player, for example a PC, Android PC or Raspberry Pi to go with the display and display TCON controller board. The Raspberry Pi models Zero 2W, 3B+ or 4B appear to be sufficiently powerful for many signboard purposes so we have used it for further development. The following appnotes show example methods for updating the image using a Raspberry Pi Model 3 B+ together with the EPM-050 TCON controller board and a compatible E Ink panel (NOTE: The applications referenced in these appnotes is available for free to EPM-050 customers):

- From PC to USB (PDF)
- Via Google Drive (PDF)
- Via network (PDF)

In addition we have been working with live data feeds, for example retrieving weather data from public sources, formatting it then writing it directly to the display.

Another function is partial screen update, this capability enables just updating the part of the display where the content has changed. This reduces the power used and can be useful for very low power installations.

LOW POWER & SOLAR

As the E Ink panel is reflective and bistable it is uniquely suited to outdoor installations powered by a solar panel with rechargeable battery. Power reduction methods might include almost completely powering off the system and only powering up to perform intermittent content checks and updates. To facilitate this we have a pic processor powered timer relay

Outdoor Display Solutions

Shown below are complete 32" and 42" IP65 rated displays as well as bonded 13.3" panels for display developers.

epaper outdoor display

13.3" optically bonded panels for outdoor ePaper displays. Design your enclosure around these panels:
- Optically bonded cover glass, UV layer together with a backing plate
- Matching TCON controller is Digital View EPM-050, limited engineering samples are available
- Option: Raspberry Pi 3B+ with Wi-Fi with customizable application to accept JPG or BMP images.
- Option: Cellular network support.
- Option: Low power timer for system sleep/wake power saving.
- Option: Solar and/or wind power solutions.
epaper outdoor display