The M5StickC PLUS is a compact and versatile IoT (Internet of Things) development kit from M5Stack, built around the ESP32-PICO-D4 microcontroller. Here’s a detailed look at what the M5StickC PLUS offers:
Hardware Features
- Microcontroller:
- ESP32-PICO-D4: This is a variant of the ESP32 family, featuring:
- Dual-core Tensilica LX6 microprocessor running at up to 240MHz.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- ESP32-PICO-D4: This is a variant of the ESP32 family, featuring:
- Memory:
- 4MB Flash: For storing firmware and data.
- 520KB SRAM: For fast memory access.
- Display:
- 1.14″ TFT LCD Screen: With a resolution of 135 x 240 pixels, providing a compact yet functional display for user interaction or displaying information.
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n for internet and local network connectivity.
- Bluetooth 4.2: With BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) for low-power wireless communication.
- Sensors and Input/Output:
- IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): Includes a 6-axis sensor (accelerometer and gyroscope) for motion detection.
- RTC (Real-Time Clock): For timekeeping and scheduling tasks.
- Microphone: For audio input.
- Light Sensor: To measure ambient light levels.
- Buttons: Includes a red button for user interaction.
- IR Transmitter: For infrared communication or control.
- Expansion:
- Grove Port: One Grove connector for easy integration with M5Stack’s ecosystem of sensors, actuators, and other modules.
- Power Management:
- Built-in 95mAh Battery: For portable use, offering reasonable operating time.
- USB Type-C: For charging, programming, and data transfer.
- Other Features:
- Vibration Motor: For haptic feedback.
- RGB LED: For status indication or user feedback.
- Speaker: For audio output, although sound quality might be basic due to size constraints.
- Type-C to Grove Expansion: An option to connect additional Grove modules via the USB port.
Software and Development
- Development Platforms:
- Arduino IDE: Supported with specific libraries for the ESP32 and M5StickC PLUS.
- MicroPython: Can be programmed in Python for those preferring a higher-level language.
- UIFlow: M5Stack’s visual programming environment, though more suited for simpler projects.
- Software Features:
- M5Stack Library: Provides functions for controlling hardware components, managing power, and interacting with sensors.
- ESP-IDF: For low-level programming with Espressif’s IoT Development Framework.
Applications
The M5StickC PLUS is designed for:
- Wearables: Its small size and built-in battery make it perfect for wearable tech projects like fitness trackers, smart badges, or even simple VR/AR applications.
- IoT Projects: For creating small, portable IoT devices that can communicate over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, like environmental sensors, personal assistants, or home automation nodes.
- Prototyping: Ideal for rapid prototyping of IoT concepts due to its ease of use and wide range of built-in features.
- Educational Use: Teaching IoT, programming, and electronics with a device that’s easy to handle and program.
- Mobile Data Collection: Gathering data on-the-go, like measuring environmental conditions, tracking movements, or audio recording.
- Remote Control: Can be used as a remote control for other devices, leveraging its IR transmitter and Bluetooth capabilities.
Benefits
- Compact Size: Its small form factor allows for truly portable applications.
- Versatile Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provide multiple options for communication.
- Rich Feature Set: Despite its size, it includes many sensors and interfaces for diverse applications.
- Ease of Use: The M5StickC PLUS is user-friendly with straightforward programming and an intuitive development environment.
- Expandability: The Grove port and additional expansion options allow for customization and extension of functionality.
Usage and Development
- Setup:
- Install the necessary drivers and libraries for ESP32 in your chosen development environment.
- Connect the M5StickC PLUS via USB-C for programming and charging.
- Programming:
- Use Arduino IDE, MicroPython, or UIFlow to write code that interacts with the device’s sensors, manages power, and leverages its connectivity features.
- Expansion:
- Connect Grove modules or other peripherals via the Grove port or through the USB-C to Grove expansion option.
- Deployment:
- Deploy your project in portable or IoT settings, utilizing the device’s built-in features for data collection, control, or display purposes.
M5StickC PLUS is an upgraded version of the original M5StickC, featuring ESP32-PICO-D4 with Wi-Fi connectivity and a larger screen. This compact and portable IoT development board is designed to be user-friendly and open source, allowing you to easily bring your ideas to life and accelerate your IoT prototyping process. With M5StickC PLUS, you can enjoy a streamlined development experience, reducing the complexities often associated with building IoT projects.
As one of the core devices in the M5Stack product series, M5StickC PLUS offers a rich set of hardware resources integrated into its compact body. These resources include infrared, RTC, microphone, LED, IMU, buttons, and PMU. Notably, this upgraded version introduces new features such as a buzzer, a larger 1.14-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 135 * 240, and a more stable hardware design. The increased display area by 18.7% and the enhanced battery capacity from 95mAh to 120mAh further enhance the usability and performance of the device.
M5StickC PLUS is designed to support the HAT and Unit family of products, expanding its capabilities and providing compatibility with various accessories and modules. This allows you to easily extend the functionality of your projects and explore a wide range of possibilities. With its improved features and expanded compatibility, M5StickC PLUS is an excellent choice for IoT development, enabling you to create innovative solutions with ease.
Power switch operation:
- Power on :Press power button for 2 seconds
- Power off :Press power button for 6 seconds
Product Features
- ESP32-based support Wi-Fi
- Built-in 6-Axis IMU
- Red LED
- IR transmitter
- Microphone
- RTC
- Buttons, LCD(1.14 inch)
- Built-in Lithium Polymer Battery
- Extendable Socket
- Built-in Passive Buzzer
- Wearable & Wall mounted
- Compatible with multi-platform development:
Include
- 1x M5StickC Plus
Applications
- Internet of things terminal controller
- Wearable devices
- Stem education product
- DIY creation
- IoT development kit
Specification
| Resources | Parameter |
|---|---|
| ESP32 | 240MHz dual core, 600 DMIPS, 520KB SRAM, Wi-Fi |
| Flash Memory | 4MB |
| Power Input | 5V @ 500mA |
| Port | TypeC x 1, GROVE(I2C+I/0+UART) x 1 |
| LCD screen | 1.14 inch, 135*240 Colorful TFT LCD, ST7789v2 |
| Button | Custom button x 2 |
| LED | RED LED |
| MEMS | MPU6886 |
| Buzzer | built-in buzzer |
| IR | Infrared transmission |
| MIC | SPM1423 |
| RTC | BM8563 |
| PMU | AXP192 |
| Battery | 120 mAh @ 3.7V |
| Antenna | 2.4G 3D Antenna |
| PIN port | G0, G25/G36, G26, G32, G33 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Net weight | 15g |
| Gross weight | 21g |
| Product Size | 48.2*25.5*13.7mm |
| Package Size | 65*25*15mm |
| Case Material | Plastic ( PC ) |
Conclusion
The M5StickC PLUS ESP32-PICO Mini IoT Development Kit is a compact, yet powerful, platform for IoT development. It’s particularly well-suited for projects where size, portability, and a balance of features are crucial. With its rich set of built-in sensors, connectivity options, and the flexibility provided by M5Stack’s ecosystem, it’s an excellent choice for hobbyists, educators, and professionals looking to experiment with or implement IoT solutions in a small form factor.