ESP32 Development Board (ESP32 DevKit v1) - A Complete Guide
The ESP32 Development Board (ESP32 DevKit v1) is a powerful, low-cost microcontroller board with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. It is the successor to the popular ESP8266 and has quickly become a favorite among hobbyists, students, and professionals building IoT, robotics, and automation projects.
In this guide, we will explore the specifications, unique features, and how ESP32 compares with ESP8266 so you can choose the right board for your next project.
Did You Know?
The ESP32 was created by Espressif Systems, a Chinese company based in Shanghai. Since its introduction in 2016, it has become one of the most popular IoT platforms worldwide, with over 100 million units shipped by 2021.
Key Specifications of ESP32 DevKit v1
| Feature | ESP8266 | ESP32 DevKit v1 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Single-core Tensilica L106 @ 80 MHz | Dual-core Tensilica LX6 @ 240 MHz +300% |
| Flash Memory | 4 MB | 416 MB (varies by module) |
| SRAM | 160 KB | 520 KB +325% |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) + Bluetooth 4.2 (Classic + BLE) |
| GPIO Pins | 17 | 34 (with multiple ADC, DAC, touch, PWM support) +100% |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 12-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V | 3.3V |
Why Choose ESP32 Over ESP8266?
While the ESP8266 is still widely used, the ESP32 offers significant improvements:
- Dual-core processor for faster performance
- Integrated Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (Classic + BLE)
- More GPIO pins with advanced features (ADC, DAC, touch sensors, PWM)
- Lower power consumption with deep sleep modes
- Better support for modern IoT and AI applications
Popular ESP32 Project Ideas
With its power and connectivity, the ESP32 DevKit v1 is used in countless applications:
- Smart Home Automation (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth devices)
- IoT Data Logging (temperature, humidity, sensors)
- Robotics & Motor Control
- Wearables with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- AIoT Applications (Edge AI + IoT)
Getting Started Tip
To program the ESP32, you can use the Arduino IDE with the ESP32 board package, PlatformIO, or Espressif's official IDF framework. The Arduino IDE is recommended for beginners due to its simplicity and extensive library support.
Where to Buy ESP32 Development Board
Ready to get your ESP32 DevKit v1? You can purchase the original ESP32 development board from RobuKits here:
Buy ESP32 DevKit v1 from RobuKits