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e-paper with IGZO: smarter, sharper and more sustainable

By Stefano Rosato | 8 July 2025

We all know and love e-paper, right? And like they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But what if it could be better? What if we could tell you that the latest generation of e-paper from Avnet Displays is smarter, sharper and more sustainable than ever?

It’s all because of one tiny acronym: IGZO. Short for Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide. Basically, it’s a kind of semiconductor material, which is often used in TFTs for displays like LCD and OLED. We’ve now introduced it to our e-paper and it’s making a world of difference.

Why IGZO?

When you compare IGZO-based modules to the traditional α-Si-based (amorphous silicon-based) e-paper, there is no doubt that it performs.

  • Significantly faster refresh rates mean our e-paper can be used for dynamic applications like e-readers and smart signage.
  • Power is only consumed during refresh, and maintaining static images uses no power at all!
  • The paper-like display reduces eye fatigue, making reading easy.
  • Being compatible with PI flexible substrates means our e-paper is lightweight, durable and can be adapted to curved or foldable designs.
  • Exceptional visibility, even under bright light conditions, making it perfect for outdoor applications.

These great qualities translate into something of a gamechanger for a number of industries and applications:

  • Ultra-clear price tags and digital signage for the next generation of smart retail.
  • Lightweight, flexible e-paper notebooks and displays for educators and students alike.
  • Improved readability and reliability for medical displays and portable health devices.
  • Durable, energy-efficient e-paper solutions for labels and signage, simplifying the world of logistics and transportation.

Why Avnet Displays?

Our new G3.5 TFT panel production line can scale up e-paper manufacturing with exceptional precision, producing up to 300,000 units a year. Together, this means we’re ready to meet global demand with zero compromise on quality.

Our production facilities are also certified to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards for quality and environmental responsibility, and we’re also IATF 16949 certified, meeting the strict requirements for automotive-grade reliability.

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About Author

 Stefano Rosato - Director, Technical Touch Technology at Avnet

Stefano Rosato is director of technical touch technology in the Display Solutions team at Avnet. Stefano helps customers solve touch challenges and supports customers through the whole design-in phase for touchscreen integration. With deep knowledge about PCAP technology, along with its design-in rules, tuning and pattern designs, Stefano is a leading expert in the touchscreen industry.Read More

Our display solutions come in a range of form-factors and our display experts are on hand to guide you in the creation of display or touch solutions that meet your requirements. Find out how Avnet Displays can propel your product innovation and get in touch today.