2.9 inch Tri-Color E Ink Display
Fast Refresh, Zero Static Power, Perfect for Smart Labels & Battery-Free IoT
Critical Note
Always validate driver IC compatibility (e.g., SSD1680, UC8179). Waveform LUTs (Look-Up Tables) for tri-color + fast refresh differ from monochrome displays.
Suggested Troubleshooting Tools:
- Logic analyzer for SPI signals
- Temperature-controlled testing environment
- epdiy firmware (open-source EPD debugger)
Let me know if you need protocol details or waveform configuration examples!
Product:
2.9 Inch Eink EPaper Display
Resolution:
296 X 128 Dots Resolution
Display Mode:
Active Matrix Electrophoretic Display (AM EPD)
Optics:
All Viewing Angles
Outline Dim.:
79.0(H) X 36.7(V) X 1.0(T) Mm
Active Area:
66.896(H) X 29.056(V) Mm
Pixel Pitch:
227 X 226 (112dpi) Um
Operating Temp:
0°C To +40°C
Storage Temp:
-25°C To +60°C
Surface Treatment:
Anti-Glare, 3H
Pixel Arrangement:
Vertical Stripe
Compliance:
Rohs & Reach Compliant
Interface Pin Definition
| Pin# |
Single |
Description |
Remark |
| 1 |
NC |
No connection and do not connect with other NC pins |
Keep Open |
| 2 |
GDR |
N-Channel MOSFET Gate Drive Control |
|
| 3 |
RESE |
Current Sense Input for the Control Loop |
|
| 4 |
NC |
No connection and do not connect with other NC pins |
Keep Open |
| 5 |
VSH2 |
Positive Source driving voltage |
|
| 6 |
NC |
No connection and do not connect with other NC pins |
Keep Open |
| 7 |
NC |
No connection and do not connect with other NC pins |
Keep Open |
| 8 |
BS1 |
Bus selection pin |
Note 6-5 |
| 9 |
BUSY |
Busy state output pin |
Note 6-4 |
| 10 |
RES # |
Reset signal input. |
Note 6-3 |
| 11 |
D/C # |
Data /Command control pin |
Note 6-2 |
| 12 |
CS # |
The chip select input connecting to the MCU. |
Note 6- 1 |
| 13 |
SCL |
Serial clock pin for interface. |
|
| 14 |
SDA |
Serial data pin for interface. |
|
| 15 |
VDDIO |
Power input pin for the Interface. |
|
| 16 |
VCI |
Power Supply pin for the chip |
|
| 17 |
VSS |
Ground (Digital) |
|
| 18 |
VDD |
Core logic power pin |
|
| 19 |
VPP |
Power Supply for OTP Programming |
|
| 20 |
VSH1 |
Positive Source driving voltage |
|
| 21 |
VGH |
Power Supply pin for Positive Gate driving voltage and VSH |
|
| 22 |
VSL |
Negative Source driving voltage |
|
| 23 |
VGL |
Power Supply pin for Negative Gate driving voltage, VCOM and VSL |
|
| 24 |
VCOM |
VCOM driving voltage |
|
Product Overview
The EPD-290BWR is a high-resolution, low-power electronic ink display module that is highly suitable for a wide range of applications. It measures 2.9 inches, has a resolution of 128×296, and supports black, white and red. It can be used to display text, images and graphics clearly and efficiently.
Main Features
- High resolution: 112dpi, capable of easily displaying fine patterns
- Low power consumption: Requires very little power during updates and can maintain images without power
- Ultra-wide viewing Angle: Nearly 180°, allowing for easy viewing from any Angle
- Ultra-thin and ultra-light It is highly suitable for portable applications.
- SPI interface: Can be easily connected to a microcontroller.
- Compliant with RoHS standards: Meets environmental protection standards
Typical Applications
- e-readers
- Digital signage
- Electronic shelf labels
- portable gaming devices
- etc
Additional Note
The operating temperature range of EPD-290BWR is from 0 to +40 degrees Celsius. The storage temperature range of EPD-290BWR is from -20 to +60 degrees Celsius. The monitor is sensitive to moisture and ultraviolet rays. It is recommended to store the monitor in a cool, dry and dark place.
Key Selling Points
1. Tri-Color Display (Black/White/Red)
High-contrast three-color rendering for critical information highlighting (e.g., prices, alerts).
2. Fast Refresh Capability
Partial refresh as low as 0.3s (flicker-free) and full refresh in 1.5-3s, enabling dynamic content updates without prolonged delays.
3. Ultra-Low Power Consumption
Zero power when static (bistable technology); only consumes energy during refreshes (~30mW).
4. Sunlight-Readable & Wide Viewing Angle
Reflective display with >170° viewing angle, glare-free in direct sunlight.
5. Durability and Flexibility
Optional flexible substrates for bendable designs (e.g., wearable devices, curved surfaces).
6. Wireless and Battery-Free Options
Supports NFC/UHF wireless updates without batteries (energy harvesting for zero-maintenance tags).
7. Easy Integration
Standard SPI interface with open-source drivers for Raspberry Pi, Arduino, STM32, and ESP8266/32 platforms.
Target Application Scenarios
- Smart Retail & Logistics: Electronic shelf labels (ESL), inventory tags, and warehouse management systems for real-time price/stock updates.
- Industrial Instrumentation: Low-power displays for sensors, meters, and portable diagnostic tools in harsh environments.
- Healthcare & Tracking: Medication labels, patient wristbands, and hospital bed cards with secure, non-volatile information display.
- Smart Consumer Devices: Secondary smartphone screens (e.g., phone cases showing notifications/battery status without draining power).
- Sustainable IoT Solutions: Solar-powered signage, baggage tags, and NFC-enabled smart posters for public spaces.
Key Precautions
- Refresh Mode Management: Partial Refresh Limit: Use ≤10 partial refreshes before a full refresh to prevent ghosting. Full Refresh Time: ~2-3 seconds required for clean transitions.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Operating Range: 0°C to 50°C (performance degrades beyond this). Red Color Lag: Red pigment refreshes slower in cold environments (<10°C).
- Voltage Requirements: Strictly follow logic voltage (3.3V) and VCOM driver voltage (±15V±0.5V).
- Mechanical Protection: Avoid pressure on the active area (glass substrate vulnerability). No direct cleaning - use dry microfiber cloth only.
- UV Exposure: Prolonged sunlight may fade red pigment; add UV filter for outdoor use.
- ESD Sensitivity: Handle with grounded wrist straps; ESD can permanently damage e-ink film.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How "fast" is partial refresh?
A: Partial refresh takes 0.3-0.5s (flicker-minimized), but requires a full refresh (~2s) every 5-10 updates to clear ghosting.
Q2: Can I drive this with Arduino/Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, via SPI interface. Use libraries like GxEPD (Arduino) or waveshare-epd (RPi). Ensure your driver board supports tri-color waveforms.
Q3: Why does red update slower than black/white?
A: Red electrophoretic particles have higher inertia. Full refresh is needed for crisp red elements.
Q4: Does it work below 0°C?
A: Not recommended. Below 0°C, refresh time increases significantly (>5s), and red may fail to update.
Q5: How to fix persistent ghosting?
A: Run a 3-step sequence: Full white -> Full black -> Full white refresh. Avoid high-contrast partial updates.
Q6: Can I use wireless (NFC/RF) updates?
A: Only with dedicated ESL controller ICs (e.g., RA8875). Standard SPI displays require wired control.
Q7: Why does red appear muddy after partial refresh?
A: Red requires full-voltage waveforms. Use EPD_FULL mode for red elements or reduce partial refresh frequency.
Q8: Power consumption during refresh?
A: ~25-35mA @3.3V during update (30-50mW), zero in static mode.
Q9: Is touch overlay compatible?
A: Possible but not advised. Overlays reduce clarity and reflectivity. Use IR/frame-based touch instead.
Q10: How to optimize battery life?
A:
- Minimize full refreshes
- Bundle updates (e.g., change all elements at once)
- Use deep sleep on controller IC between updates
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