2.13 inch 3-color ePaper Module SPI, Black White Red

This 2.13 inch e-paper display module offers a resolution of 250 × 122 pixels and supports three colors: black, white, and red. It is designed for ultra-low power applications where the display content changes only occasionally.

Unlike LCD or OLED displays, this e-paper panel consumes power only during refresh. Once an image is displayed, it remains visible even when power is removed, making it ideal for battery-powered and energy-efficient designs.

The module communicates via SPI and integrates its own voltage generation circuitry, so no additional high-voltage components are required.

Features

• 2.13 inch e-paper display
• Resolution: 250 × 122 pixels
• Colors: black, white, red
• SPI interface
• Ultra-low power consumption
• No power required to retain image
• Wide viewing angle
• Integrated charge pump circuitry
• Suitable for Arduino, ESP32, RP2040 and similar platforms

Pinout

• VCC: 3.3V power supply
• GND: ground
• D/C: data / command control
• SDI: SPI MOSI (data input)
• CS: chip select
• CLK: SPI clock
• BUSY: busy status output (low during refresh)

Electrical Notes

This display operates at 3.3V logic levels. Direct connection to 5V microcontrollers (such as Arduino Uno) requires level shifting.

Library Support: The display is compatible with common e-paper controller families such as SSD1680 and UC8151. It can be controlled using widely available Arduino libraries.

Recommended libraries:

• GxEPD2 (primary library)
• Adafruit GFX (graphics support)

Library source:
https://github.com/ZinggJM/GxEPD2

Getting Started

• Install the GxEPD2 library using the Arduino Library Manager
• Install Adafruit GFX
• Connect the display to your microcontroller using SPI
• Use a 2.13 inch tri-color driver from the GxEPD2 examples
• Upload an example sketch and adjust pin definitions as needed

Example Wiring (ESP32)

• VCC → 3.3V
• GND → GND
• SDI → GPIO23 (MOSI)
• CLK → GPIO18 (SCK)
• CS → GPIO5
• D/C → GPIO17
• BUSY → GPIO4

Usage Notes

• Typical refresh time: 8 to 15 seconds
• Do not update the display too frequently (recommended interval >30 seconds)
• The BUSY pin must be connected for reliable operation
• If the display becomes unresponsive, disconnect power completely and restart

Compatibility

This display is compatible with most 2.13 inch tri-color SPI e-paper modules, including Waveshare-style displays using SSD1680 or UC8151 controllers. If one driver does not work, try alternative 2.13 inch tri-color drivers available in the GxEPD2 library.

Applications

• Electronic shelf labels
• Low-power information displays
• IoT dashboards
• Weather stations
• Battery-powered projects