ESP32-S3-N16R8 development board 42pins with 2×Type-C interface (Welded)

SKU: FA1053-0-1-20
Module

ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 (N16R8)
Processor

Dual-core 32-bit Xtensa® LX7 (Up to 240 MHz)
Flash / PSRAM

16MB Flash / 8MB Octal PSRAM
USB Interface

2× Type-C (1x UART, 1x Native USB)
Physical Status

Pre-Welded / Soldered Headers
Pin Configuration

42-Pin Expanded Layout
Wireless

2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) + Bluetooth 5.0 (LE/Mesh)
Hardware Accel

AES, SHA, RSA, ECC, RNG, Neural Network
Logic Voltage

3.3V
This high-performance ESP32-S3-N16R8 (Welded Version) is a professional-grade development board featuring the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module. Designed for the 2025 AIoT landscape, this board comes with pre-welded (soldered) headers, making it ready for immediate deployment in industrial prototyping and advanced maker projects.
Product Description
The ESP32-S3-N16R8 is a powerhouse designed for “Edge AI.” It features a dual-core Xtensa® LX7 processor with integrated AI vector instructions, significantly accelerating neural network workloads such as facial recognition and voice processing.
This board is the “Max Memory” configuration, boasting 16MB of Flash and 8MB of Octal PSRAM, providing the massive overhead required for high-resolution displays, complex web servers, or large data buffers. The unique 42-pin layout breaks out additional GPIOs not found on standard boards, while the Dual Type-C interface separates programming/debugging (UART) from native USB functionality (OTG). This version arrives with all pins pre-welded, ensuring a secure, low-resistance connection for immediate breadboard or expansion board use.
Key Features
  • Ready-to-Use (Welded): Headers are pre-soldered using industrial-grade lead-free solder, saving time and ensuring mechanical stability for B2B rapid prototyping.
  • Maximum Memory Spec (N16R8): 16MB Flash and 8MB Octal PSRAM allow for large firmware and the execution of high-end AI models.
  • Dual Type-C Versatility:
    • Port 1 (UART): Dedicated to programming and serial debugging via high-stability bridge chip.
    • Port 2 (Native USB): Connects directly to the S3 core for USB OTG, HID (keyboard/mouse) emulation, or UVC camera support.
  • AI Acceleration: Hardware-level support for vector instructions to speed up machine learning inference.
  • Expanded 42-Pin Header: Provides additional access to specialized IO, including SPI, I2C, and high-speed PWM for advanced motor or display control.
Usage Scenarios
  • Business / B2B: Rapid evaluation of industrial automation gateways, secure smart-home hubs, and AI-enabled environmental monitors.
  • Single User / Maker: Ideal for memory-heavy projects like CircuitPython development, retro gaming emulators, or LVGL-based high-resolution touchscreens.
  • Education: A robust platform for university-level embedded systems courses where soldering is not required for laboratory setups.
Q: Are the headers already soldered?

Yes. This is the Welded Version, meaning the 42-pin headers are pre-soldered at the factory. It is ready to be plugged into a breadboard or expansion shield immediately upon arrival.

Q: How do I utilize the 8MB PSRAM in my software?

In the Arduino IDE, select the board “ESP32S3 Dev Module” and ensure “PSRAM” is set to “OPI PSRAM”. For ESP-IDF users, enable “Support for external, SPI-connected RAM” in the SDK configuration.

Q: What is the benefit of the Dual Type-C ports?

The UART port is for standard coding and viewing logs. The Native USB port allows the ESP32-S3 to act as a real USB device (like a thumb drive, a webcam, or a game controller) when plugged into your PC.

Q: Can I run facial recognition on this board?

Absolutely. This board is designed for the Espressif ESP-WHO framework. The 8MB PSRAM is sufficient to handle the frame buffers and neural network models for face detection and recognition.

Q: Is the board 5V tolerant?

No. While it is powered by 5V via the Type-C ports, the GPIO logic is 3.3V. Connecting 5V sensors directly to the pins will permanently damage the ESP32-S3 chip.

Q: Why use the 42-pin version instead of the 38-pin version?

The 42-pin design exposes additional internal signals and power grounds, offering more flexibility for hardware debugging and projects requiring a high number of simultaneous peripherals (sensors, SD cards, and displays).

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