E-Paper Display Reaches the Realm of LCD Screens Author: Matthew S. Smith Date: 08 Sep 2025 Reading time: 4 minutes Category: Consumer Electronics --- Introduction Modos, a small startup with open-hardware origins, has introduced an open-source e-paper display with a refresh rate of 75 Hz, a new benchmark for e-paper technology that brings e-paper closer to LCD screen performance. This capability is delivered through the Modos Paper Monitor and Dev Kit, available for crowdfunding on Crowd Supply. --- Key Highlights E-Paper Technology Advances Traditional e-paper displays typically refresh around 10 Hz or less, and can take up to a second to update. The Modos display hits an unprecedented 75-Hz refresh rate on a 13-inch, 1600x1200 resolution panel (and also available in a 6-inch version). Higher refresh rates mean smoother motion and lower latency, making e-paper more viable for interactive devices like computers and tablets. Open Source Display Controller: Caster The modulating factor is the Caster controller, an FPGA-based (AMD Spartan-6) open-source e-paper controller. Caster controls each pixel individually rather than the whole screen, enabling localized and faster refreshes. Works with various e-paper panels, offering flexibility beyond Modos' own display. Paired with the Glider Mega Adapter supporting multiple display connectors compatible with dozens of e-paper sizes (4.3 to 13 inches). Encourages hardware reuse by supporting e-paper panels salvaged from devices like Amazon Kindles. Software & API Modos provides an API in C programming language to dynamically select display-driving modes. Allows mixed use cases in one display, such as low-latency binary text rendering and grayscale video/maps. The code, schematics, and API are open-source and hosted on GitHub. --- Crowdfunding & Development History The Modos Paper Monitor and Dev Kit campaign runs until September 18, 2025, with estimated shipping in January 2026. Originally, Modos aimed to produce an e-paper laptop announced in 2022, but manufacturing and sizing challenges prevented full development. Most laptop chassis have a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio, whereas e-paper panels emphasize 4:3, causing compatibility and cost issues. Modos is targeting 13-inch e-paper panels as a compromise for versatile computer display applications. --- Advantages & Potential The 75-Hz refresh rate obliterates traditional notions of e-paper as slow and flickery. Low latency and smoother visuals open new opportunities for e-paper in everyday computing. Open-source design fosters innovation and experimentation within the developer and enthusiast community. --- Related Links Modos Paper Monitor & Dev Kit on Crowd Supply: Crowd Supply - Modos Paper Monitor Modos GitHub Repository: Github - Modos Labs --- Author Bio Matthew S. Smith is a freelance consumer tech journalist with 17 years of experience and an IEEE Spectrum contributing editor. He focuses on display innovations, AI, and augmented reality. --- This article was updated on 8 September 2025 to replace specific references to "E Ink" with the general term "e-paper" to reflect the broader technology scope.