How Does ePaper Work?

Electronic paper (ePaper) is a display technology that mimics traditional ink on paper. Unlike LED or LCD screens, ePaper doesn’t emit light but reflects ambient light, offering a comfortable, natural reading experience, especially in bright conditions.

ePaper relies on electrophoretic technology, using microcapsules suspended in a liquid layer. Each microcapsule contains particles of different colors, like black and white, with opposite electrical charges. Electrodes beneath the microcapsules create electric fields that move the particles. A positive charge moves negatively charged black particles to the top, making the area dark, while a negative charge brings positively charged white particles to the surface.

Microcapsules are grouped into pixels, enabling precise control to display text and images. Color ePaper includes layers of microcapsules with multiple colors. By controlling these, technologies like E Ink Spectra render several colors per pixel.

ePaper reflects light like printed paper, eliminating backlighting and reducing eye strain and power use. It consumes power only when updating the display, making it perfect for eReaders and signage.

One unique feature of ePaper is its ability to freeze the content during power-off, offering a power-free option for displaying fixed images for extended periods. By simply unplugging the display, content remains visible until the screen is plugged back in, with no power required in between.