SparkFun Thing Plus - ESP32 WROOM (USB-C)

This Feather-compatible ESP32 board features dual-core processing, WiFi, Bluetooth, a microSD slot, a USB-C port, and a plug-and-play Qwiic connector.


Description

The SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus (USB-C) takes a proven IoT development foundation and adds highly requested hardware features. Powered by the ESP32-WROOM module from Espressif™, this board features the highly adaptive Xtensa® Dual-Core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor operating at up to 240MHz, backed by 16MB of embedded Flash storage and 520KB of internal SRAM.

This board provides the essential wireless capabilities you need to get your connected ideas off the ground:

  • WiFi (802.11b/g/n): Dependable 2.4GHz transceiver for local network and cloud connectivity.
  • Dual-Mode Bluetooth®: Support for both Classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
  • Hardware Encryption: Built-in acceleration for AES, SHA2, ECC, and RSA-4096 to keep your data secure.

By combining these protocols with an ultra-low 2.5 µA deep-sleep current, you can build incredibly efficient, battery-operated sensor nodes that reliably report data over extended periods of time.

The Thing Plus Advantage

This board is built using the SparkFun Thing Plus form factor, making it fully compatible with the popular Adafruit Feather footprint. It breaks out 21 multifunctional GPIO pins to standard 0.1-inch spaced headers. The ESP32 integrates an excellent set of peripherals, giving you access to capacitive touch sensors, high-speed SPI, UART, I2S audio output, and I2C.

To make using the ESP32 WROOM Thing+ as easy to use as possible, this upgraded version is equipped with several premium built-in features:

  • Solderless Qwiic Connector: Seamlessly integrate the board into SparkFun's ecosystem of plug-and-play I2C sensors, actuators, and displays.
  • microSD Card Slot: Easily expand your project's data-logging and local-storage capabilities.
  • Advanced Power Management: modern USB-C connector for primary power and programming, plus a 2-pin JST connector for a LiPo battery. An onboard MAX17048 fuel gauge enables precise battery monitoring via I2C.
  • Expanded Visual Feedback: Includes an addressable WS2812 RGB LED, along with dedicated power, charge, and status LEDs.

Whether you are turning on a single LED or streaming data to your chosen IoT platform, the ESP32 WROOM Thing Plus can be programmed just like any standard microcontroller. You can even utilise the familiar Arduino IDE by installing the updated ESP32 Arduino Core, making this a foundational starting point for your next connected build.


Specifications

SparkFun Thing Plus - ESP32 WROOM Features

  • ESP32-WROOM Module
    • 21 Multifunctional GPIO
      • Up to thirteen 12-bit ADC Channels
      • Up to two DAC channels
      • Up to sixteen PWM outputs
      • Up to eight capacitive touch pins
      • Up to three SPI Busses (only one is configured by default in the Arduino IDE)
      • An available I2S Audio Output
      • Up to two I2C Buses (only one is configured by default in the Arduino IDE)
      • Up to three UARTs (only two are configured by default in the Arduino IDE; one UART is used for bootloading/debug)
  • Thing Plus (or Feather) Form-Factor:
    • Dimensions: 2.55" x 0.9"
    • Four Mounting Holes:
      • 4-40 screw compatible
    • 28 PTH Pins
    • USB-C Connector
    • 2-pin JST Connector for a LiPo Battery (not included)
    • 4-pin JST Qwiic Connector
    • SD Card Slot
    • MAX17048 Fuel Gauge
  • LEDs:
    • PWR - Red power LED
    • CHG - Yellow battery charging indicator
    • STAT - Blue status LED
    • WS2812 RGB LED
  • Buttons:
    • BOOT
    • RST


ESP32-WROOM General Features:

  • Operating Voltage: 2.3 to 3.6 V
    • 2.5 µA deep sleep current
    • 80 mA average operating current
  • Operating Temperature: -40 to 85 °C
  • Xtensa® Dual-Core 32-bit LX6 Microprocessor (up to 240MHz)
    • 448KB of ROM and 520KB SRAM
    • 16MB of Embedded SPI flash storage
  • Integrated 802.11b/g/n WiFi 2.4GHz transceiver
  • Integrated dual-mode Bluetooth® (classic and BLE®)
  • Hardware-accelerated encryption (AES, SHA2, ECC, RSA-4096)

Resources

Related Products