New Chip Enables Faster Navigation, Multitasking, and Real-Time
Pen/Keyboard Input
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Embedded Systems Conference
-- Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson"), a global supplier of semiconductor
solutions, and its subsidiary, Epson Electronics America Inc., together
with E Ink(R) Corporation, the leading developer and marketer of electronic
paper display (EPD) technology, today announced a jointly developed display
controller IC delivering new capabilities for E Ink's Vizplex(TM)-enabled
electronic paper displays. EPD's low-power-consumption screen technology is
driving an emerging class of new mobile applications, such as e-books,
e-newspapers, tablet PCs, laptop secondary displays, e-notebooks, and
e-dictionaries.
The new EPD controller IC (part number S1D13521B) was developed by
combining technologies from both Epson and E Ink. It will be offered in
production quantities by Epson and as part of E Ink's upcoming AM300
Broadsheet prototype kit.
The Epson display controller will bring greater functionality to EPDs
using E Ink technology by speeding up the user interface via seamless
navigation, drop down/popup menus, responsive cursors, and real-time
keyboard entry. The controller enables the display to perform up to 16
tasks in parallel, and supports smooth and responsive pen input devices for
annotations and sketches.
"Epson developed the powerful S1D13521 with E Ink to support new
e-paper applications such as electronic newspapers, portable Web browsers
and industrial tablets," said Russ Wilcox, president and CEO of E Ink.
"With the ability to address many screen regions simultaneously, future
devices using this chip could offer a fast menu interface, simple
animations, higher grayscale levels, and user input through typing and
touch."
"For many years, Epson has been offering various display controllers to
the market. With this new controller IC, we are very excited to develop the
emerging EPD display market together with E Ink. This new product reflects
our shared commitment to developing electronic solutions that help to
conserve energy and natural resources and are friendly to the environment,"
said Ryuhei Miyagawa, division manager for Epson's Semiconductor Operations
Division.
The functionality of the Epson controller IC is fully enabled when
integrated into a display solution utilizing a host controller, tuned
waveforms, and E Ink's Vizplex-enabled active matrix electrophoretic
displays. Its ability to perform regional updates contributes to a more
responsive screen for both input and output usage.
Samples of the Epson S1D13521B will be available in May 2008.
Production quantities will be available in August 2008. Sample price is
$18.
The Broadsheet AM300 prototype kit being offered by E Ink is the
fastest way to start working with E Ink technology using the Epson EPD
controller. The Broadsheet kit will enable engineers to prototype and
develop rapidly next-generation e-paper products. Compatible with 5-inch,
6-inch, 8-inch, and 9.7-inch active matrix displays, the kit allows users
to create functional, low-profile product mock-ups quickly using E Ink's
modular design. The AM300 will be shipping in June and is available online
at http://www.eink.com for pre-order.
More information is available at
http://www.eea.epson.com/LCD_Controllers. This link will be available April
16, 2008.
About E Ink Corporation
E Ink Corporation is the world's leading supplier of electronic paper
display (EPD) technologies. E Ink's technology is ideal for many consumer
and industrial applications spanning handheld devices, e-books, PC
accessories, watches, clocks, and public information displays and
promotional signs. E Ink is a private corporation that includes among its
investors and strategic partners TOPPAN Printing Company, The Hearst
Corporation, Intel Capital, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and Motorola,
Inc. E Ink news can be found at: http://www.eink.com.
Worldwide Amazon, ARINC, Bookeen, Emano Tec, eRead Technologies,
HanLin, iRex, Neolux, Netronix, Sony, and Walkbook, are commercially
offering mobile devices based on E Ink's Vizplex EPDs.
About Epson
Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, 3LCD
projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs. With an innovative and
creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and
expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior
quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
Epson is a network of 87,626 employees in 117 companies around the
world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment
and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko
Epson Corp., the Group had consolidated sales of 1416 billion yen in fiscal
2006.
About the Epson Semiconductor Operations Division
The creation of compact, low-power semiconductors has been Epson's
focus since it started development of a CMOS LSI for watches in 1969. Since
then, Epson has steadily built up expertise in power-saving, space-saving,
and time-saving designs. This has enabled the rapid development of the
semiconductor technology needed to meet the demands of the new era of
ubiquitous networks. Epson has the unique technologies and a passion for
excellence that enable it to deliver the high added-value solutions
required in today's marketplace. Epson's goal is to be a true partner for
businesses, providing them with strategic advantages for product
development with technology to save power, time, and space.
SOURCE Seiko Epson Corporation
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.eea.epson.com
http://www.eink.com http://www.epson.co.jp/e/contact
http://www.epson.jp/device/semicon_e
CONTACT:
U.S. Media, Rae Morrow of Wall Street
Communications, +1-772-626-7722, rae.morrow@wallstcom.com, for
Seiko Epson Corporation; or Seiko Epson Corporation, Global
Media, 3-3-5, Owa, Suwa-shi, Nagano-ken, 392-8502, Japan,
81-266-58-1705, or Seiko Epson Corporation, Semiconductor
Operation Division, Global Inquiries, 421 - 8, Hino, Hino-shi,
Tokyo, 191-8501, Japan, 81-42-587-5814, or Epson Electronics
America, Inc., U.S. Inquiries, 1-800-228-3964; or E Ink, Media,
Doug Russell or Bill Donlan both of Schwartz Communications,
+1-781-684-0770, eink@schwartz-pr.com, for E Ink Corporation
|
