Readme¶

by Allan K Liu from Ennovation Technologies (Shanghai) LLC

mailto: allankliu@163.com

• http://blog.sina.com.cn/allankliu/ (Chinese blog)
• https://mbed.org/users/allankliu/ (mbed profile)
• http://github.com/allankliu/ (github source)
• http://allankliu.blogspot.com/ (English blog)
• http://ennovation.sinaapp.com/ (Chinese blog)
• https://www.tindie.com/stores/allankliu/ (online store)

What is EBadge/MiniNote¶

EBadge (or MiniNote) is E-Paper Device powered miniature display panel, which can be used in low power applications or even passive applications. As a trial to emerging market, we present it with following features:

• powered by leading edge low power EPD technology with 172*72 4 grey display
• powered by mbed online compiler and community support
• firmware programming with NXP micro without open the enclosure
• mobile oriented, APP support for Android USB host API
• embedded oriented, demo script for Raspberry Pi and other embedded Linux box
• cross platform support by Python script in Windows, Linux and Mac OS
• a complete ECAD+MCAD design, with enclosure in 3D step format
• hardware expansion by mikroBUS interface with more capabilities

Applications¶

• second screen for Raspberry Pi or other Linux box, as slave
• employee badge with HF/UHF RFID
• aninal, kids and senior citizens tag
• luggage tag and object tracking
• O2O application token with QR code display
• public information notification
• electronics shelf label or price tag
• any applications require low power, long duration, lowrefresh rate display.

Why mbed¶

• simple C++ API designed for system integrator, designer, maker and geek.
• many off-the-shelf programs and libraries to reuse
• powered by ARM and its partners
• easy to share code
• a good window to expose/promote the product and designs

Why LPC1114¶

• mature Cortex-M0 microcontroller from NXP/ARM
• easy ISP download, compatible with Windows/Linux/Mac/Android
• reasonable resources (32KB ROM/8KB RAM) for small/medium applications
• DIP28 LPC1114 has many fans who may be interested in this project
• more powerful micro will be selected in case bigger display panel is used

LPC1114FDB48/30x vs LPC1114FDH28/20x¶

• mbed support LPC1114FN28/102 and LPC1114FDH28/102, which have only 4KB
• micro with more ROM/RAM (64KB+8KB) such as LPC1114Fnnnn/3xx or LPC1115, have not been supported by mbed.
• new target LPC1115 will be proposed to mbed to cover all designs.

mbed vs Keil¶

• mbed is online compiler, you can export the code to Keil MDK 4.xx
• Keil has 32KB lite version, you can debug the code in Keil with mbed CMSIS-DAP interface.
• code can be built for 4KB LPC1114 device, if you want to build with 8KB, export to Keil MDK, change its sct file to get it built.

mikroBUS shields¶

• mikroBUS is defined by mikroElektronika CZ.
• mikroE has designed many (about 100) mikroBUS shields.
• Arduino defines standard pinout in credit card size board, so it is much more successful than WIRING project, which is base of Arduino.
• consider mikroBUS as de facto shield pinout in mini boards, like Arduino does.
• Ebadge defines mikroBUS compatible interface with MOLEX slimstack board-to-board connector.

Contribution¶

• source code on mbed online compiler
• source code for Keil MDK, via github
• python scripts for Raspeberry Pi/Windows/Linux via github
• demo projects available via github
• 3D enclosure designs in step format, via github
• Android APP via github or app markets
• designers are welcome for enclosure designs
• artists are welcome to contribute for line art drawing, font and others
• programmers are welcome for firmware development
• mobile app developers are welcome for app innovation and cloud based applications
• consumers and buyers are highly welcome since you can support us to go on.

Plan¶

• plan for Ara project
• more mikroBUS shields for wearable designs
• a complete passive design with RFID/Qi charger
• BLE shield to communicate with iOS devices as well as APP
• a touch film interface with new micro and new bootloader

Availablity¶

• it will go to Kickstarter or indiegogo for cloud funding
• it will be available via tindie.com
• air mail shipment is limited in 3USD for single piece to EU/US