ESP32: a successor to the ESP8266 microcontroller

Sophie

Published: 21 February 2022 | Last Updated: 21 February 2022

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ESP-32

ESP-32

RF Solutions

2.4GHz~2.5GHz Bluetooth, WiFi -40°C~85°C 2.7V~3.6V ADC, GPIO, I2C, I2S, PWM, SDIO, SPI, UART 150Mbps 20.5dBm 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.2 + EDR, Class 1, 2 and 3 -97dBm Module

Purchase Guide

2.4GHz~2.5GHz Bluetooth, WiFi -40°C~85°C 2.7V~3.6V ADC, GPIO, I2C, I2S, PWM, SDIO, SPI, UART 150Mbps 20.5dBm 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.2 + EDR, Class 1, 2 and 3 -97dBm Module

ESP32 is a series of low-cost, low-power systems on a chip microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth. ESP8266 is a low-cost Wi-Fi microchip, with built-in TCP/IP networking software, and microcontroller capability, produced by Espressif Systems in Shanghai, China. This article is going to cover the differences between ESP8266 and ESP32 from the perspective of description, GPIOs, CAD Model, features, and more details.

This video will introduce a comparison of features and performance of the ESP8266 vs. ESP32 when using standard and sound reactive versions of WLED.

ESP8266 vs ESP32 with WLED

ESP32 Description

ESP32 is a series of low-cost, low-power systems on a chip microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth. The ESP32  series employs either a Tensilica Xtensa LX6   microprocessor in both dual-core and single-core variations, Xtensa LX7  dual-core microprocessor, or a single-core RISC-V   microprocessor and includes built-in antenna switches, RF balun, power amplifier, low-noise receive amplifier, filters, and power management modules. ESP32  is created and developed by Espressif Systems, a Shanghai-based Chinese company, and is manufactured by TSMC using its 40 nm process. It is a successor to the ESP8266   microcontroller

ESP8266 Description

ESP8266 is a low-cost  Wi-Fi microchip, with built-in TCP/IP networking software, and microcontroller capability, produced by Espressif Systems in Shanghai, China.

The chip first came to the attention of Western makers in August 2014 with the ESP-01  module, made by a third-party manufacturer Ai-Thinker. This small module allows microcontrollers to connect to a Wi-Fi network and make simple TCP/IP connections using Hayes-style commands. However, at first, there was almost no English-language documentation on the chip and the commands it accepted. The very low price and the fact that there were very few external components on the module, which suggested that it could eventually be very inexpensive in volume, attracted many hackers to explore the module, the chip, and the software on it, as well as to translate the Chinese documentation.

These microcontroller chips have been succeeded by the ESP32  family of devices.


Comparison of GPIOs of the ESP8266 vs. ESP32


ESP32-DOIT-DEVKIT-V1-Board-Pinout-36-GPIOs-Copy.jpg





ESP8266-NodeMCU-kit-12-E-pinout-gpio-pin.png


Comparison of CAD Model of the ESP8266 vs. ESP32


Comparison of CAD Model of the ESP8266 vs. ESP32.jpg


 ESP8266 CAD Model


Comparison of CAD Model of the ESP8266 vs. ESP32 (2).jpg


ESP32 CAD Model



Comparison of features of the ESP8266 vs. ESP32

Features of the ESP32 include the following:

Processors:

CPU: Xtensa dual-core (or single-core) 32-bit LX6  microprocessor, operating at 160 or 240 MHz and performing at up to 600 DMIPS

Ultra-low-power (ULP) co-processor

Memory: 320 KiB RAM, 448 KiB ROM

Wireless connectivity:

Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n

Bluetooth: v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE (shares the radio with Wi-Fi  )

Peripheral interfaces:

34 × programmable GPIOs 

12-bit  SAR ADC  up to 18 channels

2 × 8-bit DACs 

10 × touch sensors (capacitive sensing GPIOs  )

4 × SPI

2 × I²S interfaces

2 × I²C interfaces

3 × UART

SD/SDIO/CE-ATA/MMC/eMMC host controller

SDIO/SPI slave controller

Ethernet MAC interface with dedicated DMA and planned IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol support

CAN bus 2.0

Infrared remote controller (TX/RX, up to 8 channels)

Motor PWM

LED PWM (up to 16 channels)

Hall effect sensor

Ultra-low-power analog pre-amplifier


 

Features of the ESP8266 include the following:

Processor: L106 32-bit RISC microprocessor core based on the Tensilica  Xtensa Diamond Standard 106Micro  running at 80 MHz

Memory:[citation needed]

32 KiB  instruction RAM

32 KiB  instruction cache RAM

80 KiB  user-data RAM

16 KiB  ETS system-data RAM

External QSPI flash: up to 16 MiB is supported (512 KiB  to 4 MiB typically included)

IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi

Integrated TR switch, balun, LNA, power amplifier, and matching network

WEP or WPA/WPA2 authentication, or open networks

17 GPIO pins

Serial Peripheral Interface Bus (SPI)

I²C (software implementation)

I²S interfaces with DMA (sharing pins with GPIO)

UART on dedicated pins, plus a transmit-only UART can be enabled on GPIO2

10-bit ADC (successive approximation ADC)



Specifications

RF Solutions ESP-32 technical specifications, attributes, parameters and parts with similar specifications to RF Solutions ESP-32.
  • Type
    Parameter
  • Factory Lead Time
    4 Weeks
  • Mounting Type

    The "Mounting Type" in electronic components refers to the method used to attach or connect a component to a circuit board or other substrate, such as through-hole, surface-mount, or panel mount.

    Surface Mount
  • Package / Case

    refers to the protective housing that encases an electronic component, providing mechanical support, electrical connections, and thermal management.

    Module
  • Operating Temperature

    The operating temperature is the range of ambient temperature within which a power supply, or any other electrical equipment, operate in. This ranges from a minimum operating temperature, to a peak or maximum operating temperature, outside which, the power supply may fail.

    -40°C~85°C
  • Part Status

    Parts can have many statuses as they progress through the configuration, analysis, review, and approval stages.

    Active
  • Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)

    Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is a standardized rating that indicates the susceptibility of electronic components, particularly semiconductors, to moisture-induced damage during storage and the soldering process, defining the allowable exposure time to ambient conditions before they require special handling or baking to prevent failures

    Not Applicable
  • Voltage - Supply

    Voltage - Supply refers to the range of voltage levels that an electronic component or circuit is designed to operate with. It indicates the minimum and maximum supply voltage that can be applied for the device to function properly. Providing supply voltages outside this range can lead to malfunction, damage, or reduced performance. This parameter is critical for ensuring compatibility between different components in a circuit.

    2.7V~3.6V
  • Frequency

    In electronic components, the parameter "Frequency" refers to the rate at which a signal oscillates or cycles within a given period of time. It is typically measured in Hertz (Hz) and represents how many times a signal completes a full cycle in one second. Frequency is a crucial aspect in electronic components as it determines the behavior and performance of various devices such as oscillators, filters, and communication systems. Understanding the frequency characteristics of components is essential for designing and analyzing electronic circuits to ensure proper functionality and compatibility with other components in a system.

    2.4GHz~2.5GHz
  • Data Rate

    Data Rate is defined as the amount of data transmitted during a specified time period over a network. It is the speed at which data is transferred from one device to another or between a peripheral device and the computer. It is generally measured in Mega bits per second(Mbps) or Mega bytes per second(MBps).

    150Mbps
  • Protocol

    In electronic components, the parameter "Protocol" refers to a set of rules and standards that govern the communication between devices. It defines the format, timing, sequencing, and error checking methods for data exchange between different components or systems. Protocols ensure that devices can understand and interpret data correctly, enabling them to communicate effectively with each other. Common examples of protocols in electronics include USB, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, and Bluetooth, each with its own specifications for data transmission. Understanding and adhering to protocols is essential for ensuring compatibility and reliable communication between electronic devices.

    802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.2 + EDR, Class 1, 2 and 3
  • Power - Output

    Power Output in electronic components refers to the amount of electrical power that a device can deliver to a load. It is typically measured in watts and indicates the effectiveness of the component in converting electrical energy into usable work or signal. Power Output can vary based on the component's design, operating conditions, and intended application, making it a critical factor in the performance of amplifiers, power supplies, and other electronic devices. Understanding the Power Output helps in selecting appropriate components for specific applications to ensure efficiency and reliability.

    20.5dBm
  • RF Family/Standard

    The parameter "RF Family/Standard" in electronic components refers to the specific radio frequency (RF) technology or standard that the component complies with or is designed for. RF technology encompasses a wide range of frequencies used for wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, and more. Different RF standards dictate the frequency bands, modulation techniques, data rates, and other specifications for communication systems. Understanding the RF family/standard of a component is crucial for ensuring compatibility and optimal performance in RF applications.

    Bluetooth, WiFi
  • Sensitivity

    Sensitivity in electronic components refers to the degree to which the output of a device responds to changes in input. It indicates how effectively a component translates a specific input signal into an observable output. High sensitivity means that even small variations in input can produce significant changes in output, making the device more responsive to signals. Sensitivity is crucial in applications where precise measurements or signal detection are required.

    -97dBm
  • Serial Interfaces

    A serial interface is a communication interface between two digital systems that transmits data as a series of voltage pulses down a wire. Essentially, the serial interface encodes the bits of a binary number by their "temporal" location on a wire rather than their "spatial" location within a set of wires.

    ADC, GPIO, I2C, I2S, PWM, SDIO, SPI, UART
  • Modulation

    In electronic components, modulation refers to the process of varying one or more properties of a periodic waveform, known as the carrier signal, in order to encode information. This modulation technique is commonly used in communication systems to transmit data efficiently over long distances. By modulating the carrier signal, information such as audio, video, or data can be embedded onto the signal for transmission and then demodulated at the receiving end to retrieve the original information. There are various types of modulation techniques, including amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), and phase modulation (PM), each with its own advantages and applications in different communication systems.

    CCK, DSSS, OFDM
  • RoHS Status

    RoHS means “Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances” in the “Hazardous Substances Directive” in electrical and electronic equipment.

    RoHS Compliant
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Datasheet PDF

Download datasheets and manufacturer documentation for RF Solutions ESP-32.

Conclusion

The ESP32  is faster than the ESP8266  ;

The ESP32  comes with more  GPIOs  with multiple functions;

The ESP32  supports analog measurements on 18 channels (analog-enabled pins) versus just one 10-bit ADC pin on the ESP8266  ;

The ESP32  supports Bluetooth while the ESP8266  doesn't;

The ESP32  is dual-core, and the ESP8266  is single core;

The ESP8266  is cheaper than the ESP32  ;

The ESP8266  has a wider community (although we don’t think that at this point, the difference is that big);

For many IoT and  Wi-Fi  projects, the ESP8266  can do the job for a lower price;

Both boards can be programmed with the Arduino core using  Arduino IDE  or other supported IDEs.

Both boards support  MicroPython firmware.

ESP-32

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