Some of my favorite small micro-controller platforms (as you might have seen if you have been reading this blog) are Arduino and ESP8266. It seems that there is going ot be some upgrades to those platforms this year.
ESP32
ESP8266 chip is used to build WiFi modules for serial-to-WiFi conversion and Internet of Things applications. ESP8266 turned to be IoT maker’s favorite component for a good reason: Espressif turned the IoT game on its head by releasing a chip with WiFi and a decent embedded processor for under $1 in bulk, and costing not much more than that in a module. A little more than a year ago, the ESP8266 WiFi module showed up uneventfully in Seeed Studio’s store. During the year 2015 the ESP8266 turned to be success because it was “good enough” (it has it’s limitations) and price was cheaper than practically anything else in the market. Now it is widely available in various module formats (NodeMcu dev kit being my favorite for quick hacks) and supported by lots many programming tools.
Now Espressif looking to repeat the success of the ESP8266 with the ESP32, , that should be coming out in 2016. Espressif has been working on the next generation of powerful WiFi-enabled tiny, cheap systems for some time. They have their silicon ready and there are beta test kits already. The ESP32 Beta Units Arrive article tells that are two Tensilica L108 processors running at up to 160MHz, a lot of peripherals including ADCs, DACs, I2C, SPI, I2S, and PWM, more RAM, AES and SSL for security, and Bluetooth Low Energy. WiFi has also been upgraded. It’s already shortlisted as the best new chip of 2016, but other than that, there’s not much more information.
While the features are great, Espressif has said the ESP32 is not a replacement for the ESP8266. They’re different markets, and if you just wanted to add WiFi to a project, there’s no reason not to choose the ESP8266.
ATmega328PB
Most Arduino boards, like for example well known Arduino UNO are based on ATmega328 micro-controller from Atmel (there are nowadays also many Arduinos that use different CPUs). It seem that with ATmega328 you never have enough peripherals for everything you might want to do. Whether it’s hardware-driven PWM channels, ADCs, or serial communication peripherals, we always end up wanting just one more of these but don’t really need so many of those. Bye-bye ATmega328P, Hello 328PB! posting at Hackaday tells that Atmel’s new version of the popular ATmega328 series, the ATmega328PB, seems to have heard our pleas. ATmega328PB combines 32kB ISP Flash memory with read-while-write capabilities, 1kB EEPROM, 2kB SRAM, 27 general purpose I/O lines, 32 general purpose working registers, five flexible timer/counters with compare modes, internal and external interrupts, two USARTs with wake-up on start of transmission, two byte-oriented 2-wire serial interfaces, two SPI serial ports, 8-channel 10-bit A/D converter, programmable watchdog timer with internal oscillator, a unique serial number and six software selectable power saving modes. The device operates between 1.8-5.5 volts. The ATmega328PB supports capacitive sensors: 24 buttons in self-capacitance mode, or up to 144 buttons in mutual-capacitance mode. This ATmega328PB does not native USB thing in it, so if you need USB support, look at the ATmega32U4 as used in Arduino Leonardo board.
So what does this mean for you? It seems that chips are shipping right now, and there’s an inexpensive dev kit available as well. If you write your own code in C,you should be pretty ready to use new feature. With Arduino you might need to wait until new chips find their way to Arduino boards (there does not seem to be DIP version you could plug to Arduino UNO socket) and support for it on Arduino IDE is added (unless you can hack it to it yourself).
Here is ATmega328PB chip pin-out from summary:
621 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Minino ESP32-C6 board is designed for IoT security and penetration testing
Minino security tool is a kitty-shaped ESP32-C6 powered cybersecurity device for analyzing 2.4GHz communications and probing IoT devices. It supports Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi 6, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter, and has a dedicated GNSS radio for receiving signals from various satellite constellations. Minino is compatible with CatSniffer analysis tools and Wireshark software, and can log packet captures on a microSD card. These features make this suitable for applications like assessing IoT device security, network analysis, and wireless protocol research.
https://www.cnx-software.com/2024/07/15/minino-esp32-c6-board-is-designed-for-iot-security-and-penetration-testing/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2024/08/04/your-esp32-as-a-usb-bluetooth-dongle/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.hackster.io/news/alex-skov-jensen-s-elogplus-offers-powerful-logging-features-for-espressif-esp32-projects-290c1e75a5ab?fbclid=IwY2xjawEhG5hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcs8FHQjRWfVRtNFgYB-Aa3WUzX3SRZHUelhPpcWmrh7pE7JzWSq9D4z_g_aem_ebvfnN5eZLkBSByGymHiqA
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.hackster.io/news/esp32-matrix-clock-and-weather-display-de23e60308c4?fbclid=IwY2xjawEhI8BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHeWQRvj8WGxobAtdUSdnIjISO06ik8_EAn9gQfUkm206NQiDXWupT4qFkA_aem_Mg1y7hs6KG3iugMn8L49Mg
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.cnx-software.com/2024/08/23/arduino-core-for-esp32-gets-a-zigbee-wrapper-library/
Tomi Engdahl says:
This Espressif ESP32-Powered Remote Is Designed to Quickly Reboot Your Dodgy Wi-Fi Router
Designed by pseudonymous maker “gokux,” this remote reboot system uses a pair of Espressif ESP32s communicating over ESP-NOW.
https://www.hackster.io/news/this-espressif-esp32-powered-remote-is-designed-to-quickly-reboot-your-dodgy-wi-fi-router-8379050da24d?fbclid=IwY2xjawF1gCFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWlkgUi6b8pWJ-jQGrM00kzRQN1ReKCDm-WxZh5jYiH7chwxYyAFhxJN3w_aem_KNQUSTt3i2id3TPzcp-hMA
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://store.arduino.cc/en-fi/products/nano-esp32
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2024/10/20/the-design-process-for-a-tiny-robot-brain/
Tomi Engdahl says:
CapibaraZero: A multifunctional security and hacking tool
CapibaraZero: A multifunctional security and hacking tool designed to be an alternative of FlipperZero
https://projecthub.arduino.cc/andreockx/capibarazero-a-multifunctional-security-and-hacking-tool-15a318?fbclid=IwY2xjawGK–1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfUQb6qTcRXUhyhulawxrAkLeya2s2S5E9GXR0ZPx3iPj_dDGvgeODHEyw_aem_JKdvS55RyLnJ6lX5TbtQgw
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2024/11/17/esp32-hosts-a-usb-keyboard-in-this-typewriter/
Did you know the ESP32 can be a USB host? Well it can, and [Volos] uses host mode to build this fun little word processor.
The venerable ESP32 has a well-known USB device mode. Anyone who has programmed one has used it. A bit less known is the microcontroller’s ability to host USB devices. These days, operating as a USB device is relatively simple. But acting as a host is a much more complex task. The ESP32 has a software host that works — but only for Human Interface Devices (HID). Human interface devices generally are keyboards, mice, trackballs, and similar devices that handle data relatively slowly, forming the interface with us simple humans.
[Volos] uses the EspUsbHost Arduino library for this project. The library makes USB host mode simple to use. Another piece of the puzzle is the LCD board [Volos] picked. It has a dual-role USB Type-C port, meaning the hardware to switch roles is baked in. Other boards may require some modifications or special cables to make things work.
Yes, You Can Plug a PC Keyboard Directly into an ESP32 – Here’s How!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcncyV8UWsc
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rednexing’s Compact Espressif ESP32-S2 Smart Home Sensor Board Runs for Three Years on AA Batteries
Designed around the footprint of a three-battery holder, this compact board wakes itself —and connected sensors — once an hour.
https://www.hackster.io/news/rednexing-s-compact-espressif-esp32-s2-smart-home-sensor-board-runs-for-three-years-on-aa-batteries-2a8e6e839529
Tomi Engdahl says:
Reduce Distractions and Increase Productivity with This ESP32 Smart Timer
Eliminate the risk of becoming sidetracked by setting dedicated focus time on The Wrench’s elegant time-keeping gadget.
https://www.hackster.io/news/reduce-distractions-and-increase-productivity-with-this-esp32-smart-timer-a949379ebde5
Tomi Engdahl says:
Waveshare RoArm-M2 ESP32 robotic arms offer four degrees of freedom, various servo options
Waveshare has recently launched the RoArm-M2-S and RoArm-M2-Pro ESP32 robotic arms with four degrees of freedom, or 4-DOF for short. The main difference is that the RoArm-M2-S is equipped with standard servos, while the RoArm-M2-Pro features all-metal ST3235 bus servos, adding more durability and performance.
https://www.cnx-software.com/2024/11/23/waveshare-roarm-m2-esp32-robotic-arms-offer-four-degrees-of-freedom-various-servo-options/
Tomi Engdahl says:
InfiShark’s BLEShark Nano Is a Pocket-Friendly Espressif ESP32-Powered Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Tool
Built around a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3, this tiny tool delivers powerful potential — but in a proprietary firmware.
https://www.hackster.io/news/infishark-s-bleshark-nano-is-a-pocket-friendly-espressif-esp32-powered-bluetooth-and-wi-fi-tool-ba6e4d5b8d79
Tomi Engdahl says:
(483) ESP32 precision GPS receiver (incl. RTK-GPS Tutorial).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc1LBFDj2MA
Tomi Engdahl says:
Which ESP32 is Best for Your Project?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEDtVMuueqI
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://hackaday.com/2025/01/04/poe-power-protection-the-hornet-nest-alarm-panel/
Tomi Engdahl says:
MINIBOT
A small semi-autonomous robot.
https://hackaday.io/project/202069-minibot
The robot has the following components:
Arduino Pro Micro: The main brain that reads all sensors and controls the motors.
ESP32-CAM: For the ability to drive the robot remotely. Mostly stays in deep sleep when not being used.
x2, 3v 16RPM tiny geared motors: For driving the wheels. See my info about these motors above.
HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Distance Sensor: The only sensor (aside from the camera) on the front. Used for Obstacle avoidance.
IR Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor: Placed on the back for detecting distance when backing up. This module only has a range of about 2-3 inches, so it is not very useful for navigation. I also discovered it draws about 40 mA as long as it is connected to VCC. That is about 3x more than the Arduino and all the other sensors combined (not including motors or ESP32). I ended up switching it with a transistor. That way it can only be powered when backing up.
PIR Motion detection sensor: If the cat walks in the room the robot wakes up!
Light-Dependent Resistor: For measuring the area’s relative luminosity.
30 mA 5v Monocrystalline solar panel: For keeping the battery topped off and sensing light strength.
TP4056 LiPo charger: For charging the robot via USB
Slide Switch for powering off robot
10 Pin header for programming Arduino and ESP32.
5v Boost convertor module. This runs everything. The HC-SR04 is required to be powered by 5v. The motors work better on 5v, and the ESP32 and Arduino each have 3.3v LDO on them, so 5v is an acceptable power level for their input.
1100 mA 1s Lipo Battery: drains in a few hours if using ESP32. Otherwise lasts a long time.
10 Great Artificial Intelligence projects using ESP32-CAM!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujjg0LJ8hms
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.cnx-software.com/2025/01/08/plant-bot-esp32-c3-soil-sensor-and-pump-driver-for-fully-automated-indoor-plant-care/
Tomi Engdahl says:
ESP32 OTA (Over-the-Air) Updates – ElegantOTA Library with Arduino IDE
This tutorial shows how to do OTA (over-the-air) updates to your ESP32 boards using the ElegantOTA library (V3 version) with Arduino IDE. This library sets up a web server that lets you update the firmware (a new sketch) on your board wirelessly. This way, you don’t need a connection between the ESP32 and your computer to upload a new sketch. This library also allows uploading files to the filesystem (LittleFS or SPIFFS) wirelessly.
https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-ota-elegantota-arduino/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Posted onJanuary 13, 2025 by Debashis Das – 6 Commentson Fully enclosed ESP32-S3 board features 1.8-inch AMOLED, microphone & speaker for AI audio applications
Fully enclosed ESP32-S3 board features 1.8-inch AMOLED, microphone & speaker for AI audio applications
Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-1.8 is an ESP32-S3 development board with an AMOLED display and AI audio support fully housed in a plastic enclosure. The most interesting feature of this devkit is its 1.8-inch AMOLED display with a 100000:1 contrast ratio and a wide 178° viewing angle, plus support for AI speech using its built-in microphone and speaker, and a built-in battery for IoT and AI applications.
https://www.cnx-software.com/2025/01/13/fully-enclosed-esp32-s3-board-features-1-8-inch-amoled-microphone-speaker-for-ai-audio-applications/
Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-1.8 specifications
Wireless MCU – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3R8
CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 @ up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration.
Memory – 512KB RAM, 8MB PSRAM
ROM – 384KB
Connectivity – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE with support for long-range, up to 2Mbps data rate, mesh network.
Storage
16MB flash memory
MicroSD card support
Display
1.8-inch AMOLED display
368 x 448 resolution, 16.7M colors
100,000:1 contrast ratio, 178° viewing angle
SH8601 display driver, QSPI interface
FT3168 capacitive touch controller, I2C interface
Audio
ES8311 low-power mono audio codec
Onboard microphone and speaker