Easy e-paper has finally arrived for microcontrollers! This breakout makes it super simple to add a tri-color eInk display. You've probably seen e-readers like the Kindle or Nook. They have large electronic paper 'static' displays - the image stays on even when the power is off. The image has high contrast and is very readable in daylight, just like printed paper!We've loved these displays for a while, but there were no breakouts for makers. So, we made our own! This 1.54-inch tri-color display has 152x152 black and red ink pixels on a white-ish background. With our Arduino library, you can create a 'frame buffer' and write it to the display. But 152 x 152 pixels x 2 colors need 5.7 KBytes, which won't fit in many microcontroller memories. That's why we added a small SRAM chip on the back. It shares the SPI port with the eInk display, so you only need one extra pin. No more frame-buffering! Use the SRAM to set up what you want to display and shuffle data to the eInk when ready. Our library does all the work, and you can interface with it like an Adafruit_GFX compatible display.For ultra-low power use, the onboard 3.3V regulator has an Enable pin to shut down power to the SRAM, MicroSD, and display. There's also a MicroSD socket to store images and text files. It's 3 or 5V logic safe for all microcontrollers. It comes assembled and tested with some header. You'll need a soldering iron to attach the header for breadboarding or your project.
Using this Adafruit eInk display is a breeze. First, if you plan to use it on a breadboard or in your project, use a soldering iron to attach the provided header. Once it's set up, you can start using the Arduino library. Create a 'frame buffer' of the pixels you want to activate and let the library handle the rest. The SRAM chip on the back makes things even easier, allowing you to set up your display content without worrying about memory limitations. When you're ready, just shuffle the data from SRAM to the eInk display.For ultra-low power usage, you can use the Enable pin on the 3.3V regulator to turn off power to the SRAM, MicroSD, and display. You can also use the MicroSD socket to store whatever you want to display, like images or text files. This display is 3 or 5V logic safe, so it can work with any microcontroller.Keep in mind that while the display is assembled and tested, soldering the header is necessary for full use. Make sure to handle the soldering carefully to avoid any damage. As for maintenance, keep the display clean and dry. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or physical shocks. If you follow these simple steps, your Adafruit eInk display will serve you well for a long time.
