this post was submitted on 15 Aug 2023
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I got my hands on an old e-ink price tag and want to repurpose this display.

Unfortunately, I can't really figure out, what this type of connector/bus is called. To me it looks like a standard issue ribbon cable.

There are some "universal" e-paper drivers (for example this one: https://www.ebay.de/itm/353141399922), but I have absolutely no idea, how to find out, if that's the right connector.

The device is made by Imagotag, if that helps.

Edit: I added a picture of the panel: https://feddit.de/pictrs/image/42ee4f60-231a-4c42-9a66-6c369134c49c.jpeg

None of the "markings" returned any results and the QR code couldn't be decoded by my phone.

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[โ€“] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The connector on the PCB is called a ZIF (zero insertion force) connector. Normally they are specified by the number of pins, the pitch of the pins, and whether there is any locking feature or "ear" on the sides of the ribbon cable. It looks like a standard latching connector made by any number of companies.

The ribbon cable looks like it is custom designed for the display's electrical pin out and the mechanical design of the enclosure.

If you can figure out the mfg of the display itself, you should be able to figure out the ribbon cable pinout.

I know a fair bit about connectors and circuit fab, but not an EE so hopefully this helps!

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I added a picture of the panel, but as written in the other comment: no manufacturer to see - at least to me.

At least pin-count-wise, the driver I linked above should fit, and all e-ink displays for hobby use do seem to be driven by SPI, but whether it's the "same kind" of SPI and pinout....