Important Note

This entire repo was AI created - including all of the data within. The intent was to A) help me with my personal electronics inventory; and B) see how I could use AI to make that process a bit easier. DO NOT TRUST!

Adafruit 2.13” HD Tri-Color eInk FeatherWing

Overview

The Adafruit 2.13” HD Tri-Color eInk FeatherWing brings easy e-paper functionality to your Feather projects. This FeatherWing features a high-resolution 250x122 pixel tri-color e-ink display that can show black, white, and red content. The display retains its image even when powered off and includes built-in SRAM for frame buffering and a microSD slot for image storage.

Specifications

• Display Type: E-Paper (Electronic Ink)
• Screen Size: 2.13” diagonal
• Resolution: 250x122 pixels (HD version)
• Colors: Tri-color (Black, White, Red)
• Controller: SSD1680
• Panel Variant: RW (Red/White)
• Interface: SPI
• Built-in SRAM: Frame buffer memory
• Storage: MicroSD card slot
• Dimensions: 61.5mm x 31.4mm x 6.6mm (excluding mounting holes)
• Weight: 14.5g / 0.5oz

Features

• Persistent Display: Image remains visible without power
• Ultra Low Power: Only consumes power during refresh
• High Resolution: 250x122 pixels (upgraded from 212x104)
• Tri-Color Support: Black, white, and red ink
• Built-in SRAM: No need for large frame buffers in microcontroller
• MicroSD Slot: Store images and data files
• Wide Viewing Angle: Excellent readability from all angles
• Sunlight Readable: Perfect visibility in bright conditions
• No Backlight Needed: Reflective display technology

Memory Management

• SRAM Buffer: Built-in memory chip for frame buffering
• Shared SPI: SRAM uses same SPI bus as display
• Memory Efficient: Reduces microcontroller RAM requirements
• Frame Buffer Size: 250 x 122 x 2 colors = ~7.5KB handled by SRAM

Pinout & Connections

SPI Interface

• MOSI: SPI data output
• MISO: SPI data input
• SCK: SPI clock
• CS: Display chip select
• SRAM CS: SRAM chip select
• SD CS: MicroSD chip select
• DC: Data/Command selection
• RST: Reset pin
• BUSY: Busy status output

Applications

• Electronic shelf labels
• Status displays for IoT devices
• Weather stations
• Digital signage
• E-readers and text displays
• Battery-powered displays
• Industrial instruments
• Smart home displays

Compatibility

• All Feather Boards: ESP8266, ESP32, M0, M4, RP2040, 32u4, etc.
• Arduino IDE: Adafruit EPD library support
• CircuitPython: Native displayio support
• Memory Requirements: Works with low-memory microcontrollers

Programming Support

Arduino Libraries

• Adafruit EPD library
• Adafruit GFX library for graphics
• SD card libraries for file access

CircuitPython

• displayio support
• Built-in graphics capabilities
• File system support for SD card

Display Characteristics

• Refresh Time: Slower than LCD (typical for e-paper)
• Refresh Types: Full refresh and partial refresh supported
• Viewing Angle: Wide angle visibility
• Contrast: High contrast black and red on white
• Durability: No ghosting when properly refreshed
• Temperature Range: Optimal performance at room temperature

Important Notes

• Refresh Speed: E-paper displays refresh slowly (several seconds)
• Power Usage: Only during refresh operations
• Pin Requirements: Uses multiple SPI pins for display, SRAM, and SD
• Assembly: Comes fully assembled with socket headers
• Upgrade: Higher resolution than previous 212x104 version

Package Contents

• 1x 2.13” HD Tri-Color eInk FeatherWing (fully assembled)
• 1x Socket headers (pre-installed)
• Documentation and tutorial links

File Storage

• MicroSD Support: Store images, fonts, and data
• Image Formats: BMP and other formats supported
• File System: Standard SD card file operations
• Capacity: Limited only by SD card size

Best Practices

• Static Content: Ideal for slowly changing information
• Power Management: Turn off between updates for battery projects
• Temperature: Avoid extreme temperatures for best performance
• Refresh Strategy: Use full refresh periodically to prevent ghosting