Unlike conventional glass-based EPDs, Lectum displays are plastic based and therefore the only truly flexible, active-matrix EPDs on the market. They have a typical bendability radius of 50 mm.

It is possible to bend Plastic Logic displays, but not to fold them. The display bendability radius is typically 50mm, but ultimately depends on the display type and product integration concept.

The resolution of our Lectum displays varies depending on the size. Please refer to the respective datasheet for more details.

Lectum displays can have up to 16 gray levels. However, this number can vary depending on the display size. Please refer to the respective datasheets for more details.

Select models of Lectum EPDs are available in color. The company has developed and patented technology to produce color displays using a printed Colour Filter Array. This revolutionary process ensures a perfect match between the black and white pixel of the EPD display and the Red Green Blue filter applied to the display – this provides an optimised reflective colour display.

Lectum displays are not equipped with a touch sensor as standard. However, we have extensive experience in the use of touch sensors with our EPDs and are happy to support our customers in the integration of our displays with touch into their end applications.

A display’s weight depends on its size and configuration. Please refer to the respective datasheet for details.

The refresh rate refers to how quickly a new image can be updated on the screen. Due to the nature of the EPD media, this can be marginally slower than for conventional flat panel displays, such as LCDs. Plastic Logic EPDs have a refresh rate

Plastic Logic has demonstrated animation (12 fps) on its EPDs. The faster update rate of the electrophoretic display media results in a much higher power requirement than static or slowly updating images.

Our Lectum displays are truly bi-stable meaning power is only needed for an update and not to show a static image. The energy required for a typical image update depends on the display size and driver chip setup; starting at just a few mJ per update for smaller displays, allowing battery-less NFC applications. For details please refer to the respective datasheets.

Depending on the size and configuration, Lectum displays can operate in conditions of 0°C to 40°C or 50°C and can be stored between -25°C and 40°C or 50°C, whereby the image remains unaltered.

The temperature range for Lectum displays is determined by the electrophoretic display media used, which consists of microcapsules filled with a clear fluid. Low temperatures raise the viscosity of this fluid typically resulting in a slower response time for image updates. That is why the manufacturer generally states operation at a minimum of 0°C. Specialist designs can enable displays that work at -25°C.

Plastic Logic manufactures and sells EPDs in a range of sizes and configurations. You can find detailed information on our offering here.

We also offer tailor-made display solutions in addition to the reference designs listed in our product portfolio. Custom projects are subject to NRE and a minimum order quantity.

We require the following information from you in order to begin custom-design activities: display active area; pixel density; bezel size; location of driver electronics; COF/COP; overall module size including tolerances.

An initial analysis of the requested display active area and the pixel density (as well as a few other boundary conditions) informs the decision about the appropriate display platform. This happens as part of a milestone plan, which we have to developed, enabling a step-by-step development approach.

All EPD displays require an EPD controller and Lectum displays are no exception. Our reference displays use integrated hardware controllers. Different EPD controllers mainly differ in the maximum number of supported pixels as well as in cost. Depending on display requirements, we have selected some of the optimum EPD controllers and created a display platform based on each one. Discover more about the different platforms we offer here.

It is important to note that the number of pixels is not only dependent on the active display area but also on the pixel density (ppi).

Electrophoretic technology refers to the process whereby thousands of microcapsules, containing (negatively charged) black and (positively charged) white pigments suspended in a clear fluid, are encapsulated in a plastic sheet.

When a charge (positive or negative) is applied, the corresponding particles move to the top of the microcapsule and the surface appears black or white in this specific area. When the charge is removed, the particles stay where they are. This is called bi-stability: where something can rest in either of two states.

In the case of an EPD, the text and/or images remain on the screen until the next update and the user can continue to view the content without the need for battery power. This means EPDs are inherently low-power and is one of the main differentiators to conventional backlit flat panel displays, where a constant power supply is required to maintain content.

A bi-stable display makes use of a bi-stable technology, in this case electrophoresis. The image on a bi-stable display is retained and can be read without a power supply, meaning that any device using such a display is generally deemed to be “low-power”. For example, an eReader only uses battery power when the user turns a page and not when the content is static and being read, which is why many of these devices can claim to have a battery life of up to several weeks between charges. (N.b. eReaders do also require battery power for connectivity, touch, standby and any front light.)

NFC refers to near field communication, which is a technology enabling simple and safe contactless, two-way interactions between electronic devices, typically up to a distance of 4 cm. Lectum displays based on the Ultrachip platform can be updated using NFC.