Reflective displays are a type of display technology changing how people interact with their digital devices. Printed e-paper displays are reflective, leading to applications that enhance customer experiences, for example in bright light environments.  

This article will explore the basics of reflective displays, including how they work, what options exist, the benefits they offer, and the various applications of this technology. By the end of this guide, you will have a better understanding of this exciting and innovative display technology.

What is a Reflective Display and how does it work?

A reflective display is a type of display technology that uses ambient light to create an image, rather than using a backlight or a front light like traditional transmissive displays. Reflective displays, such as Ynvisible’s e-paper displays, operate on the principle of reflection, bouncing light off the display's surface rather than transmitting light through the display.  

As a result, reflective displays can create an image using only the light available in their environment rather than requiring an external light source. This makes them highly energy-efficient and well-suited for use in devices such as smartwatches, outdoor signage and e-readers.  

However, one drawback of reflective displays is their reduced readability in low-light conditions. This issue can be addressed using transflective display technology, which integrates an active light source when needed. This possibility further enhances the functionality of devices employing reflective display technology.‍

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Most Common Reflective Display Technologies

Several different technologies can be used to create a Reflective Display, including:

Electrochromic Displays‍

These displays use electrochromic materials that change color when an electrical current is applied to them. By controlling the color of the display, it is possible to create an image. Ynvisible’s e-paper displays are electrochromic.

Electrophoretic Displays

These displays use tiny charged particles suspended in a liquid that can be moved around by an electric field. Changing the particles' position makes it possible to create an image.

Reflective Liquid Crystal Displays (Reflective LCD)

A layer of liquid crystals between two sheets of glass to control the amount of light that is transmitted through the display. The light is reflected back to the observer through a mirror-like layer.

Electrowetting/Electrofluidic Displays

These displays use a layer of liquid on top of a conductive surface. Applying an electrical current to the conductive surface makes it possible to change the shape of the liquid and create an image.

Interferometric Modular Displays (IMODs)

These displays use an array of tiny mirrors that can be tilted to different angles to reflect light in different directions. By controlling the angle of the mirrors, it is possible to create an image.

Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs)

These displays use an array of tiny micromirrors that can be tilted to different angles to reflect light in different directions. By controlling the angle of the mirrors, it is possible to create an image.

The Benefits of Reflective Displays

Reflective displays, particularly e-paper displays, offer numerous advantages that make them ideal for various applications.

1. Low Power Consumption

One of the most significant benefits of reflective e-paper displays is their minimal energy consumption. Unlike traditional displays, which require a power-intensive backlight, reflective displays rely on ambient light to display an image. This feature makes e-paper displays perfect for devices like IoT gadgets and outdoor signage, where battery life is crucial.

The power consumption of traditional displays can simply be expressed as:

P_display = P_panel + P_backlight

For most displays, the power of the backlight (P_backlight) is at least ten times higher than the power of the panel (P_panel). As a result of having no backlight, reflective displays are at least ten times less power-hungry than transmissive displays with backlights.

2. Readability in Bright Light

Reflective displays excel in high ambient light conditions, including direct sunlight. Unlike traditional displays that struggle in such environments, reflective displays remain highly legible, providing a superior user experience in outdoor conditions.

3. Thin and Lightweight Design

Most reflective displays, including e-paper displays, are thinner and lighter than their traditional counterparts. Their design eliminates the need for a backlight, allowing for flexible and lightweight structures, which are particularly useful in portable and wearable technology. Read more about Flexible Displays.

Applications of Reflective Displays

Reflective display technologies have diverse applications, with e-paper displays leading the way in several fields:

• Digital Signage: Outdoor signs benefit from reflective and e-paper displays due to their readability under bright sunlight, and durability. Key applications include: Sustainable Retail Information Signs, Energy-Efficient Public Information Displays, and Emergency and Disaster Response Equipment Signs

• ESLs: Electronic Shelf Labels are usually used under intense light conditions, which make this application a great fit for e-paper reflective displays, which make information easily readable under bright light

• E-Readers: E-paper reflective displays offer a paper-like reading experience  

• Wearables: Reflective displays enhance readability and energy-efficiency in wearable devices.

• IoT Devices: Low-power reflective displays are ideal for smart sensors and devices requiring infrequent updates.

Reflective e-paper display showing price

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Reflective displays are a promising technology revolutionizing how we interact with digital devices, and Ynvisible is at the forefront of this innovation. Ynvisible’s printed e-paper display technology, based on advanced electrochromic materials, represents a cutting-edge approach to energy-efficient, flexible, and versatile reflective display solutions. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with reflective and e-paper displays, Ynvisible is paving the way for a more sustainable and connected future in display technology.

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