M5Stack Unit Glass vs. Unit Glass2: Transparent OLED Display Comparison
Technical Specifications Comparison
|
Parameter |
Glass Unit |
Glass2 Unit |
|
Screen Size |
1.51 inches |
|
|
Resolution |
128 x 64 pixels |
|
|
Transparent Area |
128 x 56 pixels |
Fully transparent area |
|
Driver Solution |
STM32F030F4P6 + SSD1309 |
|
|
Control Interface |
I2C (default address 0x3C) |
I2C (default address 0x3C, switchable to 0x3D) |
|
Brightness Control |
256 levels |
|
|
Control Unit |
Built-in STM32 MCU, supports simultaneous control of multiple units via I2C bus |
No MCU, requires PaHUB expansion to control multiple units |
|
Buttons & Buzzer |
Includes 2 buttons and a buzzer for user interaction |
No buttons or buzzer |
|
Refresh Efficiency |
Relatively low, suitable for static displays |
High refresh efficiency, ideal for dynamic and fast-changing displays |
|
Multi-Unit Control |
Can control dozens of units via I2C bus |
Supports up to 2 units on the same I2C bus; for more, requires PaHUB |
|
Viewing Angle |
Full view |
|
|
Operating Temperature |
0 ~ 40°C |
|
|
Logic Voltage |
3.3V |
|
|
Product Size |
53 x 42 x 2.3 mm |
53 x 42 x 6 mm |
|
Package Size |
136 x 92 x 13 mm |
|
|
Product Weight |
10 g |
9.1 g |
|
Package Weight |
15.2 g |
13.9 g |
Core Feature Comparison
Features of Unit Glass
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Built-in STM32 MCU: The Unit Glass is equipped with an STM32 microcontroller, which enables direct control of the display and facilitates communication through the I2C bus. This architecture not only accommodates firmware upgrades but also permits the management of multiple units via the I2C bus, thereby enhancing its expandability significantly.
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Support for User Interaction: The module is equipped with two buttons and a buzzer, facilitating straightforward interaction capabilities, including button input and auditory feedback. Such features render it appropriate for various interactive applications.
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Ease of Embedded Use: The semi-transparent display area, measuring 128 x 56 pixels, can be seamlessly integrated with various hardware components or environments. This feature produces a distinctive visual effect that is often utilized in smart home technology as well as embedded devices.
Features of Unit Glass2
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High Refresh Efficiency: The removal of the MCU in Unit Glass2 allows it to operate solely with the SSD1309 driver. This design approach not only decreases costs but also significantly enhances refresh efficiency, rendering it particularly suitable for applications involving dynamic or rapidly changing content.
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Lightweight Design: The omission of a microcontroller unit (MCU) in the Glass2 module contributes to its reduced weight and enhanced cost-effectiveness. However, this configuration necessitates the use of an external controller to facilitate more complex functionalities.
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I2C Address Switching: The Glass2 device enables users to switch I2C addresses utilizing solder pads, specifically 0x3C or 0x3D. It is important to note that the device is limited to connecting a maximum of two screens concurrently on a single I2C bus. For the connection of additional screens, a PaHUB expansion module is required.
Recommended Application Scenarios
When to Choose Unit Glass
-
Devices Requiring User Interaction The inclusion of buttons and a buzzer makes it ideal for devices where users need to interact via button input or sound feedback, such as smart locks or information terminals.
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Projects with Multi-Screen Displays The built-in MCU supports the simultaneous control of multiple screens, making it suitable for multi-screen setups like dashboards or information panels.
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Embedded Integration Needs The semi-transparent design allows seamless integration with hardware, making it ideal for smart home displays or embedded control systems.
When to Choose Unit Glass2
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Dynamic Display with High Refresh Rates If the project requires rapid updates or dynamic animations (e.g., real-time data dashboards or animations), Unit Glass2 is the better choice.
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Lightweight Design Requirements Glass2’s simplified design makes it suitable for projects with strict cost or hardware complexity limitations.
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Limited Multi-Screen Use For projects requiring only one or two displays, Glass2’s I2C address-switching feature provides sufficient support without additional hardware.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Feature | Advantages of Unit Glass | Advantages of Unit Glass2 |
| Control Capability | Supports multiple screens, highly expandable | Simple I2C address switching for single or dual screens |
| Interactive Features | Built-in buttons and buzzer for user interaction | No interactive features, but lighter design |
| Refresh Efficiency | Standard refresh rate for static content | High refresh efficiency for dynamic displays |
| Cost | Relatively higher cost | Lower cost, ideal for budget-sensitive projects |
| Hardware Complexity | Built-in MCU adds complexity but simplifies deployment | Simplified hardware, requires external controller |
Conclusion and Selection Guide
| Use Case | Recommended Product |
| Devices requiring interaction (buttons, sound feedback) | Unit Glass |
| Multi-screen displays with higher expandability | Unit Glass |
| High refresh rate displays (dynamic data, animations) | Unit Glass2 |
| Lightweight designs with minimal hardware complexity | Unit Glass2 |
| Single or dual screens with better cost efficiency | Unit Glass2 |
