Espressif's New ESP32-WROOM-DA Improves Wireless Communication Using Dual Antennas
Pin-compatible with existing ESP32-WROOM-32E.
Long-range, high-quality wireless communication just became as easy as a drop-in replacement with the ESP32-WROOM-DA from Espressif Systems. This new t-shirt-shaped module contains an ESP32 with dual onboard, switchable antennas.
WiFi, and 2.4 GHz in general, is a very crowded area of the RF spectrum. With so many devices communicating in this space, every dB of signal-to-noise ratio matters. Putting multiple antennas with different orientations solves a couple of challenges. First, a product designer cannot always dictate which way an antenna gets oriented. And second, it is usually impossible to predict the RF environment where the product operates.
Espressif Systems' ESP32-WROOM-DA adds a new module with dual antennas in a complimentary orientation to their already extensive ESP32 platform. The WROOM-DA module can select whichever antenna has the strongest signal, or a software API allows a program to monitor and make the switch. For existing users of the ESP32, especially those with ESP32-WROOM-32E experience, the module is nearly a drop-in replacement. Of course, "drop-in" if there is physical space for the antennas!
Powered by an ESP32-D0WD-V3, the WROOM-DA has a dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX6 processor that runs up to 240 MHz. There is 520 kilobytes of SRAM and 448 kilobytes of ROM for data and programming spaces.
We expect to soon see these modules start popping up in the usual online shops that carry ESP32 hardware. For now, check the link at the bottom of the ESP32-WROOM-DA press release to contact Espressif if you need the modules right away.
