May 12, 2008 Responsible for the first consumer application of an electronic paper display module when it teamed up with Sony to release the LIBRI e-Book reader in 2004, E Ink has now announced availability of its next generation segmented display cells (SDC). The new SDCs are 40% thinner with a wider operational temperature range and increased flexibility for repetitive 3-D bends or 2-D conformable solutions.
The SDC products are simple digit, icon and alpha-numeric displays, offering excellent readability in a paper-thin form factor that uses minimal battery power. The latest generation of E Ink SDCs offer three height levels, depending on backplane configuration: thin PET 330 microns, PET 380 microns, or PI 375 microns. PET options provide 200 micron design rules for the art work or space and trace of 8 mils by 8 mils. The finer pitch PI option uses 100 micron design rules for 4 mils by 4 mils. Increased temperature ranges with operations from -10°C to 60°C, and storage from –25°C to 75°C. Odd shapes are now also possible, meaning non-rectangular unique shapes including holes, curves, and other non-standard designs. Additionally, E Ink’s SDC platform provides viewable angle of nearly 180° and can be viewed under a variety of lighting conditions from direct sun to low-level ambient light. E Ink’s Vizplex based electronic paper solutions are bistable, reflective displays which enable the image to remain for over a year with zero power.
Applications for this next-gen technology include consumer electronics, PC-accessory, display smartcards, capacity indicators, electronic shelf labels, signage and communications applications. The SDC displays use the same E Ink Vizplex technology that is in popular electronic book devices such as the Amazon Kindle, SONY Reader and iRex iLiad. Watches are also able to utilize this technology - in December last year Art Technology launched its Phosphor branded luxury watches utilizing E Ink’s electronic paper for the displays.