ESP32 DevKitC development board with WROOM-32U-N4 CP2102 Chip Micro USB interface

SKU: FA1053-0-1-4
Main Module

ESP32-WROOM-32U-N4
Microcontroller

ESP32-D0WD (Tensilica LX6 Dual-Core 32-bit)
Clock Frequency

80 MHz to 240 MHz (adjustable)
SRAM

520 KB on-chip SRAM
Flash Memory

4 MB QSPI flash (N4 designation)
USB-to-UART Chip

Silicon Labs CP2102
USB Interface

Micro USB
Antenna Type

U.FL Connector (External antenna required)
Input Voltage (USB)

5V DC (via USB)
Operating Voltage (Module)

3.3V DC
Wireless

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 BR/EDR & BLE
Interfaces

UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, PWM, ADC, DAC, GPIO, Hall sensor
Operating Temperature

-40°C to +85°C
The ESP32-DevKitC Development Board with WROOM-32U-N4 module and CP2102 chip is a specialized and powerful prototyping platform designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications that require long-range or customized external antenna configurations. It combines the robust processing power of the ESP32 with the flexibility of an external U.FL antenna connector.
Description
The ESP32-DevKitC with the WROOM-32U-N4 module is an advanced variant of the standard DevKitC series, tailored for scenarios where the integrated PCB antenna of other models is insufficient or unsuitable due to physical enclosures or specific environmental conditions. This board facilitates development using the powerful ESP32-D0WDQ6 System-on-Chip (SoC), which integrates 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and dual-mode Bluetooth (Classic and BLE) capabilities.
The key distinction of the “U” variant is the U.FL connector for attaching an external IPEX/U.FL antenna (sold separately). This allows developers to optimize signal strength and range by placing the antenna in an optimal location, outside of an interfering enclosure.
The board integrates the reliable CP2102 USB-to-UART bridge chip for stable serial communication and easy programming via the Micro USB interface. It provides a full breakout of the module’s GPIO pins, ensuring compatibility with breadboards and a wide array of sensors and peripherals, making it an excellent choice for both single users prototyping unique projects and businesses developing specialized commercial solutions.
Key Features
  • External Antenna Support: Features a U.FL (IPEX) connector for connecting an external antenna to achieve optimized range and signal quality. Note: An external antenna is required for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth functionality.
  • Powerful Dual-Core Processor: At its core is the Tensilica LX6 32-bit dual-core microprocessor, adjustable up to 240 MHz.
  • Reliable USB Interface: Uses the Silicon Labs CP2102 USB-to-UART chip for stable and fast data transfer and programming.
  • Rich Peripheral Set: Exposes interfaces like UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, PWM, ADC, DAC, SD card interface, and capacitive touch sensors.
  • Flexible Development: Compatible with multiple development environments, including the Arduino IDE and the robust Espressif IoT Development Framework (ESP-IDF).
  • Secure & Scalable: Supports secure OTA (Over-The-Air) updates, WPA/WPA2/WPS security, and hardware acceleration for encryption.
  • Low-Power Operation: Designed with power-saving modes suitable for battery-powered and wearable applications.
Technical Specifications (Parameters)
Feature Detail
Main Module ESP32-WROOM-32U-N4
Microcontroller ESP32-D0WD (Tensilica LX6 Dual-Core 32-bit)
Clock Frequency 80 MHz to 240 MHz (adjustable)
SRAM 520 KB on-chip SRAM
Flash Memory 4 MB QSPI flash (N4 designation)
USB-to-UART Chip Silicon Labs CP2102
USB Interface Micro USB
Antenna Type U.FL Connector (External antenna required)
Input Voltage (USB) 5V DC (via USB)
Operating Voltage (Module) 3.3V DC
Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 BR/EDR & BLE
Interfaces UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, PWM, ADC, DAC, GPIO, Hall sensor
Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Usage
Using this specific DevKitC variant requires the attachment of an external antenna:
  1. Attach an External Antenna: Carefully connect a compatible 2.4GHz IPEX/U.FL external antenna to the U.FL connector on the module before powering the board or running Wi-Fi/Bluetooth sketches. Running the radio without an antenna can damage the chip.
  2. Power and Drivers: Connect the board to your computer via a Micro USB cable. Ensure the necessary CP2102 drivers are installed from Silicon Labs if your operating system doesn’t install them automatically.
  3. Development Environment: Set up your preferred environment (e.g., Arduino IDE with ESP32 board support).
  4. Programming: The onboard circuitry usually handles automatic bootloader entry. Upload your code directly from the IDE. For manual mode, hold the Boot button, press and release the EN (Reset) button, then release Boot.
  5. Prototyping: Use the standard 2.54mm pitch pins to interface with breadboards and other components, leveraging the enhanced range capability for your project.
Q: Does this board come with an antenna?

No, the module on this board has a U.FL connector for an external antenna only. An appropriate 2.4GHz IPEX/U.FL antenna must be purchased separately and connected before use.

Q: Why would I choose the 'U' version over the standard 'D' version with an onboard antenna?

The ‘U’ version is ideal for applications where the board will be enclosed in a metal case or placed far from the optimal signal area. The external antenna allows for better placement outside the enclosure or in a location that maximizes range and signal integrity, which is crucial for professional industrial applications or long-range monitoring.

Q: Is the programming procedure different from other ESP32 boards?

No, the programming procedure is identical to other DevKitC boards. The difference is purely hardware-based regarding the antenna connection.

Q: Can I use this for battery-powered applications?

Yes, the ESP32 chip is designed with ultra-low power consumption modes (deep sleep) that are highly effective for battery-powered devices when configured correctly.

Q: Is the WROOM-32U module certified for commercial products?

Yes, the core WROOM-32U module typically comes with necessary regulatory certifications (FCC, CE, etc.). While the development board itself is a prototyping tool, the module is suitable for integration into commercial products.

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