How to Use WeAct 1.54 E-paper module: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The WeAct 1.54 E-paper Module is a low-power display module that utilizes E-ink technology to render static images and text. This module is ideal for applications requiring minimal power consumption, such as battery-operated devices, IoT displays, and electronic shelf labels. Its reflective display technology ensures excellent readability in bright environments, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Smart home devices (e.g., thermostats, weather stations)
• Wearable electronics
• Electronic price tags and shelf labels
• Low-power IoT devices
• Portable e-readers and notetaking devices

Below are the key technical details of the WeAct 1.54 E-paper Module:

The module uses an SPI interface for communication. Below is the pinout:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. SPI Communication: Connect the SPI pins (DIN, CLK, CS) to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller.
3. Control Pins:
   • Connect the DC pin to a GPIO pin to toggle between data and command modes.
   • Connect the RST pin to a GPIO pin for resetting the module.
   • Connect the BUSY pin to a GPIO pin to monitor the module's status.
4. Initialization: Use the appropriate library or commands to initialize the display and send data.

• Power Consumption: The module consumes minimal power when displaying a static image. However, refreshing the display requires more power.
• Refresh Time: The display refresh time is approximately 2 seconds. Avoid sending new data during this period.
• Voltage Levels: Ensure all input signals are at 3.3V logic levels to prevent damage to the module.
• Handling: Avoid applying pressure to the display surface, as E-ink screens are delicate.

Below is an example of how to use the WeAct 1.54 E-paper Module with an Arduino UNO. This example uses the popular GxEPD library.

#include <GxEPD2_BW.h> // Include the GxEPD library for E-paper displays
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h> // Include Adafruit GFX library for graphics support

// Define the display type and pins
#define RST_PIN 8  // Reset pin
#define DC_PIN 9   // Data/Command pin
#define CS_PIN 10  // Chip Select pin
#define BUSY_PIN 7 // Busy pin

// Create an instance of the display
GxEPD2_BW<GxEPD2_154, GxEPD2_154::HEIGHT> display(GxEPD2_154(CS_PIN, DC_PIN, RST_PIN, BUSY_PIN));

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Initializing E-paper display...");

  // Initialize the display
  display.init();
  display.setRotation(0); // Set display rotation (0-3)

  // Clear the display
  display.fillScreen(GxEPD_WHITE);
  display.display();

  // Display a message
  display.setTextColor(GxEPD_BLACK);
  display.setCursor(10, 20); // Set text position
  display.setTextSize(2);    // Set text size
  display.print("Hello, E-paper!");
  display.display(); // Refresh the display
}

void loop() {
  // The display retains the image without power, so no code is needed here
}

• Install the GxEPD and Adafruit GFX libraries via the Arduino Library Manager before running the code.
• Ensure the SPI pins on the Arduino UNO (MOSI, SCK) are connected to the corresponding pins on the module.

1. Display Not Refreshing:

   • Ensure the BUSY pin is properly connected and monitored in your code.
   • Verify that the SPI connections are correct and secure.
   • Check the power supply voltage (3.3V) and ensure it is stable.

2. Corrupted or Blank Display:

   • Ensure the DC and CS pins are correctly configured in your code.
   • Verify that the display initialization sequence is executed properly.

3. Slow Refresh or No Response:

   • Confirm that the RST pin is toggled during initialization.
   • Check for any delays in your code that might interfere with the refresh process.

• Use a multimeter to verify the voltage levels on the module's pins.
• Test the module with a known working example code (e.g., from the GxEPD library).
• If the display remains unresponsive, try resetting the module by toggling the RST pin.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the WeAct 1.54 E-paper Module into your projects and take advantage of its low-power, high-contrast display capabilities.