1. Product Overview
The Waveshare 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 is a low-power, two-color (black and white) e-paper screen module designed for various embedded applications. It features a 250x122 resolution and communicates via an SPI interface. This HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) is compatible with Raspberry Pi series boards (including Zero/Zero W/Zero WH/2B/3B/3B+/4B) and Jetson Nano. Its key advantages include ultra-low power consumption, wide viewing angles, and the ability to retain displayed content without continuous power, making it suitable for applications like electronic shelf labels and industrial instrumentation.
Image 1.1: The 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 module with included accessories.
2. Package Contents
- 2.13inch e-Paper HAT x1
- RPi screws pack (2pcs) x1
- PH2.0 20cm 8Pin cable x1
3. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V / 5V |
| Interface | SPI |
| Outline Dimension | 65mm × 30.2mm |
| Display Size | 23.71mm × 48.55mm |
| Dot Pitch | 0.194 × 0.194 |
| Resolution | 250 × 122 pixels |
| Display Color | Black, White |
| Grey Level | 2 |
| Partial Refresh Time | 0.3s |
| Full Refresh Time | 2s |
| Refresh Power | 26.4mW (typical) |
| Standby Power | <0.017mW |
| Viewing Angle | >170° |
Image 3.1: Detailed specifications of the 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4.
4. Setup & Hardware Connection
4.1 Connecting to Raspberry Pi
The 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 is designed to directly connect to the 40-pin GPIO header of Raspberry Pi boards. Ensure proper alignment of the pins before pressing the HAT onto the Raspberry Pi. The module includes an onboard voltage translator, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V MCUs.
Image 4.1: The 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4 connected to a Raspberry Pi Zero.
Image 4.2: Hardware connection tables for various platforms including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Jetson Nano, and STM32.
4.2 SPI Interface Pinout
The module communicates via the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). Below is the pinout for the SPI interface:
| Pin | Function |
|---|---|
| VCC | 3.3V / 5V Power Supply |
| GND | Ground |
| DIN | SPI MOSI (Master Out Slave In) |
| CLK | SPI SCK (Serial Clock) |
| CS | SPI Chip Select (Low active) |
| DC | Data/Command Control Pin (High for data, Low for command) |
| RST | External Reset Pin (Low for reset) |
| BUSY | Busy State Output Pin (Low for busy) |
Image 4.3: Pinout and interface details for the 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4.
5. Operating Principles: Advantages of E-Ink Displays
E-Ink displays, also known as e-paper, utilize microcapsule electrophoresis technology. This technology involves charged nanoparticles suspended in a liquid that migrate under the action of an electric field, forming a display that closely resembles traditional printed paper. The primary advantages of e-ink screens include:
- Ultra-Low Power Consumption: Power is primarily consumed only during display refreshes, not for maintaining a static image.
- No Backlight: E-Ink displays are reflective, relying on ambient light, which makes them easy on the eyes and visible in bright conditions.
- Persistent Display: Content remains visible for extended periods even when power is removed.
- Wide Viewing Angle: Offers a viewing angle greater than 170 degrees, similar to paper.
Image 5.1: Visual comparison highlighting the paper-like effect of E-Ink displays.
6. Software & Development Resources
Waveshare provides comprehensive online development resources and user manuals to assist with quick setup and programming. These resources typically include:
- Driver board schematics
- User manuals with detailed instructions
- Demo code and examples for Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and STM32
- Libraries and API documentation
For access to these resources, please refer to the official Waveshare product page or contact their support.
6.1 Introduction Video
Video 6.1: An introductory video showcasing the features and basic operation of the 2.13inch E-Paper HAT+ for Raspberry Pi, highlighting its low power consumption and compatibility.
Video 6.2: A video demonstrating the 2.13inch E-Ink display HAT, its partial refresh capabilities, and its use with Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano.
Video 6.3: A general overview video of the 2.13 inch e-Paper HAT, illustrating its features such as low power consumption and the ability to display static content without power.
7. Application Examples
The unique characteristics of E-Ink displays make them ideal for a variety of applications where low power, readability, and persistent display are crucial:
- Electronic Shelf Labels in retail environments
- Industrial Instrumentation displays
- Price Tags and Asset/Equipment Tags
- Conference Name Tags and information displays
- Low-power data logging displays
Image 7.1: Overview of the 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT's features and potential applications.
Image 7.2: Detailed view of the onboard level conversion chip and physical dimensions of the module.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your 2.13inch E-Ink Display HAT V4, consider the following:
- Connection Check: Ensure all pins are correctly aligned and securely connected to the Raspberry Pi or other controller board. Verify the PH2.0 cable is properly seated.
- Power Supply: Confirm that your Raspberry Pi or controller board is receiving adequate power.
- Software Setup: Double-check your code and ensure all necessary libraries and drivers are installed and configured correctly as per the Waveshare online resources.
- SPI Interface: Verify that the SPI interface is enabled on your host device (e.g., Raspberry Pi).
- Partial vs. Full Refresh: If the display shows ghosting or artifacts, perform a full refresh. E-Ink displays that support partial refresh may require occasional full refreshes to clear residual images.
- Voltage Compatibility: The onboard voltage translator supports 3.3V/5V. Ensure your MCU's voltage is within this range.
For persistent issues, consult the Waveshare online development resources or contact their technical support.
9. Warranty & Support
This Waveshare product is covered by the standard manufacturer's warranty. For detailed warranty information, technical support, or to access additional resources, please visit the official Waveshare website or contact their customer service department. Online development resources and user manuals are available to assist with product integration and troubleshooting.
