2.9 inch Tri-Color E Ink Display Fast Refresh, Zero Static Power, Perfect for

Product Specification

Critical Note

Always validate driver IC compatibility (e.g., SSD1680, UC8179). Waveform LUTs (Look-Up Tables) for tri-color + fast refresh differ from monochrome displays.

Suggested Troubleshooting Tools:

• Logic analyzer for SPI signals

• Temperature-controlled testing environment

• epdiy firmware (open-source EPD debugger)

Let me know if you need protocol details or waveform configuration examples!

Drawing

Interface pin definition:

Product Overview:
The EPD-290BWR is a high-resolution, low-power electronic ink display module that is highly suitable for a wide range of applications. It measures 2.9 inches, has a resolution of 128×296, and supports black, white and red. It can be used to display text, images and graphics clearly and efficiently.
The main features of EPD-290BWR are as follows:

· High resolution: 112dpi, capable of easily displaying fine patterns

· Low power consumption: Requires very little power during updates and can maintain images without power 

· Ultra-wide viewing Angle: Nearly 180°, allowing for easy viewing from any Angle 

· Ultra-thin and ultra-light It is highly suitable for portable applications.

· SPI interface: Can be easily connected to a microcontroller.

· Compliant with RoHS standards: Meets environmental protection standards

Typical applications of EPD-290BWR: 

· e-readers · Digital signage 

· Electronic shelf labels

· portable gaming devices

· etc

Additional note: 

The operating temperature range of EPD-290BWR is from 0 to +40 degrees Celsius. The storage temperature range of EPD-290BWR is from -20 to +60 degrees Celsius. The monitor is sensitive to moisture and ultraviolet rays. It is recommended to store the monitor in a cool, dry and dark place.

Key Selling Points

1. Tri-Color Display (Black/White/Red)

   • High-contrast three-color rendering for critical information highlighting (e.g., prices, alerts).

2. Fast Refresh Capability

   • Partial refresh as low as 0.3s (flicker-free) and full refresh in 1.5–3s, enabling dynamic content updates without prolonged delays.

3. Ultra-Low Power Consumption

   • Zero power when static (bistable technology); only consumes energy during refreshes (~30mW).

4. Sunlight-Readable & Wide Viewing Angle

   • Reflective display with >170° viewing angle, glare-free in direct sunlight.

5. Durability and Flexibility

   • Optional flexible substrates for bendable designs (e.g., wearable devices, curved surfaces).

6. Wireless and Battery-Free Options

   • Supports NFC/UHF wireless updates without batteries (energy harvesting for zero-maintenance tags).

7. Easy Integration

   • Standard SPI interface with open-source drivers for Raspberry Pi, Arduino, STM32, and ESP8266/32 platforms.

 Target Application Scenarios

1. Smart Retail & Logistics

   • Electronic shelf labels (ESL), inventory tags, and warehouse management systems for real-time price/stock updates.

2. Industrial Instrumentation

   • Low-power displays for sensors, meters, and portable diagnostic tools in harsh environments.

3. Healthcare & Tracking

   • Medication labels, patient wristbands, and hospital bed cards with secure, non-volatile information display.

4. Smart Consumer Devices

   • Secondary smartphone screens (e.g., phone cases showing notifications/battery status without draining power).

5. Sustainable IoT Solutions

   • Solar-powered signage, baggage tags, and NFC-enabled smart posters for public spaces.

Key Precautions

1. Refresh Mode Management

   • Partial Refresh Limit: Use ≤10 partial refreshes before a full refresh to prevent ghosting.

   • Full Refresh Time: ~2–3 seconds required for clean transitions.

2. Temperature Sensitivity

   • Operating Range: 0°C to 50°C (performance degrades beyond this).

   • Red Color Lag: Red pigment refreshes slower in cold environments (<10°C).

3. Voltage Requirements

   • Strictly follow logic voltage (3.3V) and VCOM driver voltage (±15V±0.5V).

4. Mechanical Protection

   • Avoid pressure on the active area (glass substrate vulnerability).

   • No direct cleaning – use dry microfiber cloth only.

5. UV Exposure

   • Prolonged sunlight may fade red pigment; add UV filter for outdoor use.

6. ESD Sensitivity

   • Handle with grounded wrist straps; ESD can permanently damage e-ink film.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How "fast" is partial refresh?

A: Partial refresh takes 0.3–0.5s (flicker-minimized), but requires a full refresh (~2s) every 5–10 updates to clear ghosting.

Q2: Can I drive this with Arduino/Raspberry Pi?

A: Yes, via SPI interface. Use libraries like GxEPD (Arduino) or waveshare-epd (RPi). Ensure your driver board supports tri-color waveforms.

Q3: Why does red update slower than black/white?

A: Red electrophoretic particles have higher inertia. Full refresh is needed for crisp red elements.

Q4: Does it work below 0°C?

A: Not recommended. Below 0°C, refresh time increases significantly (>5s), and red may fail to update.

Q5: How to fix persistent ghosting?

A: Run a 3-step sequence: Full white → Full black → Full white refresh. Avoid high-contrast partial updates.

Q6: Can I use wireless (NFC/RF) updates?

A: Only with dedicated ESL controller ICs (e.g., RA8875). Standard SPI displays require wired control.

Q7: Why does red appear muddy after partial refresh?

A: Red requires full-voltage waveforms. Use EPD_FULL mode for red elements or reduce partial refresh frequency.

Q8: Power consumption during refresh?

A: ~25–35mA @3.3V during update (30–50mW), zero in static mode.

Q9: Is touch overlay compatible?

A: Possible but not advised. Overlays reduce clarity and reflectivity. Use IR/frame-based touch instead.

Q10: How to optimize battery life?

A:

• Minimize full refreshes
  - Bundle updates (e.g., change all elements at once)
  - Use deep sleep on controller IC between updates