The Origin

Internet of things (IoT) devices are now a main stay in the digital world. Most of our home appliances have transformed into smart systems, which by definition means they can connect to the internet, make changes to their internal parameters, and adjust according to user preferences. All this is made possible with the help of micro controllers, the chip that monitors and execute these functions.

Esp32 is considered a trail blazer in this niche field. Standing out due to its WiFi and Bluetooth capability, low power consumption and affordable price. Robust supply chain and large developer base are other prominent features. Esp8266 is the beginning of the story, which after major iterations developed into a system on chip, stand alone chip module.

Architecture

Let's now dwell into the inner workings of Esp32. At its heart is a dual core 32 bit core processor - Tensilica Xtensa LX6 chip. Newer versions have migrated to RISC V which is compatible with ARM based architecture. This allows for better GUI capability. There is an integrated IEEE802.11 WiFi and Bluetooth (Classic & BLE) module. The clock rate is around 240 MHz and communication protocols include SPI, I2C, UART, I2S and CAN bus.

Coming to external points, we have two power supply pins, 3 Volts (3V3)/Vin and a ground pin (GND). There are 22 General Purpose Input/Output, 2 Digital to Analog and 18 Analog to Digital Converters.

Security standards range from WFA, WPA/WPA2 to WAPI. All of them are compatible with IEEE802.11. This prevents overriding of code structure and data corruption.

Functions

• Presence of dual core processor and antenna array allows for connection to router and cloud capability.

• Supports Peer to Peer (P2P) communication. This is a network topology where devices share data with each other, without a central server. In fact, each device acts as a server as well as a client. Data, bandwidth and processing power can be equally balanced between the nodes. Also an additional node can be added, if need arises.

• Can integrate machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, using TensorFlow library. The mobile version called TensorFlow Lite is used primarily.

Types

• Esp32 Chip: Is the most basic, and contains no external features. There is no WiFi shielding and connected to PCB  via through hole soldering. Most manufacturers do no purchase this version.

• Esp32 Module: Can be surface mounted onto a MCU board and shielding is provided for the chip. It comes pre apporved by the FCC, reducing the need for extra certification.

• Esp32 Development Board: Directed towards testing and prototype, used mainly by Hobbyist, developers. Contains extra features like LED indicators, SD card storage, and function modules all integrated into a single board.

The Integrated Development Environment (IDE)  include Arduino IDE, Eclipse and Espressif IDE.

Application

Mostly used for application that leverage Internet of Things (IoT), Esp32 is also used in mobiles and wearable. This is credited to its low power consumption and smaller dimensional capacity.