January 2010

Doc ID 16799 Rev 1

1/10

AN3110

Application note

Using the STVM100

to automatically adjust VCOM voltage in e-paper

Introduction

The widespread use of multimedia electronic devices, coupled with environmental concerns

over the manufacturing and use of traditional paper products, provide the opportunity for the

utilization of electronic paper (e-paper).

Electronic paper is the best replacement for conventional paper. A high-quality image can

be displayed for weeks without power. Energy is consumed only during the short refresh

time. Unlike its counterpart, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, e-paper does not require a

backlight, which not only saves energy, but also makes reading more comfortable.

Achieving high-quality images on e-paper requires the correct setting of the VCOM voltage

on the PC board. STMicroelectronics offers the STVM100 VCOM calibrator which is ideal

for e-paper applications and allows the VCOM voltage to be set automatically. In this

application note, the e-paper principle is briefly described so that the user can understand

the necessity of an accurate VCOM voltage setting and how the STVM100 can be used for

this purpose.

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