The M5Stack CoreS3 is an advanced development kit designed for IoT (Internet of Things) projects, leveraging the capabilities of the ESP32-S3 microcontroller from Espressif. Here’s a detailed look at what the M5Stack CoreS3 ESP32-S3 IoT Development Kit offers:
Hardware Features
- Microcontroller:
- ESP32-S3 – This is a high-performance, dual-core Xtensa LX7 microprocessor running at up to 240MHz, featuring improved performance over its predecessors in the ESP32 family. It supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth 5 (LE), and has enhanced security features.
- Memory:
- 512KB SRAM: For fast memory access.
- 8MB PSRAM: For additional high-speed memory, which is particularly useful for applications requiring large data buffers or high-speed data processing.
- 16MB Flash: For firmware storage and data retention.
- Display:
- A 2.0″ IPS LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. The display supports capacitive touch, offering a vibrant, interactive interface for user interaction.
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: For internet connectivity, OTA updates, and IoT communication.
- Bluetooth 5: Enhanced with LE (Low Energy) for short-range wireless communication.
- Sensors and Actuators:
- 6-Axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): Includes an accelerometer and gyroscope for motion sensing.
- Microphone and Speaker: For audio input and output capabilities.
- Programmable Buttons: For user input and control.
- Power Management:
- Built-in Battery: Comes with a battery for portable use, though exact capacity might vary based on the specific model.
- Power Switch: For managing power states, including a sleep mode for low power consumption.
- Expansion Options:
- Grove Ports: Two Grove connectors for easy integration with M5Stack’s ecosystem of sensors, actuators, and other modules.
- HY2.0-4P Header: For additional I2C, UART, or GPIO expansion.
- Other Features:
- MicroSD Card Slot: For expanded storage.
- USB Type-C: For programming, power, and data transfer.
- RTC (Real-Time Clock): For timekeeping and scheduled operations.
Software and Development
- Development Platforms:
- Arduino IDE: With specific libraries for the ESP32-S3 and M5Stack CoreS3.
- MicroPython: An alternative for Python-based development.
- UIFlow: M5Stack’s visual programming environment, although less common for advanced projects due to the complexity of the ESP32-S3.
- Software Features:
- M5Stack Library: Provides functions for controlling hardware components, managing power, and interacting with sensors.
- ESP-IDF: Espressif IoT Development Framework, offering low-level access to ESP32-S3 features.
- Support for FreeRTOS: For real-time applications.
Applications
The M5Stack CoreS3 is designed for a wide range of IoT applications, including:
- Smart Home Devices: Control panels, sensors, and IoT hubs.
- Wearables: Its compact size and built-in battery make it suitable for wearable tech projects.
- Robotics: Control systems, motion detection, and IoT connectivity.
- Industrial IoT: Monitoring and control applications in industrial settings.
- Prototyping: Quick development and prototyping of electronic ideas with a focus on IoT.
- Educational Projects: Teaching IoT, programming, and electronics.
Benefits
- Advanced Processor: The ESP32-S3 provides a powerful computing platform for complex IoT applications.
- Connectivity: Robust Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for seamless IoT integration.
- Ease of Use: The modular design with Grove connectors simplifies hardware integration.
- Expandability: Offers multiple ways to expand functionality through ports and headers.
- Community and Ecosystem: Supported by a vibrant community and M5Stack’s ecosystem of compatible modules and libraries.
Usage and Development
- Setup:
- Install the necessary drivers and libraries for ESP32-S3 in your chosen development environment.
- Connect the CoreS3 via USB-C for programming and power.
- Programming:
- Utilize the ESP32-S3’s capabilities through libraries or directly with ESP-IDF for low-level control.
- Expansion:
- Connect Grove modules or other peripherals via the available interfaces to enhance functionality.
- Deployment:
- Use in your IoT project, either standalone or as part of a larger system.
Specification
| Resources | Parameters |
|---|---|
| MCU | ESP32-S3@Xtensa LX7, 16MFLASH AND 8M-PSRAM, WIFI, OTGCDC functions |
| Touch the IPS LCD screen | 2.0″@320*240 ILI9342C |
| Camera | GC0308@30 megapixels |
| Proximity sensors | LTR-553ALS-WA |
| Power management chip | AXP2101 |
| Six-axis attitude sensor | BMI270 |
| magnetometer | BMM150 |
| RTC | BM8563 |
| Speaker | 16bits-I2S power amplifier chip AW88298@1W |
| Audio decoding chip | ES7210, dual microphone inputs |
| Product Size | 54 x 54 x 16mm |
| Package Size | 101x64x34mm |
| Product Weight | 73.3g |
| Package Weight | 97.8g |
Pin Map
LCD Screen & TF Card
LCD Pixel:320×240 TF cards support up to 16GB
| ESP32S3 Chip | GPIO35 | GPIO37 | GPIO36 | GPIO3 | GPIO15 | AXP2101_DO1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILI9342C | MISO | MOSI | SCK | CS | RST | BL |
| ESP32S3 Chip | GPIO35 | GPIO37 | GPIO36 | GPIO4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TF Card | MISO | MOSI | SCK | CS |
Camera
| ESP32S3 Chip | GPIO12 | GPIO11 | AW9523B_P1_0 | GPIO45 | GPIO46 | GPIO38 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GC0308 | SDA | SCL | CAM_RST | CAM_PCLK | CAM_VSYNC | CAM_HREF |
CAP.TOUCH (I2C Addr: 0x58)
| ESP32S3 chip | GPIO12 | GPIO11 | AW9523B_P1_2 | AW9523B_P0_0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FT6336U | SDA | SCL | INT | RST |
Microphone & amplifier
| ESP32S3 Chip | GPIO12 | GPIO11 | AW9523B_P1_3 | AW9523B_P0_2 | GPIO34 | GPIO33 | GPIO13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES7210(0x40) | SDA | SCL | AW_INT | AW_RST | I2C_BCK | I2C_WCK | I2C_DATO |
| AW88298(0x36) | SDA | SCL |
AXP Power Led
| AXP2101 | AXP_CHGLED |
|---|---|
| Red LED | Vcc |
RTC
| ESP32S3 Chip | GPIO12 | GPIO11 | AXP2101_WAKEUP |
|---|---|---|---|
| BM8563 | SDA | SCL | INT |
IMU (3-axis gyroscope + 3-axis accelerometer)
| ESP32S3 Chip | GPIO12 | GPIO11 |
|---|---|---|
| BMI270&BMM150 | SDA | SCL |
Internal I2C connection
| ESP32S3 Chip | GPIO12 | GPIO11 |
|---|---|---|
| BMI270&BMM150 | SDA | SCL |
| AXP2101 | SDA | SCL |
| BM8563 | SDA | SCL |
| ES7210 | SDA | SCL |
| AW88298 | SDA | SCL |
M5CoreS3 M-BUS Schematic diagram
Related Link
Schematic
Conclusion
The M5Stack CoreS3 ESP32-S3 IoT Development Kit combines advanced processing power, extensive connectivity options, and a rich set of hardware features, making it an excellent choice for developers looking to build sophisticated IoT solutions. Its integration with the ESP32-S3 chip provides a balance between performance, power efficiency, and IoT capabilities, catering to both hobbyists and professionals in the field of embedded systems and IoT development.