Skip to main content

Hardware design

Inkplate 10 is an open-source product, and we are happy to share an overview of its hardware design. On the following pages, you'll find schematics, KiCad design files, and other technical details related to the hardware. Whether you're looking to modify, troubleshoot, or simply understand the inner workings of Inkplate, this section has everything you need.

ℹ️
All hardware designs and resources are provided under an open-source license, meaning you're free to explore, modify, and improve upon them as needed.

Basic overview

Inkplate 10 pairs a 9.7" e-paper display with an ESP32 for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, USB-C for both power and programming, and a CH340C USB-to-UART bridge. You also get plenty of GPIO with I2C, SPI and a Qwiic header, a microSD slot, and TI-based power management that handles battery charging and temperature sensing. The form factor is made for custom enclosures.

ℹ️
Fun fact: Inkplate 10 displays are recovered from used Kindle e-readers.
Inkplate 10 back side
Inkplate 10, back side
ℹ️
The term "easyC" used here actually refers to qwiic connectors.

E-paper panel

The ED097OC1 is a 9.7-inch e-paper display panel from E Ink Holdings Inc. This model is without a frontlight or touchscreen, making it ideal for low-power, high-contrast applications such as e-book readers.

It features a 1200 × 825 resolution (150 PPI), reflective matte treatment, and a 7:1 contrast ratio. The display operates in a 0°C to 50°C temperature range and can be stored in temperatures as low as -25°C.

See the table below for detailed specifications:

SpecificationDetails
BrandE Ink
Model NumberED097OC1 / ED097OC2 / ED097OC4
Diagonal Size9.7 inches
Resolution1200 × 825 pixels (150 PPI)
Pixel FormatRectangle
Active Area202.8(W)×139.425(H) mm
Outline Dimensions218.8(H)×156.425(V)×1.28(D) mm
Surface TreatmentAnti‑glare
Contrast Ratio7:1 (Typ.) (Reflective)
TouchscreenNo (this version has no touchscreen)
BacklightNo backlight, no driver
Color DepthGrayscale
Mass80.0 ± 5.0 g
Use CaseE‑Book Readers
InterfaceParallel Data (1ch, 8‑bit), 34‑pin FPC
Voltage Supply3.3V (Typ.)
Operating Temperature0°C to 50°C
Storage Temperature-25°C to 70°C
ℹ️
Note: All specifications listed above are based on available datasheets and may contain minor inaccuracies. Always verify with the manufacturer for the latest details.