In this blog, we will assist you in configuring the ESP-IoT-Solution development environment. Following that, a straightforward example will demonstrate how to set up a working environment, establish a project, compile and upload firmware onto the ESP32/ESP32-S series board, and do other tasks using ESP-IoT-Solution.
Introduction to ESP IoT Solution
The following elements are mostly available in ESP-IoT-Solution, which may be useful as an additional part of ESP-IDF to enable easier development. It comprises code frameworks and peripheral drivers typically used within the Internet of things system development.
- Device drivers for things like sensors, audio devices, screens, actuators, input devices, and more. Code structure and relevant documents for things like security encryption, minimum power management, storage, and other stuff. Entrance instructions for Espressif’s fully accessible solutions are out of view of actual use.
ESP IoT: ESP-32 or ESP-32-S
To begin using the ESP-IoT-Solution, simply select a development board mainly from ESP32/ESP32-S family, or choose a supporting board straight from the Circuit Boards Component for a rapid start.
The following functionalities are supportable by ESP32/ESP32-S family SoCs:
- Wifi at 2.4 GHz
- Bluetooth
- A powerful single-core or dual-core Processor that has the ability to operate at 240 MHz
- Coprocessor with extremely low power
- GPIO, I2S, I2C, SPI, UART, RMT, SDIO, LEDC PWM, TWAI®, Ethernet, USB OTG, Touch, and other peripherals are among them.
- Extensive memory resources, comprising external PSRAM compatibility and internal RAM of approximately 520 KB.
- Support security features, such as hardware encryption.
The 40 nm-designed ESP32/ESP32-S line of SoCs exhibits the finest RF performance, power and adaptability, and dependability in a wide range of device and power settings.
ESP IoT Reduces Cost & Complexity Of IoT Devices
Nowadays, cloud connection is a hot topic, especially considering its many benefits, such as:
- Enhanced device accessibility with Cloud connectivity;
- Improved backup choices for important data;
- Because of Over-The-Air updates, device security has been strengthened, and maintenance costs have decreased;
- Enhanced productivity brought on by automation and enhanced device collaboration.
The technology is being extensively adopted across many industries thanks to these well-known benefits, to the point that almost 60% of organizations presently employ IoT, with just 9% of companies currently experiencing no IoT at all. IoT enthusiasts still face obstacles, which include the price of deployment and the incorporation of IoT using current technologies.
Espressif’s response to the IoT technology integration challenges and ensuing development expenses is ESP-Hosted. ESP-Hosted is an open-source approach that operates off-the-shelf, requiring little or very little modification to current technologies and reducing development expenses.
More specifically, ESP-Hosted provides a method for leveraging Espressif SoCs plus modules as telecommunication coprocessors. This approach gives the microcontroller, or host microprocessor, wireless connection like Bluetooth and wifi, enabling it to interface with some other devices. ESP-Hosted connects well with the host CPU via one of the widely used peripheral interfaces, such as UART, SDIO, or SPI.
The following benefits may be obtainable from this approach, which isolates the wireless connection module first from the primary host-processing module, by adding wireless capabilities to current MPU/MCU-based solutions:
· Faster Development Cycles
ESP-Hosted enables the connection module to operate over an 802.3 interface which is ESP-Hosted-NG, or the common 802.11 interface, which is ESP-Hosted-FG. In this manner, ESP-Hosted performs like a plug-and-play gadget.
· Reduced Re-Qualification
The bulk of a developer’s program does not need certification since installing the connection module doesn’t really affect user-space applications by ESP-Hosted.
· Power Saving
The primary MCU/MPU can continue to operate in a low-power state while still being interlinked with the network. As a result, only real activities, such as outsourcing all connecting overheads to a connecting module, require involvement from a main host.
· Easier Upgrades & Product Variants
Developers may create numerous iterations of an identical product with various connectivity options thanks to the design, which makes it simple to change the wireless connectivity of their goods. In the example below, the developer may utilize the very same Host programs and tools while choosing from a range of internet connectivity choices, including wifi 4, Wi-Fi-6, and Wi-Fi-6 dual.
To facilitate developers’ use of the numerous ESP32 functionalities, Espressif has developed the program code of the ESP-Hosted publicly available. Further useful to developers are the HMI and IO features of ESP32-S3 and ESP32, as well as the sophisticated security abilities of ESP32-C3 or the device’s Digital Signature Peripheral. As a result, the options are unlimited.
Variants Of ESP IoT
There are two versions of the ESP-Hosted solution: ESP-Hosted-NG and ESP-Hosted-FG. The kind of network interfaces given to the hosts and the configuration/control of wifi over the ESP SoC/module distinguish them from one another. Each variation has its own firmware software and host.
· ESP-Hosted-FG
This type gives the host a typical Ethernet interface of 802.3 standards. The following options are provided to the host so that they are able to do this:
- a straightforward Ethernet interface of 802.3 standard, which is a network interface;
- a simple control interface that helps in setting up wifi only on ESP SoC;
- An HCI interface that is standard.
This method is perfect for all MCU hosts since it uses straightforward 802.3 interfaces. While utilizing this AT firmware-based method or when integrating the complicated 802.11 interfaces, the MCU program can keep taking advantage of the industry-standard TCP/IP stack as well as prevent substantial modifications to the host application.
· ESP-Hosted-NG
This variation adopts a conventional strategy while giving the host a type of network interface, making it especially intended for hosts that especially run the Linux OS. This enables the usage of ESP SoCs/modules with common wifi programs like wpa_supplicant. These benefits are provided by this answer:
- a Linux host’s 802.11 standard network interface, a type of common wifi interface;
- Under Linux, the cfg80211 standard interface is provided for wifi setup;
- An HCI interface that is standard.
Features And Specifications of ESP IoT
1. Processors
As previously noted, the Tensilica 32-bit CPU powers the ESP32. This employs one or two cores. The performance is in the range of 600 DMIPS, and the frequency of the clock is over 240MHz. Also, even in a deep sleep state, its low-power use enables ADC conversions, calculation, and leveling of the threshold.
2. External SRAM
For the protection of developers’ software and data, ESP32 enables a maximum of 4 16MiB auxiliary SRAMs and QSPI flashes. The high-speed cache is used to access the exterior QSPI flash drive and SRAM.
3. Security
The security aspects of the IEEE 802.11 protocol, including WFA, WAPI, and WPA/WPA2, are supported. ESP32 also features a secured boot and storage encryption.
Functions of ESP IoT
Whenever it applies to the IoT, ESP32 has various uses. Just a few IoT uses for the chip include the following:
- Networking: The module’s dual-core processor and wifi antenna allow integrated devices to communicate with routers and send data.
- Data Processing: Processing simple inputs from digital and analog sensors to much more complicated calculations using a Non-OS SDK or RTOS.
- Utilizing IoT P2P networking, direct communication is established between various ESPs as well as other devices.
- Web Server: Access HTML- or development-language-written pages.
Applications of ESP IoT
The following are some major IoT devices frequently contain ESP32 modules:
- Intelligent industrial equipment, such as PLCs.
- Wearable health monitoring devices are among the smart medical equipment.
- HVAC systems and thermostats are examples of smart energy gadgets.
- Smart security equipment, such as smart locks and security cameras.
Chip Versus Module Versus Development Boards
The chip has no other name than ESP32. The format in which device makers and developers choose to purchase this is one of three options, and their choice will rely on the specifics of their situation:
· ESP32 Chip
Many Companies make this basic chip. It is unshielded and requires soldering to be connected to a board or a module. Because doing so would make the manufacturing process even more difficult, the majority of device makers do not merely buy chips.
· ESP32 Modules
The chip is housed in some type of surface-mountable module. The advantage of buying a module comprises that throughout the manufacturing process, they may be quickly installed onto an MCU. Device makers don’t have to worry about including extra steps in the process of production to meet FCC compliance in regard to wifi shielding.
· ESP32 Development Boards
The IoT Microcontroller development boards with modules already installed using the ESP32 chip. Before going into mass production, enthusiasts do the tests and prototypes of IoT devices, device makers, and developers. ESP32 microcontroller development boards come in a wide range of types and models from various vendors. While selecting an appropriate IoT ESP32 microcontroller development board, keep the following crucial specifications in mind: ADC pins, LEDs, shielding, wifi antenna, flash memory, and GPIO pins.
Best ESP IoT Module Or Development Board
There are many reasonable alternatives with ESP32 modules and boards, as the comparisons above demonstrate. We’ve included the most popular ones below to aid you in making a selection.
· ESP32-WROOM-32D
The ESP32-D0WD interacts with this ESP32 module that is quite popular. The ESP32-WROOM-32D’s flexibility is the major factor in its popularity. It may be useful for a range of applications, from voice compression as well as music streaming to sensor networks.
Mostly, ESP32-WROOM-32D and ESP32-WROOM 32U use wrongly in industry. Although the two modules are remarkably similar, the ESP32-WROOM-32U differs from the ESP32-WROOM-32D in that it incorporates a connection of U.FL.
· ESP32-WROOM-32
The initial ESP32 module released by Espressif is the ESP32-WROOM-32. A potent, general Wi-Fi+BLE+BT MCU device is the ESP32-WROOM-32. The chip ESP32-D0WDQ6 seems to be the heart of this device. Scalable and adaptable design features are available in the integrated chip. The ESP32-WROOM-32 is unquestionably a fantastic module, yet we do not suggest it for modern designs.
· ESP32-WROOVER
There are two variants of the ESP32-WROVER available; one includes a PCB antenna, while the other utilizes an IPEX antenna. The ordering details for both variants are available here. The ESP32-D0WDQ6 semiconductor, which is at the heart of this device, is similar to the ESPWROOM32 chip.
Two independently controllable CPU cores are present in this ESP32 device. The clock frequency of the CPU is changeable between 80-240 MHz. The user can also turn off the Processor and constantly check for alterations or threshold crossings using the less-power coprocessor.
· ESP32 CAM
In comparison with the various development boards here on the list, the ESP32 CAM seems to be a bit unique. An inbuilt camera with a miniature SD card slot is another feature of this properly developed microcontroller. As the ESP32-CAM has so far been based on the module of ESP32-S, it has similar features. This offers clock speeds that go up to around 160 MHz, wifi image uploading, 9 GPIO ports, I2C, SPI, and PWM interfaces.
It features a 2 Megapixel sensor-equipped OV2640 module which also accommodates OV7670 cameras. When exploring something like the ESP32-CAM, it can be simpler to forgo a solderless board due to the large number of components being placed on the bottom side. Also, we advise utilizing female Dupont connections with jumpers.
