The bistable mode is increasingly used in the design of specialized industrial displays. It is distinguished by a number of advantages that benefit the quality and safety of many production processes. This article will explain how the bistable mode works and in which applications it is used.
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The bistable mode – what is it?
To better understand the bistable mode, it is worth first looking at its opposite, the monostable mode. The bistable mode was created to determine how long a relay managed by a controller should operate.
The particle “mono” already clarifies that a single action is involved. In the monostable mode, specific actions are triggered by generating pulses – the device goes into the active state after receiving a pulse. After a specific time, it automatically returns to the initial state. Pulses can be used to control devices and turn them on for a required period (such as a lamp).
In the monostable mode, the key is to send a signal once, for example, by pressing a button on the remote control. It is most often programmed for a predetermined time. The pulse can last from a fraction of a second to several days, depending on your needs. Importantly, a given device in the monostable mode shuts down on its own – no action is needed to do so.
What does the bistable mode mean? Unlike the monostable mode, the bistable mode requires two pulses – one to switch to the ON state and another to switch to the OFF state.
The bistable mode manages the flow of power in electronic circuits. It generates the signal that contributes to closing or opening the circuit and thus turning the receiver on or off. The simplest example is lighting on and off. Therefore, the bistable mode is not timed; states (ON/OFF) are leading. Importantly, its use allows many enterprises to reduce electricity consumption and thus optimize costs.
How does the bistable mode work in displays?
Bistable mode—how does it work? As we have already mentioned, it is a mode in which you can control the power supply of many electronic devices, including displays. It allows you to turn them on and off depending on the process’s current needs.
How does the bistable mode work in industrial displays? In solutions based on bistability, the images presented on a display are maintained without power consumption. Power is only needed to update the content presented on the screen, which saves energy.
In the bistable solutions, particles play an essential role, remaining in one of two stable positions. In e-paper technology, pigment particles suspended in electrophoretic capsules play a key role. Under the influence of an electric field, they change their position, making it possible to create an image without constant energy consumption. Learn more about e-paper technology.
The bistable solutions are characterized by low power consumption. Power is consumed only when the content presented on the display changes, allowing them to operate for long periods of time, even on battery power.
Advantages of using the bistable mode
The bistable mode is increasingly used in modern industrial displays. This is due to changes in the technology market, such as the emergence of sustainability in industry and energy efficiency.
One of the most significant advantages of using bistable mode for industrial purposes is precisely to save electricity. It is designed to draw power only when the state changes from ON to OFF and vice versa. The result? Reduced operating costs for systems and industrial installations. In addition, you can also count on a longer lifespan of equipment, which is then not exposed to heavy loads (which translates into a reduction in electro-waste).
Opting for the bistable mode in industrial displays also contributes to environmental protection. By reducing energy consumption, we reduce CO₂ emissions.
Examples of bistable mode applications in electronics – EPD (e-paper)
In the market for electronic devices and accessories created for industrial needs, e-paper displays are becoming increasingly popular.
The bistable mode is crucial to the operation of EPD displays. They present images not only when connected to a power source but also when disconnected from it. In addition, they do not emit their own light, which makes them pleasing to the eye and does not cause discomfort. There are also wide viewing angles, which is extremely important in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and others requiring high precision.
Are you looking for a display for a project that can operate in bistable mode? Contact us – together, we will find an optimal solution.