ESP32-S3-CAM OV2640 using ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 development board 40pins with N16R8 CP2102 Chip have 2×Type-C interface

SKU: FA1053-0-1-13
Module

ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 (N16R8)

Camera Module

OV2640 (2 Megapixel, Included)

Processor

Dual-core 32-bit Xtensa® LX7 (up to 240 MHz)

Memory

16MB Flash / 8MB Octal PSRAM

USB Serial

Silicon Labs CP2102

Interfaces

2× Type-C USB (UART + Native USB)

Wireless

Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) + Bluetooth 5.0 (LE / Mesh)

Peripheral Header

40-Pin GPIO (Breadboard Friendly)

Power Input

5V via Type-C

This high-performance ESP32-S3-CAM development platform is a professional-grade AIoT solution featuring the OV2640 camera and the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 (N16R8) module. In 2025, this remains the gold standard for edge computing, featuring dual Type-C interfaces and a high-stability CP2102 serial chip.

Product Description
The ESP32-S3-CAM N16R8 is a specialized evolution of the ESP32 series, specifically optimized for Artificial Intelligence and Vision (AIoT). Equipped with 16MB of Flash and 8MB of Octal PSRAM, this board provides the high-speed memory overhead required for complex image processing and neural network models that standard boards cannot support.
The hardware is designed for professional stability, utilizing the Silicon Labs CP2102 USB-to-UART bridge to ensure reliable code flashing and debugging. The dual Type-C design provides a significant workflow advantage: one port is dedicated to serial debugging, while the other provides native USB OTG functionality, allowing the board to act as a USB Camera (UVC) or a HID device.
Key Features
  • Edge AI Ready: The S3 core includes specialized vector instructions that accelerate AI computations (face detection, object recognition, and voice processing).
  • Dual Type-C Versatility:
    • Port 1 (UART): Stable programming and debugging via CP2102.
    • Port 2 (USB OTG): High-speed native data transfer and peripheral emulation.
  • High-Resolution Imaging: Comes with the 2-Megapixel OV2640 camera module, supporting JPEG, BMP, and Grayscale outputs.
  • Maximum Memory (N16R8): 16MB Flash and 8MB Octal PSRAM allow for larger firmware and high-resolution video buffering.
  • Rich Expandability: A 40-pin header provides access to nearly all GPIOs for integration with external sensors, SD cards, and displays.
Usage Scenarios
  • Business & Industrial: Rapid prototyping for smart doorbell systems, industrial quality control sensors, and remote environmental monitoring.
  • Research & Education: A powerful platform for university-level machine learning and computer vision courses.
  • Smart Home/Maker: Creating high-end DIY projects like 3D printer monitors (OctoPrint/ESP-Camera), AI facial-recognition locks, and Wi-Fi video streaming robots.
Q: Why does the board have two Type-C ports?

The UART port is for standard programming and viewing the serial monitor. The USB port connects directly to the S3 internal pins, allowing you to use the board as a USB device (e.g., a webcam) or host.

Q: How do I configure the 8MB PSRAM in the Arduino IDE?

Select the board “ESP32S3 Dev Module”. In the Tools menu, set “PSRAM” to “OPI PSRAM” and “Flash Mode” to “QIO”. This is essential to unlock the 8MB memory.

Q: Can I upgrade the camera?

Yes. The 24-pin DVP interface is compatible with other camera modules such as the OV5640 (5MP), though the OV2640 is the most stable for general Wi-Fi streaming.

Q: Is this board compatible with ESP-WHO and ESP-DL?

Absolutely. This board is designed specifically for the Espressif AI frameworks (ESP-WHO for vision and ESP-DL for deep learning), benefiting from the N16R8 memory configuration.

Q: Does it support 5V logic sensors?

No. While the board is powered by 5V, the GPIO logic is 3.3V. Connecting 5V signals directly to the 40-pin header will cause permanent damage to the S3 module.

Q: Is this suitable for high-volume business purchasing?

Yes. This development board follows the official Espressif reference design, making the transition from this DevKit to a custom mass-produced PCB using the raw ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module seamless.