IEC 62679-1-1:2014

Overview

IEC 62679-1-1:2014 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the terminology for electronic paper displays (EPDs). This standard provides the preferred terms, precise definitions, and symbols used across the electronic paper display industry. As a fundamental part of the IEC 62679 series, it ensures consistency and clarity in the communication and documentation of EPD technology, facilitating global collaboration and innovation.

Electronic paper displays are low-power reflective displays widely used in devices such as e-readers, digital signage, and price tags. IEC 62679-1-1:2014 covers a broad range of physical concepts, general terms, and technical characteristics essential for a comprehensive understanding of EPDs.

Key Topics

Terminology for Electronic Paper Displays

• Electronic paper display (EPD): An electronic display that shows information through diffuse reflection and maintains the image with minimal power consumption.
• Electrophoretic display: A type of EPD that forms images by rearranging charged pigment particles using an electric field.
• Cholesteric liquid crystal display: A liquid crystal display phase with planar nematic ordering forming a helical structure.
• Powder migration display: An electrophoretic display where charged pigment particles move through gas controlled by an electric field.
• Bi-stable nematic LCD: An LCD using light polarization modulation by bi-stable nematic liquid crystals influenced by an electric field.
• Electrochromic display: A reflective electronic display that changes color through reversible chemical oxidation or reduction on electrodes.
• Electrodeposition display: Displays information by migrating ionized molecules controlled by electrode carriers.
• Twisting ball display: Modulates reflected light by rotating dielectric or magnetic balls with colored hemispheres under an electric field.
• Electrowetting and electrofluidic displays: Use electrical effects on liquids or pigments within microfluidic cavities to modulate reflected light.
• Interferometric modulator display: Modulates light through microscopic interferometric cavities acting as wavelength-selective mirrors.

Technical Concepts and Characteristics

• Ambient contrast ratio: The contrast ratio including both diffuse and directional illumination to simulate realistic lighting.
• Daylight display color and color gamut volume: Measures that describe display color performance under daylight-like illumination.
• Image retention: The property of maintaining visual information after power removal.
• Response times (fall time, module response time): Defined intervals describing how quickly the display changes its optical signals in response to driving voltages.
• Driving voltage and electrical waveform: Standardized terms for the voltage signals controlling EPD behavior.
• Symbols and units: Standardized symbols and units for quantities such as energy used in rewriting displays.

Applications

IEC 62679-1-1:2014 is valuable for:

• Manufacturers: Ensures consistent terminology in product design, documentation, and marketing of EPD technologies.
• Researchers and developers: Provides a foundation for accurate communication about new display technologies and innovations.
• Quality assurance teams: Facilitates clear specifications and testing procedures for electronic paper display modules and components.
• Standards bodies and industry consortia: Aids in harmonizing terms across regional and international regulations.
• End users and integrators: Helps in understanding product datasheets and operational characteristics of electronic paper displays.

The terminology defined in this standard supports device consistency and interoperability, helping industries like e-readers, smart labels, digital signage, and wearable electronics to adopt and apply EPD technologies effectively.

Related Standards

This standard references and is complemented by other IEC and ISO standards including:

• IEC 60050: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary, providing broad electrotechnical terms.
• IEC 60027: Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology.
• IEC 60617: Graphical symbols for diagrams.
• IEC 60747-1: Semiconductor devices – Part 1: General.
• ISO 80000-1: Quantities and units – Part 1: General.

IEC 62679-1-1:2014 is part of the IEC 62679 series, which addresses electronic paper display technology in greater detail, including performance evaluation and measurement. Continuous updates and amendments ensure alignment with technological evolution.

Keywords: IEC 62679-1-1, electronic paper displays, EPD terminology, electrophoretic display, electrochromic display, EPD terms, display response time, ambient contrast ratio, color gamut volume, electronic display standards, IEC electronic paper display standard, display driving voltage, international standard for EPDs.