Espressif ESP32 is popular dual core processor with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, except as we’ve seen last year, the company also developed a single core version with ESP32-S0WD chip, whose price is only slightly more expensive than ESP8266.
But so far, I had not seen many hardware platforms announced with the single core version, with the exception of Particle Argon board. But I believe we should soon see more ESP32-S0WD boards brought to market, since Espressif Systems has now announced ESP32-SOLO-1 single core module.
ESP32-SOLO-1 wireless module specifications:
- SoC – Espressif ESP32-S0WD single core Tensilica Xtensa LX6 processor @ up to 160 MHz with 448 KB ROM, 520KB on-chip SRAM, and 16KB SRAM in RTC
- Storage – 4MB SPI flash
- Connectivity
- 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n WiFi up to 150 Mbps
- Bluetooth 4.2 LE + EDR
- I/Os – SD card, UART, SPI, SDIO, I2C, LED PWM, motor PWM, I2S, IR, pulse counter, GPIO, capacitive touch sensor, ADC, DAC
- Supply Voltage – 2.7 to 3.6V
- Minimum Current from power supply – 500 mA
- Sleep Current – < 5 μA
- Dimensions – 25 x 18 x 3.1 mm
- Temperature Range – -40 to +85°C
- Certifications – FCC/CE/IC/KCC/SRRC/NCC/TELEC
ESP32-SOLO-1 is suitable for various applications such as low-power sensor networks, voice encoding, music streaming and MP3 decoding.
You’ll find the full details in the datasheet. With regards to pricing, I could only find it on YOYCART, where it is sold for $5.54 per unit plus shipping if you order 11 or more, but I’d expect the price to fall further since ESP32-WROOM-32 can be found on Aliexpress for under $4 shipped.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Is there any power savings compared to running with 1 core disabled? If not then the only reason to use it will be price advantage.
I thought they were also going to make a WiFi only version to shave a few more cents off via reduced royalties on BT IP.
The normal “clear as mud” documentation from Espressif …Refer to the ESP32 Datasheet …Refer to the ESP32 Datasheet. Pffft!
So, it’s single core, but does it have a ULP??? According to the “Refer to the ESP32 Datasheet”, it does.
At least it still has more I/O and better peripherals (ie:- ADC channels) than the ESP8266, so it’s still a better deal if the prices are roughly equivalent.
It’s processor is at least less weak than 8bits Atmega from Arduino. And ESP32 could allow to use it’s powerfull DSP capabilities. It is used with FAUST language in music/audio research to make synthesizers. So it could be interesting to teach to childrens how to make their own musical instruments.