Espressif Unveils ESP32-S2-Based MINI Modules Ahead of December Launch, Promises More to Come

Espressif has officially announced new modules based on its ESP32-S2 system-on-chip (SoC), designed for use in Internet of Things (IoT) projects where space is at a premium: The ESP32-S2-MINI-1 with built-in PCB antenna, and the smaller ESP32-S2-MINI-1U with U.FL connector for an external antenna.

"Espressif’s ESP32-S2-MINI series of modules currently consists of ESP32-S2-MINI-1 and ESP32-S2-MINI-1U, which are two powerful, generic Wi-Fi MCU [Microcontroller Unit] modules with a rich set of peripherals," the company explains in the announcement. "They are an ideal choice for a wide variety of application scenarios relating to the Internet of Things, wearable electronics and smart home."

The two modules — differing only in size and antenna type — are both built around the ESP32-S2FH4 SoC, which combines an Xtensa 32-bit LX7 CPU running at up to 240MHz with an ultra-low-power coprocessor built on the free and open source RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA). The SoC also includes up to 43 general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins with features including SPI, I2C, L2S, UART, PWM, LCD, ADC, DAC, touch sensor, temperature sensor, and camera interface support, along with full-speed USB On-The-Go (OTG) connectivity.

While Espressif is showing the modules off now, the company isn't quite ready to take orders: The company has confirmed it plans to put the parts into production in December this year, with FCC, CE, and SRRC certification underway. They're also only the first entries in the new family: Espressif has confirmed plans for additional MINI-family parts based on the next-generation ESP32-S3 and ESP32-C3 and previous-generation ESP32 SoCs are in the works.

More details are available on the company's announcement page, along with a link to apply for a sample ahead of mass production.