The Espressif ESP-WROOM-32 (38-pin) development board, often identified by chip variants like the NodeMCU-32S or using the reliable CP2102 USB interface, is a high-performance and feature-rich platform designed for developing connected Internet of Things (IoT) applications. This board offers robust dual-core processing, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a breadboard-friendly 38-pin layout for maximum GPIO accessibility.
Description
The 38-pin ESP32 development board is a highly versatile and cost-effective wireless microcontroller solution. At its core is the powerful Xtensa® 32-bit LX6 dual-core microprocessor, with an adjustable clock frequency up to 240 MHz. This processing power makes the board suitable for a wide array of applications, including complex data logging, real-time sensor processing, and multimedia handling.
A defining feature is its comprehensive wireless capability, which includes 2.4 GHz dual-mode Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth (v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE). This integration allows developers to build projects that can communicate via local networks, connect to the internet, or interface directly with mobile devices.
The 38-pin configuration is particularly advantageous for prototyping as it breaks out more of the available GPIO pins compared to the 30-pin version, providing greater flexibility for connecting multiple sensors, actuators, and displays without the need for additional shielding or complex wiring. The inclusion of the stable CP2102 USB-to-UART bridge ensures reliable and efficient programming and serial communication via the convenient Micro-USB port.
Manufactured with 40nm ultra-low-power technology, the ESP32 chip incorporates advanced power management features, including a deep sleep mode that extends the life of battery-powered projects. The board is widely supported by development environments like the Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework), and MicroPython, catering to a diverse user base from hobbyists to professional engineers.
Features
- Powerful Dual-Core Processing: Xtensa® 32-bit LX6 dual-core CPU, running at up to 240 MHz.
- Integrated Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Supports 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 BR/EDR and BLE specifications.
- Extended GPIO Access: 38-pin form factor provides maximum I/O pin access for complex projects.
- Efficient Power Management: Features ultra-low power consumption with various sleep modes for battery optimization.
- Reliable USB Interface: Utilizes the CP2102 USB-to-UART bridge for stable communication during development.
- Rich Peripheral Interfaces: Includes support for UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, PWM, ADC (18 channels), DAC (2 channels), touch sensors (10), and a Hall sensor.
- Wide Compatibility: Programmable with Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, Lua, and MicroPython.
- Robust Security: Built-in hardware accelerators for security features like secure boot, flash encryption, and TLS 1.2 support.
Parameters
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | ESP32-D0WDQ6 (within the ESP-WROOM-32 module) |
| Processor Cores | Xtensa dual-core 32-bit LX6 |
| Clock Speed | 80 MHz to 240 MHz (adjustable) |
| SRAM | 520 KB |
| Flash Memory | 4 MB SPI Flash (32 Mbit) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V (Logic level) |
| Input Voltage (via USB) | 5V DC (recommended current >500mA) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.2 BR/EDR & BLE |
| USB Interface Chip | CP2102 (USB-to-UART bridge) |
| Pin Count | 38 Pins (DIP-38 package) |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +85°C (module level) |
