NXP Semiconductors IMXEBOOKDC5

Overview

IMXEBOOKDC5 from NXP Semiconductors is an accessory evaluation board designed to interface a 6-inch, 1024×758-pixel e-paper display (VB3300-FOC) with the i.MX 8ULP processor on the MCIMX8ULP-EVK main board via a 120-pin EPDC connector. It integrates an EPD PMIC (Fitipower FP9931WM), 8-bit I²C GPIO expander (NXP PCA6408APW), and 20-bit bidirectional voltage translator (Nexperia 74AVCH20T245DGG,11) for level-shifting between 1.8 V/3.3 V domains.

For engineers reviewing the IMXEBOOKDC5 datasheet, IMXEBOOKDC5 pinout, IMXEBOOKDC5 application, or IMXEBOOKDC5 equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of low-power electrophoretic display systems in embedded industrial, retail signage, and IoT edge devices - with configurable I/O voltage settings, front-light control, capacitive touch support, and SPI/I²C peripheral management.

Technical Context

The IMXEBOOKDC5 implements a dedicated electrophoretic display controller (EPDC) interface, routing i.MX 8ULP EPDC signals-including 8-bit parallel data (EPDC_DAT0–7), gate/source driver clocks (GDCLK/SDCLK), latch/enable controls (GDOE/SDOE/SDLE), and PMIC power-up sequencing-through a 20-bit bidirectional voltage translator to match the VB3300-FOC's logic-level requirements. Power is sourced entirely from the MCIMX8ULP-EVK board via J15, with local regulation generating PMIC supplies (VGH/VGL/VPOS/VNEG/VCOM) and front-light drive (LED_A/LED_C).

It supports dual-domain I/O configuration: processor-side voltage (1.8 V default, selectable via jumpers J8/J19) and EPD-side voltage (3.3 V default for VB3300-FOC, selectable via J20/J21). The board also provides isolated I²C access to three key peripherals: EPD PMIC (0x18), GPIO expander (0x21), and the attached e-paper display (0x15), enabling firmware-driven power sequencing, touch interrupt handling, and display initialization.

Key Specifications

Availability

IMXEBOOKDC5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for e-paper display integration, low-power embedded HMI development, and i.MX 8ULP-based retail signage applications requiring stable component supply and reference hardware validation.

Supply support for IMXEBOOKDC5 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company specializing in secure, high-performance processing solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, and mobile applications.

The IMXEBOOKDC5 belongs to NXP's i.MX evaluation ecosystem and was developed specifically to accelerate development of ultra-low-power electrophoretic display interfaces using the i.MX 8ULP processor's integrated EPDC peripheral.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the IMXEBOOKDC5 board?

The IMXEBOOKDC5 board serves as an accessory evaluation platform that bridges the i.MX 8ULP processor on the MCIMX8ULP-EVK board to a 6-inch VB3300-FOC e-paper display. It routes EPDC signals, manages power sequencing for the EPD PMIC (FP9931WM), provides level translation, and hosts touch and front-light interfaces - all without requiring external power or host modifications. The IMXEBOOKDC5 enables immediate validation of electrophoretic display functionality in ultra-low-power embedded designs.

Which display is pre-mounted on the IMXEBOOKDC5 board?

The IMXEBOOKDC5 board comes with the VB3300-FOC e-paper display module factory-mounted: a 6-inch, 1024×758-pixel E Ink display featuring capacitive touch, front light, and FPC-based connectivity via three dedicated connectors (J10, J12, J13). This display is fully supported out-of-the-box by the IMXEBOOKDC5's signal routing, power architecture, and I²C device addressing (0x15), eliminating need for manual integration or custom adapter design.

How does the IMXEBOOKDC5 handle voltage level translation between the i.MX 8ULP and the e-paper display?

The IMXEBOOKDC5 uses the Nexperia 74AVCH20T245DGG,11 - a 20-bit bidirectional voltage translator - to shift EPDC data and control signals between the i.MX 8ULP's I/O domain (1.8 V default, set via jumpers J8/J19) and the VB3300-FOC's interface domain (3.3 V default, set via jumpers J20/J21). This ensures reliable signal integrity across the 8-bit data bus, gate/source driver clocks, and timing control lines without requiring external level-shifter circuitry or firmware adaptation.

What are the key I²C peripherals accessible on the IMXEBOOKDC5 board?

The IMXEBOOKDC5 exposes three I²C peripherals at fixed 7-bit addresses: Fitipower FP9931WM EPD PMIC at 0x18 (for VGH/VGL/VCOM generation), NXP PCA6408APW GPIO expander at 0x21 (for button/joystick input handling), and the VB3300-FOC e-paper display itself at 0x15 (for display initialization and waveform control). All share the same LPI2C1 bus from the i.MX 8ULP, enabling centralized firmware control of power, input, and display subsystems through a single I²C master interface.

Can the IMXEBOOKDC5 be used without the MCIMX8ULP-EVK main board?

No - the IMXEBOOKDC5 is not a standalone board and lacks onboard processing, clocking, or primary power regulation. It relies entirely on the MCIMX8ULP-EVK for 1.8 V/3.3 V/5 V power delivery, i.MX 8ULP EPDC signal generation, and I²C/SPI host control via the 120-pin J15 connector. There is no provision for alternative host interfaces, external microcontroller attachment, or independent operation; the IMXEBOOKDC5 functions exclusively as a daughterboard within the validated i.MX 8ULP evaluation ecosystem.