A low-power, easy to program, open hardware and software e-paper display with Wi-Fi support and a 5.2" screen

Introducing the Inkplate 5, a versatile Arduino & Micropython compatible board that features a recycled 5.2" E-Ink (e-paper) display with rapid refresh times of only 0.19 seconds. This fully open-source, plug-and-play device, powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, is designed to connect effortlessly to the internet via WiFi or to other devices through Bluetooth.

• Its energy-efficient design allows for ultra-low power consumption, making it capable of running for months on a single Li-ion battery charge. The Inkplate 5 is not just about power and connectivity; it’s also about convenience. The onboard microSD slot and a Real-Time Clock ensure unlimited data capabilities and precise timekeeping. The device even boasts numerous GPIO pins, allowing for easy expansion of your projects with virtually any peripheral.
• There’s an option to include the enclosure and/or 1200 mAh battery. It’s super easy for beginners to use, but it’s also got loads of features and a user-friendly platform that advanced users will love too!
• Our device is a fantastic entry point for those wanting to experiment with E-Ink technology, all neatly packed into a compact board.

Why Inkplate 5?

Two things: E-Ink screen and simplicity.

• Inkplate 5’s e-paper panel display is a visual delight. It provides beautiful, crisp image under all conditions, including direct sunlight, that’s always-on. Its screen resolution is 960 x 540 pixels, in monochrome, with black, white and 6 shades of grey support. The most interesting bit? The E-Ink screen does not require any power in between screen updates.

Inkplate 5 does a full refresh as quick as 1.02s for full refresh and 0.19s for partial refresh. That’s 5fps, if you wish.

• The Inkplate 5 is designed to be user-friendly. Usually, the E-Ink screens can be pretty challenging to use, but Inkplate solves that. Its hardware is plug-and-play. Connect it to your computer using the supplied USB cable and it just works. No complex setup or tedious configuration required.
• On the software side, programming Inkplate 5 is as straightforward as the hardware. Inkplate 5 supports Arduino and Micropython out of the box. Thanks to our comprehensive Inkplate library, you can change the screen’s contents with just a few lines of code.

There is also the Peripheral mode, in which you can send commands to change the screen contents via UART. We’ll make sure every Inkplate is flashed with the Peripheral mode firmware before we ship it to you.

• To answer your questions and provide all necessary information at hand, full Inkplate documentation is available online.
• Inkplate 5 is available in three variations: without enclosure, with enclosure, and with enclosure and battery.

Features & Specifications:

• Display:
• Beautiful 5.2" E-Ink (e-paper) display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels
• Lighting-fast refresh times, a full refresh in just 1.02s (1-bit and 3-bit) and partial refresh in 0.19s (1-bit)
• Environmentally conscious: we use E-Ink panels recycled from old e-book readers and other devices
• Connectivity:
• WiFi and Bluetooth LE connectivity
• Supports both Arduino and MicroPython, with tons of examples & cool projects
• Simple setup, USB Type-C port for programming and power
• Expand your storage with onboard microSD card slot
• Connect your peripherals using easyC (qwiic/STEMMA QT) connectors
• Main electronics:
• Powerful ESP32 microcontroller, with 8MB of flash and 4MB of RAM
• Easy connection thanks to USB-UART CH340 converter
• Keep precise timing with RTC (Real Time Clock) PCF85063A, complete with backup battery
• Add your peripherals thanks to PCAL6416 GPIO expander
• Power:
• Extremely low power consumption at 18 µA in low-power mode
• Special e-paper power supply based on TPS65186
• Options for built-in Lithium battery power, MCP73831 battery charger
• Physical:
• Compact PCB size: 130.6 x 75.2 mm (5.3" x 3")
• Features an additional button ("Wake up")
• Available in three variants: without enclosure, with enclosure, with enclosure and 1200 mAh battery
• 3D case designs (.stl and Fusion360 source file) to customize your display

What Can You Do With Inkplate 5?

With Inkplate 5, your imagination is the only limit. You can use it as a calendar, track your crypto/stocks, create a digital picture frame, report the weather, use it as a sensor dashboard, and much more. Given its programming flexibility, the possibilities are endless.

Here are some examples what others have done with their Inkplate boards so far:

Family calendar

Energy usage wall display

Comic streamer

And more: Smart home status display, EPub reader, Typewriter, Home Assistant dashboard, Guitar tabplate, Emails stream, and so much more what our customers had done with the Inkplates. We are excited to see what you will create with your Inkplate 5. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a hobbyist just starting out, there’s room for you in our community.

The Inkplate legacy

The Inkplate family has been successful in the past, thanks to our incredible community of backers. The Inkplate 5 is the newest addition to this family, following several successful crowdfunding campaigns and deliveries of various Inkplate models.: Inkplate 6, Inkplate 10, Inkplate 6PLUS, Inkplate 6COLOR, and Inkplate 2.

About Soldered Electronics

• We’re Soldered Electronics, a team dedicated to designing and manufacturing top-notch electronic products for hobbyists, educators, and professionals. Our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and open-source principles is reflected in every product we make, which reflects in our customers ratings. We’ve successfully delivered multiple crowdfunded products, and we’re excited to bring Inkplate 5 to you.
• All aspects of Inkplate 5’s development, from design to manufacturing, are handled in-house in our Croatian factory. We oversee every stage of production to ensure the highest quality of our products. Our team, equipped with years of experience and a robust manufacturing line, is prepared to handle large production runs.

Open-source

Every aspect of the Inkplate 5 is fully open-source, including:

• Hardware (coming soon)
• Arduino library
• Micropython
• 3D printable enclosures (coming soon)

If not currently available, all open-source files will be made publicly available before we start shipping to our backers.

Package Includes:

• 1 x Inkplate 5