Waveshare 4.2inch 400x300 3-Color E-Paper Module Waveshare 4.2inch e-Paper Module (B) is a three-color E-Ink display module with 400 x 300 resolution, an embedded controller, and SPI communication. It displays red, black, and white, making it useful for clear low-power information panels, labels, embedded status screens, and controller-based display projects. The module supports 3.3V to 5V operation, 3-wire SPI, and 4-wire SPI. E-Paper technology keeps the last screen content visible without continuous power, while power is mainly required during refresh. The official reference lists a 15s full refresh time, 26.4mW typical refresh power, 170° viewing angle. For related Waveshare display options, compare the Waveshare 4.2inch 400x300 E-Paper Module, Waveshare 2.13inch 3-Color E-Paper HAT, and Waveshare 2.9inch 3-Color E-Paper Module. For a Raspberry Pi HAT format, see the Waveshare 2.13inch E-Paper HAT. Technical Specifications Brand Waveshare Store SKU Waveshare-13454 Official SKU Reference 13454 Part Number 4.2inch e-Paper Module (B) Module Reference WFT0420CZ15 reference from official listing title Display Type Three-color E-Ink / E-Paper display module Display Size 4.2inch Resolution 400 x 300 pixels Display Colors Red, black, and white Grey Level 2 Controller Embedded controller Interface 3-wire SPI or 4-wire SPI Operating Voltage 3.3V to 5V Full Refresh Time 15s reference Refresh Power 26.4mW typical reference Standby Power 170° Backlight No backlight Outline Dimension 103.0 x 78.5mm reference Compatible Controller Examples Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Nucleo, and other SPI-capable controller boards Display Retention Keeps the last displayed content for a long time after power down Package Weight Reference 0.054kg Interface Notes & Hardware Guidance SPI wiring: Select either 3-wire SPI or 4-wire SPI according to the available controller pins and the display library configuration. Voltage check: Confirm the host board voltage and signal level before connecting the 3.3V to 5V display module. Refresh behavior: Three-color E-Paper refresh is slower than LCD or OLED refresh, so it is best for information that changes occasionally rather than fast animation. Power planning: The screen retains the last image without continuous power, but the controller and display still require stable power during refresh. Mounting clearance: Check the 103.0 x 78.5mm outline reference and cable routing before designing an enclosure or front panel. Packing List Item Qty Notes Waveshare 4.2inch e-Paper Module (B) 1 400 x 300 three-color E-Paper display module Integrated driver board 1 Embedded controller board on the display module Product packaging 1 Packaging may vary by shipment batch Documentation reference 1 Use official digital resources for wiring, refresh behavior, and demo guidance FAQ What colors can this E-Paper module display? It displays red, black, and white, with a 2-level grey reference. What resolution does the module provide? The display resolution is 400 x 300 pixels on a 4.2inch E-Paper panel. Which interface does it use? It communicates through SPI and supports 3-wire SPI or 4-wire SPI setups. Does it need power to keep the image visible? No continuous power is needed to keep the last displayed content visible, but stable power is required when refreshing the image. Is this suitable for fast-changing graphics? No. The official full-refresh reference is 15s, so this module is better for low-power information displays that update occasionally.
