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Frontlight Overview

The Inkplate 4TEMPERA includes a built-in frontlight system designed to provide even illumination across the display surface, making the screen readable in dark or low-light environments. Unlike backlit displays, this frontlight preserves the e-paper's natural, glare-free appearance while enhancing visibility.

Key features​

  • Integrated white LED frontlight layer bonded with the ED038TH2 e-paper panel
  • 64 levels of adjustable brightness, controlled via software
  • Uniform light diffusion across the entire screen
  • Energy-efficient LED design with smooth dimming capability
  • Operates independently of display updates, with no effect on image quality or refresh behavior
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The frontlight is an integral part of the original ED038TH2 display assembly used in Inkplate 4TEMPERA. It is tested for brightness control and consistency during production.

Usage and design considerations​

  • Ideal for use in low-light or variable-light environments
  • Can be dynamically adjusted using simple Inkplate library functions, such as setBrightness()
  • Fully functional on both USB and battery power
  • Runs separately from the e-paper controller, so it does not cause ghosting or screen interference

Tips for effective use​

  • Use lower brightness levels when running on battery to extend runtime
  • Consider turning off the frontlight when the display is inactive or during deep sleep
  • For ambient-reactive behavior, pair with a light sensor to adjust brightness automatically
  • Plan power budgets accordingly, since higher brightness levels increase current draw

Frontlight Brightness Example

Basic sketch to control frontlight brightness on Inkplate 4TEMPERA.