Datasheet

1
Driving EInk Displays
EInk Segmented Display Technology
Electronic ink is made up of millions of tiny microcapsules, about the diameter of a human hair. Each
microcapsule contains positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles which are
suspended in a clear fluid. When a positive or negative electric field is applied, corresponding particles
move to the top of the microcapsule where they become visible to the user. This makes the surface appear
white or black at that spot. Thus, driving an E Ink display follows a paradigm that is significantly
different from the approach used to drive a traditional segmented TN-LCD.
E Ink Segmented displays function based on a difference in voltage potential between 0 and 5V. E Ink
displays have a clear, conductive "Top Electrode" layer which is the basis for all switching. All other
segments need to be driven in opposition to the Top Electrode to experience a change in state (black to
white or white to black).
Standard pin mapping is as follows:
Pin 1 of the display = Top Electrode
Pin 2 of the display = Field/background (driven like any other segment)
Pins 3 - n are for all other segments
Understanding the driver
Overview
The rEInkDriver is implemented as different layers as shown below: