Pervasive Displays EXT3 Kit User Manual
Rev. 01 (Jan 2021)
Preface
The EPD Extension Kit Generation 3 (EXT3 kit) is a new driving extension board designed to connect with your product, enabling you to kick-start low-power display applications with EPDs (e-Paper displays). This document outlines how to work with the EXT3 kit and utilize the sample code to refresh images on an EPD screen.
Copyright and Contact Information
Pervasive Displays Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Pervasive Displays inc. (PDi)
https://www.pervasivedisplays.com
4F, No. 28, Chuangye Rd., Tainan Science Park, Tainan City 74144, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tel: +886-6-279-5399
1. Overview
The EPD Extension Kit Generation 3 (EXT3 Kit) is a new extension board that connects to your product, facilitating the development of low-power display applications using iTC driver type EPDs (EPD: Electrophoretic display, Electronic paper display). It includes a 20-pin bridging cable for connection to your chosen development board or current design platform.
1.1 E ink imaging film (FPL)
E ink imaging film, also known as FPL (Front Panel Laminate), utilizes two primary material films for industrial applications. These films are named Aurora and Spectra, and they can be further categorized into different FPL types:
EoL: End of life, discontinued.
| FPL group | FPL name | Alias name | Colors | Operating Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora | Aurora Ma | V230(EoL) | Black, White | -20°C to +10°C |
| Aurora | Aurora Mb | V231 | Black, White | 0°C to +50°C |
| Aurora | Aurora -25 | V430 | Black, White | -25°C to +30°C |
| Spectra | Spectra Red | R1.1(EoL), R1.2, R2.0 | Black, White, Red | 0°C to +40°C |
| Spectra | Spectra Yellow | Y1.2 | Black, White, Yellow | 0°C to +40°C |
For guidance on selecting a suitable FPL for your application, visit this webpage.
1.2 Driver IC (CoG) and driving waveform
A Driver IC serves as a timing controller (Tcon) that outputs various data sources and controls gates for each pixel on an EPD. It is typically bonded onto the TFT backplane, also referred to as CoG (Chip on Glass).
The image displayed on an EPD is generated by controlling the pixel electrode voltage, which influences the movement of charged particles in a neutral suspension. The voltage sequence applied to the pixel electrode is termed a driving waveform. Different EPD manufacturers use distinct driver ICs, and E ink FPLs can vary batch by batch. Consequently, designing a driving waveform is a manual process requiring tuning for each FPL batch. Furthermore, different temperature conditions necessitate matching sets of driving waveforms.
EPD Module Layer Structure: The EPD module consists of an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), Driver IC (CoG), E ink material film, and TFT backplane, protected by a protection system.
Charge Pump: A charge pump is a DC-to-DC converter that uses capacitors to store energy, either raising or lowering voltages. It includes a positive and a negative charge pump to provide adjustable regulated output voltages. EPDs require charge pumps to step up voltages, supplying different levels to drive various color pigments within the EPD module. When the DC/DC circuit is integrated into the CoG and the driving waveform is pre-programmed in the CoG, it's called an internal timing controller (iTC). If the DC/DC circuit is external to the EPD module and the driving waveform is controlled by the MCU, it's called an external timing controller (eTC).
| Feature | eTC (external Tcon) | iTC (internal Tcon) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver type | MCU controlling driving flow and stage instructions. | MCU sending image data and update commands. |
| Driving waveform | Controlled by MCU | Embedded in driver IC (CoG) |
| Customization / Design flexibility | Higher | Normal |
| Design-in effort | Normal | Easier |
| Power consumption | Lower | Normal |
| Explanation |
|
|
Pervasive Displays offers both timing controller approaches for EPD modules. The eTC model is a unique structure. The EXT3 kit exclusively supports the iTC model. For eTC modules, the EXT2 kit is recommended.
1.3 EXT3 Kit Introduction
1.3.1 Features
- Supports Pervasive Displays (PDi) EPDs with iTC driver IC (excluding eTC) across a range of 1.54" to 12" EPDs. Includes a connector board for 9.7" and 12" EPDs (EXT3 Giant).
- On-board driving circuit acts as a starter kit for easy EPD application development.
- Features a 20-pin, 90-degree header and a 20-pin bridging cable for easy connection to any development board.
- Includes 8M bits of Flash memory.
- Provides second, non-populated SOIC-8 pads for additional memory.
- Offers various expansion options to suit development needs and use cases.
- Includes open driving source code and design resources.
- Integrates graphic library (EXT3 Plus) and touch board (EXT3 Touch) for enhanced interactive application cases.
1.3.2 EXT3 Kit
- Model no.: B3000MS036
- Targeted user: Makers, Hobbyists, Engineers, Fast prototyping
- Suitable EPD models: 1.54" to 7.4" EPD with iTC driver
EXT3 Kit contents:
| # | Item name | Quantity | Thumbnail Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EPD Extension board | 1 | Image of the Pervasive Displays EXT3 Extension Board. |
| 2 | 20 pins of bridging cable, 15cm (matching the electronic color codes) | 1 | Image of a 20-pin multicolored bridging cable. |
1.3.3 EXT3 Giant
- Model no.: B3000MS037
- Targeted user: Makers, Hobbyists, Engineers, Fast prototyping
- Suitable EPD models: 9.7" or 12" EPD with iTC driver
EXT3 Giant contents:
| # | Item name | Quantity | Thumbnail Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EPD Extension board | 1 | Image of the Pervasive Displays EXT3 Extension Board. |
| 2 | 20 pins of bridging cable, 15cm (matching the electronic color codes) | 1 | Image of a 20-pin multicolored bridging cable. |
| 3 | Connector board | 1 | Image of a 9.7"/12" Connector Board. |
| 4 | 34 pins FFC cable, 10cm | 1 | Image of a 34-pin FFC cable. |
1.3.4 EXT3 Plus
- Model no.: B3000MS038
- Targeted user: Makers, Hobbyists, Engineers, EPD technology evaluation
EXT3 Plus contents:
Note: EXT3 Plus was scheduled for launch in March 2021. More detailed information will be available in future revisions of the user manual.
| # | Item name | Quantity | Thumbnail Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TI MSP-EXP430F5529LP | 1 | Image of the Texas Instruments MSP-EXP430F5529LP LaunchPad development board. |
| 2 | EPD_screen library advanced | 1 | Advanced version of EPD library is preloaded. Further information is TBD. |
A free Basic version of the EPD graphic library for the EXT3 Kit is also provided. The sample source code is available on GitHub. This library allows for easy generation of characters, fonts, shapes, and object orientations on the EPD screen.
1.3.5 EXT3 Touch
- Model no.: B3000MS039
- Targeted user: Engineers, Fast prototyping, EPD technology evaluation, Complete solution
EXT3 Touch contents:
Note: EXT3 Touch was scheduled for launch in March 2021. More detailed information will be available in future revisions of the user manual.
| # | Item name | Quantity | Thumbnail Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.71" EPD with projected-capacitive touch panel | 1 | TBD |
| 2 | EXT3 touch board | 1 | TBD |
| 3 | 6 pins bridging cable | 1 | TBD |
1.3.6 EXT3 connectivity
EXT3 Connectivity Diagram: Illustrates how EXT3 Plus, EXT3 Giant, EXT3 Kit, and EXT3 Touch connect with various Evaluation Kits (EVKs) or Evaluation Boards (EVBs) such as Arduino, TI LaunchPad, Raspberry Pi, or Adafruit Feather. The diagram shows bridging cables connecting these components.
EVK stands for Evaluation Kit, and EVB stands for Evaluation Board. If your product has pin headers for external jumper wires, you can use the 20-pin bridging cable included with the EXT3 kit to connect the EXT3 board to your EPDs and design new applications.
2. EXT3 board
The EXT3 board supports driving all Pervasive Displays EPD modules via a 24-pin FPC connector. The board features a populated EPD driving circuit with components soldered on the backside.
Key Connectors and Features:
- 34 pins ZIF connector (J1): Connects via FFC cable to a connector board for larger iTC driver EPDs that use two 24-pin FPCs.
- 20 pins 90° header (J4): For bridging with your product or EVKs.
- 24 pins ZIF connector (J2): For iTC driver EPDs.
- Jumper (J3): Used for size range selection.
- Non-populated SOIC-8 pads (U2): For optional additional memory.
Overview of EXT3 board: The diagram shows the EXT3 board with labeled connectors J1, J2, J3, J4, and the non-populated SOIC-8 pads.
2.1 Reference circuit and BOM: For detailed driving circuit information, pin assignments, and the Bill of Materials (BOM), please refer to the document titled "Reference circuit_BOM of EXT3_Rev##_[Date]" available on the EXT3 webpage.
2.2 Connect EPD to EXT3 board
2.2.1 Connecting EPD with 24 pins of ZIF connector (J2)
J2 is a double-sided contact, 0.5mm pitch FPC connector. The connection process involves three steps:
- Open the connector: Gently lift the connector's locking mechanism.
- Slide the FPC into connector carefully: Insert the Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) into the connector, ensuring correct alignment.
- Close the connector: Secure the FPC by closing the locking mechanism.
Diagrams illustrate opening, sliding, and closing the 24-pin J2 connector.
2.2.2 Connecting FFC with 34 pins of ZIF connector (J1)
J1 is a double-sided contact, 0.5mm pitch FPC connector. The connection process is similar to J2:
- Open the connector: Lift the connector's locking mechanism.
- Slide the FFC into connector carefully: Insert the Flat Flexible Cable (FFC) into the connector, ensuring proper alignment.
- Close the connector: Secure the FFC by closing the locking mechanism.
Diagrams illustrate opening, sliding, and closing the 34-pin J1 connector.
The same steps apply when connecting FFC with a connector board and a larger EPD. A visual example of a connected 9.7" EPD and connector board is provided.
Image Description: A 9.7-inch EPD is shown connected via a connector board and an EXT3 kit.
2.2.3 Switch J3 Jumper
The J3 jumper is used to select the appropriate inductor for different EPD size ranges:
- For EPD sizes greater than 5 inches, short the jumper on the ">5" option.
- For EPD sizes smaller than 5 inches, short the jumper on the "≤ 4.37" option.
Images show the J3 jumper on the board and highlight the selection options for ">5" and "≤ 4.37".
2.3 Connect EXT3 board to EVK
2.3.1 20 pins of bridging cable to EXT3 board
To connect the 20-pin bridging cable to the EXT3 board:
- Align the cable with pin #1, indicated by white and black marks on the connector.
- Connect the other end to the target header on your EVK.
Images show the 20-pin bridging cable aligned with pin #1 (white mark) and connected to a header.
Note: The power and logic voltage level for the EXT3 kit is 3.3V.
2.3.2 Bridging cable to TI LaunchPad
Pin Map for TI LaunchPad Connection: A table details the pin mapping between the EXT3 board's connectors (J1, J4, J2) and the TI LaunchPad pins. It specifies which colored wires from the bridging cable connect to which pins for signals like VCC, GND, SCK, MOSI, MISO, RST, D/C, and BUSY.
Diagram shows the pin map for connecting the bridging cable with a TI LaunchPad, indicating pin numbers and signal names.
The diagram illustrates the complete pin map connection using colored codes for the bridging cable for most LaunchPad models. For 40-pin LaunchPads, use the outer two rows of pins.
Image Description: A connected TI LaunchPad and EXT3 board, showing the multicolored bridging cables connecting them.
Diagram Description: A pin map of the TI LaunchPad MSP432, showing pin assignments for various functions.
2.3.3 Bridging cable to Arduino M0 PRO
Pin Map for Arduino M0 PRO Connection: A table details the pin mapping between the EXT3 board's connectors (J1, J4, J2) and the Arduino M0 PRO pins. It specifies which colored wires from the bridging cable connect to pins like VCC, GND, SCK, MOSI, MISO, RST, D/C, and BUSY.
Diagram shows the pin map for connecting the bridging cable with an Arduino M0 PRO, indicating pin numbers and signal names.
The diagram illustrates the complete pin map connection using colored codes for the bridging cable for the Arduino M0 PRO. A visual example of the connected Arduino M0 PRO and EXT3 board is provided.
Image Description: A connected Arduino M0 PRO and EXT3 board, showing the multicolored bridging cables connecting them.
3. Working with Arduino and Energia
3.1 Programming language
Arduino: An open-source hardware and software company, project, and user community focused on single-board microcontrollers and kits for digital devices. Arduino boards are commercially available. The Arduino project offers an integrated development environment (IDE) that can be downloaded from its official website.
Energia: An open-source, community-driven IDE and software framework based on the Wiring and Arduino frameworks. Energia provides an intuitive coding environment and a robust framework with easy-to-use functional APIs and libraries for microcontroller programming. It supports many TI processors, particularly those in the LaunchPad development ecosystem. The Energia IDE can be downloaded from its website.
The driving source code is compatible with both Arduino and Energia, differing mainly in the supported microcontroller kit libraries. Both Arduino and Energia languages are based on C/C++, with file extensions typically being '.ino'.
3.2 Driving code on GitHub
GitHub is a platform for software development hosting and version control using Git. It provides distributed version control and source code management (SCM) features.
Pervasive Displays offers its driving reference source codes and manuals for the EXT3 kit on GitHub. Key repositories include:
- ePaper_EXT3_DrivingCode: Provides the driving reference code for the EXT3 kit with iTC driver EPDs.
- ePaper_EXT3_Basic_Library: Offers the basic version of the graphic library for the EXT3 kit.
You can download the code directly from the website or use GitHub Desktop to manage branches and pull requests.
3.3 Porting the code
To get started with Arduino IDE or Energia IDE, familiarize yourself with online resources.
- Board Selection: Understand the model name of your Arduino board or LaunchPad. In the IDE, navigate to "Tools" > "Board" to select your board. If your board is not listed, use "Boards Manager" to search for and install the necessary driver and library. Ensure the model name is accurate, especially if your board has version differences, and select the correct version from the dropdown list.
- Port Configuration: After installing the correct drivers and libraries, connect your board to your computer via USB. Check the detected serial COM port number. In the IDE, go to "Tool" > "Port" and select the detected COM port. Verify that the IDE displays correct information in the bottom right corner.
- Verifying and Uploading Code: Open the sketch code file for your connected EPD size, downloaded from GitHub. Click the verify button (often a checkmark icon ✔️) to check for compiling errors. Then, click the upload button (often an arrow icon ▶️) to load and program the code onto your board. Upon successful programming, the EPD should refresh.
Glossary of Acronyms
| Acronym | Definition |
|---|---|
| BOM | Bill Of Material |
| CoG | Chip on Glass, Driver IC |
| EoL | End of life, product discontinued |
| EPD | Electrophoretic Display, e-Paper Display |
| eTC | External Timing controller |
| EVB/EVK | Evaluation Board / Evaluation Kit |
| FPL | E ink material film, Front Panel Laminate |
| iTC | Internal timing controller |
| LUT | LookUp Table |
| MCU | Microcontroller unit |
| PDI, PDi | Pervasive Displays Incorporated |
Revision History
| Version | Date | Page (New) | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ver. 01 | 2021/1/27 | All | All | First issued |
Company Information
Pervasive Displays Inc.
4F, No. 28, Chuangye Rd., Tainan Science Park, Tainan City (74144) Taiwan (R.O.C.)
T: (+886)(6) 2795399
Disclaimer: The information in this document is provided in connection with Pervasive Displays (PDi) products. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property right is granted by this document or in connection with the sale of PDi products. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE PDi TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALES LOCATED ON THE PDI WEBSITE, PDI ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER AND DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WARRANTY RELATING TO ITS PRODUCTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL PDI BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS AND PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR LOSS OF INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS DOCUMENT, EVEN IF PDI HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. PDi makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make changes to specifications and products descriptions at any time without notice. PDi does not make any commitment to update the information contained herein. Unless specifically provided otherwise, PDi products are not suitable for, and shall not be used in, automotive applications. PDi products are not intended, authorized, or warranted for use as components in applications intended to support or sustain life.
