Tiny 0.97" Mono eInk ePaper SPI 184x88 Display

What is it?

Introducing (probably the smallest) monochrome 0.97" eInk display you will find! You may have come across modern e-readers like Kindle or Nook, featuring electronic paper 'static' displays that retain the image even without power, boasting high contrast and exceptional daylight readability, just like printed paper.

For a long time, these eInk displays were too expensive to use, but not anymore. This eInk breakout sports a 0.97" monochrome (black and white) display, offering 184x88 black pixels on a white background. The display updates only take a couple of seconds to refresh the entire screen.

This eInk breakout board has an 8KB SRAM chip that shares the SPI port with the eInk display. Thanks to the SRAM chip, you don't need to worry about the frame buffer not fitting into the microcontroller memory. This allows this eInk breakout board to be used even for inexpensive MCU's such as the ATMEGA328. The memory transfer between the SRAM and the eInk display is all handled by open source Arduino libraries (see below).

Concerned about power consumption? Worry not! I've included an onboard 3.3V regulator with an Enable pin, allowing you to power down the SRAM and eInk display for ultra-low power usage.

With logic compatibility of 3.3V or 5V, this breakout works seamlessly with most microcontrollers. It comes pre-assembled and tested, and ready to be integrated into your project!

This display can be used with open source libraries such as: https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_EPD

The eInk breakout board has the following pinouts:

• VCC: 3.3V or 5V power input
• CS1: SRAM chip select (SRAM_CS)
• MISO: SPI Master In Slave Out
• SCLK: SPI Serial Clock input
• MOSI: SPI Master Out Slave In
• EN: Enable input for SRAM and eInk display
• CS2: eInk chip select (EPD_CS)
• RST: eInk reset (EPD_RESET)
• BUSY: eInk busy output (EPD_BUSY)
• DC: eInk Command/Data input (EPD_DC)
• GND: Ground

Here are some potential use cases for such eInk Displays:

Smart Home Dashboard: Create a compact home automation control panel that displays the status of smart devices like lights, thermostat, security cameras, and more. With low power consumption, it can remain always-on, providing real-time information at a glance.

Fitness Tracker: Build a minimalist fitness tracker that displays step count, calories burned, or heart rate. Wear it on a wristband or incorporate it into your workout gear for convenient tracking.

Digital Business Card: Replace traditional paper business cards with this unique eInk version that displays your contact information, company logo, and other relevant details. It's sure to make a lasting impression!

Name Badge with Dynamic Text: Design a reusable name badge for events or conferences that can display different names or titles as needed.

Daily Inspirational Quote Display: Program this eInk display to show a new inspirational quote or fun fact each day.