EPL-100 TCON Controller Board for E Ink

E Ink Panel Interface

USB input interface board set for E Ink 25.3" and 28" panels

• Inputs: Micro USB
• Panel support: E Ink 25.3" & 28"
• Power: 12V DC

• Part number: 25.3" kit:
- EPL-100 board 4160246xx-3
- FFC cables

• Part number: 28" kit:
- EPL-100 board 4160246xx-3
- FFC cables

EPL-100 Controller Board for E-Ink

The Digital View EPL-100 controller board is designed for E Ink 25.3" and 28" epaper display panels. This low power interface accepts a bitmap image transferred over USB from a source media player such as a Raspberry Pi or Android PC. E Ink based displays are ideal for public signage, the significant benefits include the high visibility in bright environments as well as the ability to operate from solar power due to the very low power consumption.

Custom controller board layout with additional functions or integration is available as an engineering service. In addition Digital View can assist with display bonding and other integration requirements for the E Ink panel.

Specifications: EPL-100

Panel Connectivity	E Ink 25.3" - EPL-100 p/n: 4160246xx-3 - FFC cables: 2 x p/n E Ink 28" monochrome - EPL-100 p/n 4160246xx-3 - FFC cables: 2 x p/n 426162340 (100mm), or 2 x p/n 426162350 (200mm)
Resolution	25.3": 2560x 1440 (16:9 aspect ratio) 28": 3840 x 1080 (32:9 aspect ratio)
Functions	Image rotation: 0/90/180/270 degrees Image mirror Image flip Built-in temperature sensor 16/32 level grey scale mode
Input	Micro USB (for image transfer)
Power	Power input 12V DC Power output (option): 5V DC for Raspberry Pi Standby power consumption (as meaasured): 25.3” Panel + EPL-100: 0.06A x 12VDC = 0.7W 28” Panel + EPL-100: 0.06A x 12VDC = 0.7W Raspberry Pi3 (Model B+) = 0.32A x 5VDC = 1.6W During image write to panel (as measured): 25.3” Panel + EPL-100: 1.2A x 12VDC = 14.6W 28” Panel + EPL-100: 0.8A x 12VDC = 9.7W Raspberry Pi3 (Model B+) = 0.61A x 5VDC = 3.05W
Image file	Supports bitmap (bmp) file format
Operating temperature	0°C to +50°C
Reliability	MTBF in excess of 200,000 hours @ 25^oC (calculated using Telcordia SR-332 procedure) Warranty 3 years
Customization (options*)	Layout Component & connector selection

Note: ¹ The Operating temperature is given for reference only, the controller should be tested and verified in the finished display product.

Downloads

• Brochure (PDF)
• Connection Guide overview (PDF)
• Software - Contact us using the form below
(Windows PC & Raspberry Pi application)

Software Page
• Software for RS-232 & Ethernet

Statements & Declarations
• Statement of volatility
• Compliance & declarations page

Connection Diagrams
• Coming soon

Support: Call...

• USA: +1.408.782.7773
• UK: +44-(0)20-7631 2150
• HK: +852-2861 3615

Email: Please use the form below to
direct your enquiry to the nearest office.

Customization

Both firmware and hardware customization options are available to meet specific project and application requirements. Use the form below to contact us.

Software, Content Update & Media Players

As a public signage display, the normal system will have a media player, for example a PC, Android PC or Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi model 3B or 4 is sufficiently powerful for most purposes so we have used it for further development. The following appnotes show example methods for updating the image using a Raspberry Pi Model 3 B+ together with the EPL-100 TCON controller board and a compatible E Ink panel (NOTE: The applications referenced in these appnotes is available for free to EPL-100 customers):

- From PC to USB (PDF)
- Via Google Drive (PDF)
- Via network (PDF)

In addition we have been working with live data feeds, for example retrieving weather data from public sources, formatting it then writing it to the display.

Another function is partial screen update, this capability enables just updating the part of the display where the content has changed. This reduces the power used and can be useful for very low power installations.

LOW POWER & SOLAR

As the E Ink panel is reflective and bistable it is uniquely suited to outdoor installations powered via a solar panel with rechargeable battery. Power reduction methods might include almost completely powering off the system and only powering up to perform intermittent content checks and updates. To facilitate this we have a pic processor powered timer relay

Outdoor Display Solutions

Shown below is a 28" panel based open-frame assembly for display developers.

32" and 42" IP65 rated outdoor ePaper displays. Get up and running quickly with these IP65 enclosures:
- Includes an internal mounting plate for adding system boards.
- Pre-fitted with the Digital View EPM-100 TCON controller board.
- Option: Raspberry Pi 3B+ with Wi-Fi with customizable application to accept JPG or BMP images.
- Option: Cellular network support.
- Option: Low power timer for system sleep/wake power saving.
- Option: Solar and/or wind power solutions.

32" and 42" IP65 rated display product details here.