E-paper has proven to be a framework on which unique and all-encompassing ideas can be created, just like traditional paper that can be transformed into anything. Because of its’ extraordinary qualities, including excellent visibility in direct sunlight, paper-like readability, and incredibly low energy usage, e-paper is ideal for a wide range of innovative goods, including phones, accessories, retail displays, thermostats, and digital signs.
Electronic paper is referred to by several terms like ePaper, electronic ink, e ink, electrophoretic displays, and EPD. Still, they all relate to the same thing: a technology that mimics the appearance of regular ink on paper.
This blog will undoubtedly clear up your questions regarding the functionality of the EPD (Electronic Paper Display).
What Are Electronic Paper Displays?
An Electronic Paper Display is a display that resembles paper in its’ looks, ultra-low power usage, and thin, light shape. It is exceptionally dissimilar to a conventional display, which brightens pixels via backlighting. An EPD only needs power when a fresh image is required, and they are incredibly thin. These displays are similar to newspapers in that they provide clarity and may be used in various ways.
If you took a pen and scribbled something down in a notepad, the clarity and excellent legibility of your text’s distinct, well-defined lines would be comparable to that of the content displayed on an electronic paper display. Electronic paper displays are used in various industrial and commercial applications and differ from other digital flat panel displays in numerous ways.
Functioning Of EPD
We must start at the very foundation of this technology to truly understand what electronic paper is all about.
If we look closely, you will discover that an EPD is actually a group of tiny capsules filled with a translucent liquid that contains small particles. The millions of these capsules that make up each display are spread over a thin layer. These capsules contain particles with varying electric charges, i.e., negative and positive charges, and distinct colors, i.e., black and white, respectively. Many electrodes are present, both below and above the film. The particles with the matching charge will be moved to the bottom or top of the capsule when an individual electrode is subjected to a negative or positive electric field. The surface will display a particular color as a result.
Black and white are the most basic color options for electronic paper. In this situation, a positive charge is present in white objects, whereas a negative charge is present in black particles. The negative black ink particles will rise to the top of the capsule if the applied electric charge is negative. They will therefore paint this region of the surface black. Because of this, electronic paper displays are also known as electrophoretic displays (EPD).
EPD uses the movement of dispersed particles in the fluid under the influence of an electric field to demonstrate function.
Key Aspects Of Differentiation From Traditional Displays
1. Bistability
Screens made on e-paper are bistable. Whatever content is displayed on the electronic paper display, just like a sketch in your notebook, will retain a static image even when the display is not linked to a power source. E-paper only uses power when the content changes, such as when a departmental store’s e-paper shelf label is updated with a new price. The display will only exhibit the information you want the rest of the time, using no power until the next update.
This is in contrast to typical backlit flat panel LCDs, which refresh approximately 30 times per second and need a continual power supply to maintain content.
2. Reflectivity
Reflective refers to how the display’s surface reflects light from the surrounding area into the users’ eyes. The clearer the display is, the more ambient light there is. Instead of a backlight, images on an electronic paper display are shown using ambient light. This functions exactly like conventional paper. Electronic paper displays make visuals easier on the user’s eyes and help prevent light pollution. Additionally, compared to most other display types, these displays offer a larger viewing angle. Moreover, the information displayed on the e-paper is visible even in direct sunlight.
The Future Stays Strong
As every advancement in the last few years has focused on mobility and ease of information flow, e-Paper appears to fit right into the future mold. Electronic paper can replace other devices to save battery usage and be read easily, even in direct sunlight. EPD is readily available today from many brands.
Microtips USA offers electronic paper displays (EPD) for use in commercial and industrial applications. Display sizes for these bistable displays range from 1.49 to 13.2 inches, and resolutions range from 152(H)152(V) to 960(H)680(V) pixels.