The ESP32 programming circuit comes with all the necessary features required to create great projects. If you wish to have a better understanding on how this board functions and the features it offers, you need to read further.
What is ESP32 Programming Circuit?
The ESP32 programming circuit is developed by Espressif. This programming circuit board is very popular because of the features they offer. It is a low cost programming circuit that is accessible to the general circuit. The ESP32 programming circuit consumes less power when compared to other microcontrollers. Also, this circuit offers support to low-power mode states such as deep sleep.
ESP32 programming circuit board shares some similarities with the Arduino UNO. However, it offers better benefits than Arduino UNO. Also, ESP32 has a series of System on a Chip (SoC) and low cost modules. This programming circuit board was invented after ESP8266.
ESP32 was specially designed to offer low cost and low power consumption. It is a series of SoC ideal for developers of products. Also, you can find ESP32 in some variations which ranges from the chip to modules and development boards.
The internal memories of ESP32 programming circuit make it an ideal choice for users. This board features internal SRAM memory, ROM memory, and flash embedded memory. These memories enable a more advanced performing system.
What are the Features of ESP32 Programming Circuit Board?
ESP32 is a well known SOC microcontroller board that comes with a dual-mode Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Below are the features of ESP32.
Offers low-power
This low-power programming circuit uses less power and it offers support to low-power mode states.
Wi-fi capabilities
Another nice feature of ESP32 is that it can be easily connected to a Wi-Fi network to link to the station mode. Also, you can create a Wi-Fi wireless network for ESP32 to enables the connection of other devices. This is crucial for home automation and IoT projects since it allows communication between several devices through the Wi-Fi capabilities.
Rich PIO interface
The PIO interface refers to the peripheral input/output interface. ESP32 enables various input and output peripherals like ADCs, UART, SPI, DACs, and more. The input interface reads data from the external world while the output interface sends signals to the external world.
Very cheap
ESP32 is a low-cost board that can be sold at $6. Therefore, users can easily purchase this board.
Dual-core
The majority of ESP32 boards are dual core. These boards feature 2 Xtensa 32-bit LX6 microprocessors.
MicroPython compatibility
The ESP32 allows programming with MicroPython firmware. This firmware is specially designed for embedded systems and microcontrollers.
Enables Arduino “programming language”
If you already know how to program the Arduino board, programming the ESP32 board will be very easy for you. This is because the ESP32 allows programming in Arduino style.
Bluetooth support
Another feature of ESP32 programming circuit board is that it integrates Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Bluetooth classic. This is ideal for various IoT applications.
GPIOs Pinout Guide for ESP32
The 48 pins on ESP32 chip can be used for a variety of purposes. Not all the development boards of the ESP32 expose every pin, as well as some pins shouldn’t be used. There are 36 accessible GPIOs on ESP32 DEVKIT board which may be utilized to connect the peripherals.
Power Pins
All boards typically have three power pins: VIN, GND, and 3V3. If you are not supplying power via the USB ports, then you may utilize these pins for powering the board. If you are providing power through USB ports, you can make use of these pins for getting power for additional peripherals.
Universal Input/Output Pins
The majority of GPIOs have been given a number, thus you should always identify them by that number. You can choose which ESP32 pins are used for UART, SPI, or I2C by setting that information in the code. The multiplexing feature of the ESP32 chip, which enables the assignment of many functions into a single pin, makes this possible.
The pins would be setup by default if you do not specify them onto the code (the location of the pin could change with respect to your manufacturer). Also, some pins have particular characteristics that determine whether or not they are appropriate for a given project.
Depending on the model of your board, the GPIO positions may vary. But, regardless of whatever development board you’re using, each single GPIO typically operates in an identical manner (with exceptions).
For instance, independent of your board, GPIO 5 is typically always been a VSPI CS0 pin, while GPIO 23 is generally the VSPI MOSI pin for the SPI communication, etc.
ESP32 Programming with the Arduino IDE
You need to have an IDE for writing your code in order to program the boards. We advise novices to use the Arduino IDE. Even though it may not be the finest IDE, it functions effectively and is easy for beginners to use.
After becoming comfortable with the Arduino IDE as well as beginning to develop more intricate projects, you might find it more advantageous to switch to using VS Code having Platformio extension.
Why is ESP32 Programming Circuit Ideal for Arduino Users?
ESP32 is a great option for Arduino users. If you know your way around Arduino, you will get it right with the ESP32. The software of ESp32 is what makes it easy for Arduino users to get familiar with. Espressif, the developer of ESP32 puts enough effort in designing the software. This developer ensured the hardware gap between Arduino and ESP32 is bridged by integrating a writable software.
This software is the ESP32-Arduino core. With this, ESP32 programming circuit board can be integrated in a similar way with Arduino. Also, users can integrate the Arduino IDE and can use a programming language that corresponds with that of Arduino.
The installation of the ESP32 Arduino core enables ESP32 users to work with the Arduino IDE. This ESP320-Arduino Core gives you access to various development kits based on the ESP32.
Benefits of ESP32 Programming Circuit
The ESP32 programming circuit can carry out several functions. Also, this board offers a lot of benefits for users. Some of its benefits are discussed below:
Robust design
ESP32 programming circuit can function well in industrial environments. Also, they are ideal for use in operating temperature that ranges from -40 degrees Celsius and 125 degrees Celsius. This programming circuit board is capable of removing external circuit errors. It can as well adapt to any changes in external conditions.
High level of integration
The ESP32 programming circuit comes with RF balun, low-noise receive amplifier, built-in antenna switches, power management modules, and power amplifier. Furthermore, this board offers versatility and limitless functionality when used in any application.
Low power consumption
One of the benefits of using the ESP32 programming circuit is its consumption of low power. This programming circuit board was specially designed for wearable electronics and mobile devices, Therefore, the combination of different proprietary software enables ESP32 to achieve ultra-low power consumption.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip
The ESP32 programming circuit has the ability to function as a standalone system. This helps to minimize communication stack overhead. Furthermore, ESP32 can work with other systems to offer Bluetooth and WiFi functionality.
What Does the ESP32 Development Board Offer?
ESP32 development board is used in testing and prototyping the ESP32 bare chips. The development board features all necessary circuitry for powering and programming the bare chip. All you just need to do is connect it to your computer. It comes with pins to link peripherals, control LEDs, and some other features. Some development boards even feature extra hardware like particular modules, a camera, and sensors.
Features to Consider in an ESP32 Development Board
You will realize there are various ESP32 development boards from various vendors. These boards may share some similarities in terms of appearance and functions. However, some boards are more ideal for some projects. Therefore, you need to consider some features when choosing an ESP32 development board. These features include:
Number of pins and pin configuration
For effective integration of the ESP32 development board, users must be able to access the board pinout. This board pinout displays which pin matches with which GPIO. Therefore, you need to have an easy and free access to the pinout of the development board you intend to get.
Hardware features
Not all ESP32 development boards offer all the necessary hardware features. However, some ESP32 development boards offer additional hardware features. For instance, some boards feature a LoRa module, a battery holder, a built-in OLED display, a camera, and a SIM800 module.
BOOT and RESET/EN buttons
Another feature you will likely need to consider when choosing an ESP32 development board is the BOOT and RESET/EN buttons. These buttons put the development board in flashing mode. Some boards automatically go into flashing mode.
Battery connector
Some ESP32 development boards feature connectors for LiPo batteries. This is a nice feature that can come in handy if you need to use batteries to power your ESP32. However, you can power ESP32 using batteries through the power pins.
Voltage regulator circuit
A good number of development boards come with this feature, although some boards don’t come with these features. The voltage regulator circuit makes it easy for users to upload code and apply power.
Difference Between ESP32 and ESP8266
There is a huge difference between ESP32 and ESP8266. We will be comparing these two programming circuits to know the difference. The ESP32 programming circuit is a cost-effective option for projects in the IoT field. Also, it is the successor of ESP8266. Therefore, the ESP32 has more advanced features.
ESP32 features touch-sensitive pins. These pins wake up the ESP32 from deep sleep. Also, this programming circuit includes more GPIO pins, extra CPU cores, Bluetooth Low Energy and Faster Wi-Fi. In addition, the ESP32 programming circuit comes with a built-in temperature sensor and a built-in hall effect sensor.
In terms of cost, ESP32 is more expensive than ESP8266. ESP32 goes for almost $12 while the ESP8266 price ranges between $4 and $6. Another difference between this two programming circuits is the number of GPIO. ESP32 comes with more GPIO compared to ESP8266. Users can decide on which pins they want, all they just need is to set the code.
There are several ways you can program ESP32 board. You can utilize the Arduino IDE for programming the ESP32 and ESP8266. Therefore, this makes these boards a great option for people that understand the Arduino programming language. However, these two boards may not be compatible with some commands and libraries in Arduino. Some libraries work well with one of the boards.
ESP32 programming circuit is easier to program than ESP8266 if you are using the Arduino language for your programming.
The Communication Options of the ESP32 Programming Circuit
EPS32 has different communication capabilities. Also, this programming circuit communicates between sensors and other devices. So, how does ESP32 programming circuit interact with its environment?
The 38 pins present in the ESP32 are classified in two rows of pins. There is the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and the wired capabilities. The wired capabilities enables connection between ESP32 and other ESP32 or smaller devices. The 12C channels are two and the 12S are also two. The 12S means IC for sound. It is communication technology. Also, the 12S is an electrical serial bus for linking digital audio devices.
There are three different serial interfaces, a Controller Area Network bus, and an Ethernet MAC. The Controller Area Network bus is ideal for use in automotive applications. Also, it enables interaction between microcontrollers in cars. The 12C bus interfaces in ESP32 programming circuit can be easily configured to function as a slave or a master. Also, the 12C can connect the ESP32 to sensors.
Conclusion
ESP32 is a great option for Arduino users. This programming circuit board is very popular because of the features they offer. If you know your way around Arduino, you will get it right with the ESP32. The software of ESp32 is what makes it easy for Arduino users to get familiar with. Espressif, the developer of ESP32 puts enough effort in designing the software.
