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Inkplate 5
The Inkplate 5 is a 5.7-inch e-ink display module with integrated ESP32 microcontroller, designed for developers and makers who need ultra-low-power, always-on visual interfaces for IoT applications. Professional engineers and embedded systems developers use this device to create battery-powered information displays, smart home dashboards, and remote monitoring stations that require weeks of operational runtime on a single charge. It solves the critical challenge of displaying dynamic content on e-paper without the power consumption penalties of LCD or OLED screens, making it ideal for distributed IoT networks and edge computing deployments.
Product Overview
The Inkplate 5 utilizes Electrophoretic Display (EPD) technology with a 5.7-inch monochrome e-ink panel capable of displaying 4-bit grayscale (16 levels). The integrated ESP32-WROVER module provides dual-core processing at 240MHz with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, eliminating the need for external microcontroller boards. The device operates on a sophisticated power management architecture featuring a dedicated power IC that enables partial screen updates consuming as little as 0.3mA, with full refresh cycles drawing approximately 80mA. This architecture allows battery-powered deployments to achieve multi-week operational periods, making it fundamentally different from traditional LCD-based solutions that consume 10-50mA continuously.
The Inkplate 5 distinguishes itself through its open-source firmware ecosystem and Arduino IDE compatibility, enabling rapid prototyping without proprietary development tools. The device features an integrated MCP23017 GPIO expander providing 16 additional I/O pins, SD card slot for local image storage, and a USB-C connector for programming and charging. The e-ink panel exhibits zero power consumption when displaying static content, making it suitable for applications requiring information persistence without active refresh. The 600x448 pixel resolution at 167 DPI provides sufficient clarity for text, graphs, and simple graphics in professional monitoring and information display scenarios.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | E-ink Display Module with Integrated Microcontroller |
| Brand | Soldered Electronics |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| Display Size | 5.7-inch diagonal e-ink panel |
| Resolution | 600x448 pixels at 167 DPI |
| Color Depth | 4-bit grayscale (16 levels) |
| Microcontroller | ESP32-WROVER dual-core 240MHz |
| Memory | 4MB Flash, 8MB PSRAM |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Power Consumption | Idle: 0.3mA, Full Refresh: 80mA peak |
| Battery Life | 2-4 weeks on 2000mAh battery (typical use) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V to 5V USB-C |
Key Features
- Integrated ESP32-WROVER microcontroller eliminates need for external development boards, reducing BOM cost and PCB real estate in production designs
- Electrophoretic Display technology provides true image persistence with zero power consumption when displaying static content, ideal for battery-powered remote monitoring stations
- 16-level grayscale capability enables professional data visualization including charts, graphs, and temperature curves with superior contrast compared to monochrome alternatives
- GPIO expander with 16 additional I/O pins allows connection of sensors, buttons, and actuators directly to the module without external multiplexing circuits
- Open-source Arduino IDE compatibility and extensive library support enables rapid prototyping with minimal development overhead compared to proprietary platforms
- SD card slot supports local image storage and firmware updates, enabling offline operation and reduced cloud dependency in industrial IoT applications
Applications and Use Cases
- Smart Home Information Displays: Battery-powered wall-mounted dashboards showing temperature, humidity, air quality, and energy consumption data with 2-4 week refresh cycles, eliminating charging infrastructure in residential environments
- Industrial Equipment Monitoring: Wireless sensor nodes displaying real-time machine parameters, maintenance alerts, and production metrics in factory floors without power lines, communicating via WiFi to central MQTT brokers
- Retail Price Tags and Signage: Dynamic electronic shelf labels updating product prices and promotional information across distributed store locations via WiFi, with months of battery operation between charges
- Environmental Data Logging: Remote weather stations and air quality monitors displaying local measurements with cloud synchronization, operating for extended periods in remote locations on battery power
- Medical Device Interfaces: Patient monitoring displays and medication reminders in healthcare settings requiring low power consumption and high readability in various lighting conditions
- Agricultural IoT Systems: Field-deployed soil moisture and weather sensors displaying localized data to farmers without requiring electrical infrastructure in agricultural areas
How to Use
Begin by connecting the Inkplate 5 to your computer via USB-C cable and installing the Arduino IDE with the ESP32 board package. Download the Inkplate5 library from the official GitHub repository and add it to your Arduino libraries folder. Open the example sketches provided in the library to verify hardware functionality - the basic example will initialize the display and render test patterns. Configure your WiFi credentials in the sketch, upload the code, and monitor the serial console at 115200 baud to verify successful connection and display initialization.
For production deployments, implement the partial refresh feature to minimize power consumption: use full refreshes only during initial setup or when displaying completely new content, and employ partial updates for dynamic elements like sensor readings or clock displays. Connect external sensors to the GPIO expander pins using I2C protocol (pins 21 and 22 for SDA/SCL). For battery-powered applications, implement deep sleep modes between WiFi updates - configure the ESP32 to wake on timer intervals or external GPIO interrupts, fetch data from your MQTT broker or HTTP API, update the display using partial refresh, and return to deep sleep. This architecture can extend battery life from days to weeks depending on update frequency and sensor requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between full refresh and partial refresh on the Inkplate 5?
Full refresh clears the entire display and redraws all pixels, consuming approximately 80mA for 2-3 seconds and producing a brief flicker. Partial refresh updates only changed pixels, consuming 0.3-5mA depending on the number of pixels modified and completing in milliseconds without visible flicker. Use full refresh during initialization or when displaying completely new content. Use partial refresh for updating sensor readings, clock displays, or small UI elements to achieve multi-week battery operation. The library provides both functions: display.display() for full refresh and display.partialUpdate() for partial updates.
How long will the Inkplate 5 operate on a battery?
Battery life depends critically on update frequency and refresh type. With a 2000mAh lithium battery and updates every 30 minutes using partial refresh, expect 3-4 weeks of operation. With hourly updates, battery life extends to 6-8 weeks. With daily updates only, operation extends to several months. Each full refresh consumes approximately 200-300mWh equivalent to 30-50 partial updates. For maximum longevity, implement deep sleep between updates and use partial refresh exclusively. Calculate your specific scenario by multiplying update frequency by current draw during updates, then dividing battery capacity by this figure.
Can the Inkplate 5 display color images or only grayscale?
The Inkplate 5 features a monochrome e-ink panel with 4-bit grayscale capability, supporting 16 distinct gray levels from pure black to pure white. It cannot display colors. However, the 16-level grayscale is sufficient for professional data visualization including charts, graphs, temperature curves, and photographic images with acceptable quality. If color display is required, consider alternative products like color e-ink modules, though these consume significantly more power and have slower refresh rates. For most IoT and monitoring applications, grayscale provides excellent readability and sufficient visual distinction for multiple data channels.
Is the Inkplate 5 suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes, the e-ink display exhibits excellent outdoor readability with high contrast visible in direct sunlight, unlike LCD screens which become difficult to read in bright conditions. The module operates across 0-40 degrees Celsius, suitable for most outdoor environments. For extended outdoor deployment, ensure proper enclosure to protect against rain and humidity - the module itself is not IP-rated for direct water exposure. The ultra-low power consumption makes outdoor solar charging feasible with small solar panels. Consider UV-resistant enclosure materials as prolonged direct sunlight exposure may cause slight yellowing of the display over months of continuous operation.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
Why Buy from The Engineer Store
- Genuine Products: Sourced directly from authorized distributors with authentication
- Expert Team: Our technical team validates every product before listing
- Fast Shipping: Dispatched within 1-5 days from our Bengaluru warehouse
- Pan-India Delivery: 7-8 days to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata
- Payment Options: COD, UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, EMI available
- Technical Support: 24/7 expert guidance via email and WhatsApp
- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
Buy Inkplate 5 Online in India
Purchase the Inkplate 5 online at The Engineer Store, India's trusted source for genuine electronics. We deliver across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Surat. Get the best price on Inkplate 5 with fast shipping and expert support.
Our
Inkplate 5
The Inkplate 5 is a 5.7-inch e-ink display module with integrated ESP32 microcontroller, designed for developers and makers who need ultra-low-power, always-on visual interfaces for IoT applications. Professional engineers and embedded systems developers use this device to create battery-powered information displays, smart home dashboards, and remote monitoring stations that require weeks of operational runtime on a single charge. It solves the critical challenge of displaying dynamic content on e-paper without the power consumption penalties of LCD or OLED screens, making it ideal for distributed IoT networks and edge computing deployments.
Product Overview
The Inkplate 5 utilizes Electrophoretic Display (EPD) technology with a 5.7-inch monochrome e-ink panel capable of displaying 4-bit grayscale (16 levels). The integrated ESP32-WROVER module provides dual-core processing at 240MHz with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, eliminating the need for external microcontroller boards. The device operates on a sophisticated power management architecture featuring a dedicated power IC that enables partial screen updates consuming as little as 0.3mA, with full refresh cycles drawing approximately 80mA. This architecture allows battery-powered deployments to achieve multi-week operational periods, making it fundamentally different from traditional LCD-based solutions that consume 10-50mA continuously.
The Inkplate 5 distinguishes itself through its open-source firmware ecosystem and Arduino IDE compatibility, enabling rapid prototyping without proprietary development tools. The device features an integrated MCP23017 GPIO expander providing 16 additional I/O pins, SD card slot for local image storage, and a USB-C connector for programming and charging. The e-ink panel exhibits zero power consumption when displaying static content, making it suitable for applications requiring information persistence without active refresh. The 600x448 pixel resolution at 167 DPI provides sufficient clarity for text, graphs, and simple graphics in professional monitoring and information display scenarios.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | E-ink Display Module with Integrated Microcontroller |
| Brand | Soldered Electronics |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| Display Size | 5.7-inch diagonal e-ink panel |
| Resolution | 600x448 pixels at 167 DPI |
| Color Depth | 4-bit grayscale (16 levels) |
| Microcontroller | ESP32-WROVER dual-core 240MHz |
| Memory | 4MB Flash, 8MB PSRAM |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Power Consumption | Idle: 0.3mA, Full Refresh: 80mA peak |
| Battery Life | 2-4 weeks on 2000mAh battery (typical use) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V to 5V USB-C |
Key Features
- Integrated ESP32-WROVER microcontroller eliminates need for external development boards, reducing BOM cost and PCB real estate in production designs
- Electrophoretic Display technology provides true image persistence with zero power consumption when displaying static content, ideal for battery-powered remote monitoring stations
- 16-level grayscale capability enables professional data visualization including charts, graphs, and temperature curves with superior contrast compared to monochrome alternatives
- GPIO expander with 16 additional I/O pins allows connection of sensors, buttons, and actuators directly to the module without external multiplexing circuits
- Open-source Arduino IDE compatibility and extensive library support enables rapid prototyping with minimal development overhead compared to proprietary platforms
- SD card slot supports local image storage and firmware updates, enabling offline operation and reduced cloud dependency in industrial IoT applications
Applications and Use Cases
- Smart Home Information Displays: Battery-powered wall-mounted dashboards showing temperature, humidity, air quality, and energy consumption data with 2-4 week refresh cycles, eliminating charging infrastructure in residential environments
- Industrial Equipment Monitoring: Wireless sensor nodes displaying real-time machine parameters, maintenance alerts, and production metrics in factory floors without power lines, communicating via WiFi to central MQTT brokers
- Retail Price Tags and Signage: Dynamic electronic shelf labels updating product prices and promotional information across distributed store locations via WiFi, with months of battery operation between charges
- Environmental Data Logging: Remote weather stations and air quality monitors displaying local measurements with cloud synchronization, operating for extended periods in remote locations on battery power
- Medical Device Interfaces: Patient monitoring displays and medication reminders in healthcare settings requiring low power consumption and high readability in various lighting conditions
- Agricultural IoT Systems: Field-deployed soil moisture and weather sensors displaying localized data to farmers without requiring electrical infrastructure in agricultural areas
How to Use
Begin by connecting the Inkplate 5 to your computer via USB-C cable and installing the Arduino IDE with the ESP32 board package. Download the Inkplate5 library from the official GitHub repository and add it to your Arduino libraries folder. Open the example sketches provided in the library to verify hardware functionality - the basic example will initialize the display and render test patterns. Configure your WiFi credentials in the sketch, upload the code, and monitor the serial console at 115200 baud to verify successful connection and display initialization.
For production deployments, implement the partial refresh feature to minimize power consumption: use full refreshes only during initial setup or when displaying completely new content, and employ partial updates for dynamic elements like sensor readings or clock displays. Connect external sensors to the GPIO expander pins using I2C protocol (pins 21 and 22 for SDA/SCL). For battery-powered applications, implement deep sleep modes between WiFi updates - configure the ESP32 to wake on timer intervals or external GPIO interrupts, fetch data from your MQTT broker or HTTP API, update the display using partial refresh, and return to deep sleep. This architecture can extend battery life from days to weeks depending on update frequency and sensor requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between full refresh and partial refresh on the Inkplate 5?
Full refresh clears the entire display and redraws all pixels, consuming approximately 80mA for 2-3 seconds and producing a brief flicker. Partial refresh updates only changed pixels, consuming 0.3-5mA depending on the number of pixels modified and completing in milliseconds without visible flicker. Use full refresh during initialization or when displaying completely new content. Use partial refresh for updating sensor readings, clock displays, or small UI elements to achieve multi-week battery operation. The library provides both functions: display.display() for full refresh and display.partialUpdate() for partial updates.
How long will the Inkplate 5 operate on a battery?
Battery life depends critically on update frequency and refresh type. With a 2000mAh lithium battery and updates every 30 minutes using partial refresh, expect 3-4 weeks of operation. With hourly updates, battery life extends to 6-8 weeks. With daily updates only, operation extends to several months. Each full refresh consumes approximately 200-300mWh equivalent to 30-50 partial updates. For maximum longevity, implement deep sleep between updates and use partial refresh exclusively. Calculate your specific scenario by multiplying update frequency by current draw during updates, then dividing battery capacity by this figure.
Can the Inkplate 5 display color images or only grayscale?
The Inkplate 5 features a monochrome e-ink panel with 4-bit grayscale capability, supporting 16 distinct gray levels from pure black to pure white. It cannot display colors. However, the 16-level grayscale is sufficient for professional data visualization including charts, graphs, temperature curves, and photographic images with acceptable quality. If color display is required, consider alternative products like color e-ink modules, though these consume significantly more power and have slower refresh rates. For most IoT and monitoring applications, grayscale provides excellent readability and sufficient visual distinction for multiple data channels.
Is the Inkplate 5 suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes, the e-ink display exhibits excellent outdoor readability with high contrast visible in direct sunlight, unlike LCD screens which become difficult to read in bright conditions. The module operates across 0-40 degrees Celsius, suitable for most outdoor environments. For extended outdoor deployment, ensure proper enclosure to protect against rain and humidity - the module itself is not IP-rated for direct water exposure. The ultra-low power consumption makes outdoor solar charging feasible with small solar panels. Consider UV-resistant enclosure materials as prolonged direct sunlight exposure may cause slight yellowing of the display over months of continuous operation.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
Why Buy from The Engineer Store
- Genuine Products: Sourced directly from authorized distributors with authentication
- Expert Team: Our technical team validates every product before listing
- Fast Shipping: Dispatched within 1-5 days from our Bengaluru warehouse
- Pan-India Delivery: 7-8 days to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata
- Payment Options: COD, UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, EMI available
- Technical Support: 24/7 expert guidance via email and WhatsApp
- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
Buy Inkplate 5 Online in India
Purchase the Inkplate 5 online at The Engineer Store, India's trusted source for genuine electronics. We deliver across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Surat. Get the best price on Inkplate 5 with fast shipping and expert support.
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