DA85xx: Electronic paper display drivers

Dialog Semiconductor’s DA85xx family of devices is a range of fully optimized segment driver ICs designed to meet the requirements of segmented electronic paper displays (EPDs).

The family includes a range of devices offering 24, 64, and 192 segments, each in a single integrated package solution to a wide range of applications. The 64, and 192 segment devices can be operated in cascade mode to further expand system capabilities. The DA85xx devices integrate all of the important functions required for successful functioning of an electronic paper segmented display, and only require two external components to create a full system solution.

Data is clocked into the device using a SPI serial interface before the integrated charge pumps generate the high voltages required to drive the display. Once the display has been updated, the driver can be switched into standby or power down mode while still retaining the image on the display. Using advanced packaging techniques, the DA85xx series integrates a high level of functionality into a single package, enabling a high density, low footprint design with minimal external components. The 64 and 192 segment devices are also available in bare-die formats for smart cards.

Product line-up

Part No.  Segments  Package
DA8527          24     36-pin, 4x4mm LGA 
DA8521          64     80-pin, 5x5mm LGA 
DA8523         192    208-pin, 7x12mm LGA 
DA8531          64     80-pin,  5x5mm BGA

Overview

Evaluation Kit

A range of evaluation kits have been developed to support the design of these segment display drivers. The evaluation kit offers a full hardware and software development environment to allow for fast system design and device evaluation.

Hardware development

The evaluation kit can be controlled via a USB interface connected to a PC or directly to a microcontroller as part of a larger development environment. A range of interfaces are also available to allow connection to different displays using both packaged and bare-die format solutions.

Software development

Also provided is a comprehensive Windows based evaluation and development software environment.

This allows a designer to import a bitmap display image to enable rapid development using a full graphical user interface.

Segment drive capabilities can be defined for the display under development along with the sequencing required to fully develop and evaluate the final system. Control of various timing parameters can be accessed to optimize the design for specific applications in different working environments.