Edge Devices Launches Raspberry Pi Pi-oT Module Follow-Up: the Standalone ESP32 Module
Edge Devices' latest creation doesn't rely on a Raspberry Pi, instead bundling an ESP32 module to create a self-contained DIN-mount device.
Formerly Raspberry Pi-focused IoT startup Edge Devices has launched a crowdfunding campaign that shows it's serious about branching out from the popular single-board computer: the ESP Module, powered by Espressif's ESP32.
"The ESP Module is a microcontroller-based IoT Module which offers the same great features as our Pi-oT Module, but based off on an ESP32 platform," Edge Devices' Nate Albright writes of the company's latest creation. "This allows users who are familiar with Arduino programming or prefer a more lightweight architecture to enjoy all of the benefits of our IoT Modules."
The design of the ESP Module mimics that of the Pi-oT IoT Module accessory for the Raspberry Pi, launched on Kickstarter last year after its development as a prototype for business-to-business (B2B) sales. Like the original IoT Module, the ESP Module is DIN-rail mountable with the provided enclosure.
The ESP Module itself is built around the Espressif ESP32-DevKitC-32D microcontroller module, and includes four Panasonic SPDT relays on four of the module's general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins along with a further ten available on the enclosure's screw terminals — six of which can act as an analog input and two of which can act as an analog output. Terminals are also provided for ground connectivity, 3.3V, and 5V power — the latter of which includes protection circuitry to prevent the ESP32 from being damaged.
As with the Raspberry Pi Pi-oT Module, the ESP Module has launched on Kickstarter: Rewards start at $52 for a single unit at super early bird pricing, rising to $62 for the next 30 backers once the initial sale has ended.
More information is available on the ESP32 Module campaign page.
