Interfacing e-Ink Display with Arduino

e-Ink Display Module

An e-Ink Display, also known as an electronic paper display (EPD), is a low-power screen that mimics the appearance of ink on paper. It's ideal for battery-powered devices due to its ultra-low power consumption and clear readability in sunlight.

Working Principle of e-Ink Display

e-Ink technology uses microcapsules filled with black and white particles that respond to electrical fields. When voltage is applied, the particles move to the surface to form visible text or graphics, and the display retains the image even without power.

Types of e-Ink Displays

Monochrome e-Ink Display

  • Microcapsules move black or white particles to display data.
  • No backlight, relying on ambient light for visibility.
  • Image stays visible without power until changed.

Tri-color e-Ink Display

  • Uses extra pigment particles for third color.
  • Updates slower than monochrome displays.
  • Common in e-shelf labels and low-power signage.

Requirements

1. Arduino Board (Uno, Nano, etc.)

2. e-Ink Display Module (SPI-based)

3. Jumper wires

4. Breadboard (optional)

Pin Configuration of e-Ink Display

e-Ink Display Module (SPI)

  • VCC: Connect to 3.3V or 5V (check module specs).
  • GND: Connect to Arduino GND.
  • DIN: Connect to MOSI pin (D11 on Uno).
  • CLK: Connect to SCK pin (D13 on Uno).
  • CS: Connect to a digital pin (e.g., D10).
  • DC: Data/Command control pin.
  • RST: Reset pin for initializing the display.
  • BUSY: Output pin to indicate display status.

Wiring the e-Ink Display to Arduino

Connect the display’s VCC to 3.3V or 5V (depending on module), GND to GND, and SPI pins (DIN, CLK, CS) to Arduino's digital pins. Use a compatible e-Ink library to initialize and communicate with the module.

Algorithm

  1. Initialize Components

    • Connect e-Ink display pins to the appropriate Arduino pins using jumper wires.
    • Install the required libraries such as GxEPD or Adafruit eInk in the Arduino IDE.

  2. Write the Code

    • Include the e-Ink display library and define SPI and control pins.
    • Initialize the display in the setup() function.
    • Write text or draw graphics in the loop() function.

  3. Display Data

    • Update the display with sensor values, time, or messages.
    • Use partial refresh if your module supports it to improve performance.

  4. Test the Project

    • Upload the code to Arduino.
    • Watch the e-Ink display show your programmed content with sharp, paper-like contrast.
1#include <GxEPD.h>
2#include <GxGDEH0154D67/GxGDEH0154D67.h> // for 1.54" display
3#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
4#include <SPI.h>
5
6// Define pin numbers
7#define CS 10
8#define DC 9
9#define RST 8
10#define BUSY 7
11
12GxIO_Class io(SPI, CS, DC, RST); // SPI driver
13GxEPD_Class display(io, RST, BUSY); // e-Ink display instance
14
15void setup() {
16  display.init();
17  display.setRotation(1); // Rotate the display if needed
18  display.setTextColor(GxEPD_BLACK);
19  
20  display.setCursor(10, 30); // Set position of text
21  display.setFont(&FreeMonoBold9pt7b);
22  display.print("Hello e-Ink!");
23
24  display.display(); // Push buffer to screen
25}
26
27void loop() {
28  // e-Ink doesn't need constant refresh, no loop required
29}
30

Applications of e-Ink Displays

  • Battery-powered sensor readouts
  • Weather station displays
  • Smart tags and e-labels
  • Digital price tags
  • DIY e-readers
  • Calendar or to-do list displays

Conclusion

Interfacing an e-Ink display with Arduino opens the door to elegant, low-power projects with paper-like visuals. Perfect for status boards, environmental monitors, or DIY smart displays, e-Ink brings clarity and efficiency to your electronics.