The Waveshare “ESP32-S3-LCD-1.28” is an ESP32-S3-based display board featuring a 1.28-inch round LCD screen with a 240×240 resolution, driven by the GC9A01 display driver chip. It also includes a Li-ion battery charger, a QMI8658 6-axis IMU (for motion tracking), a USB Type-C connector, and wireless capabilities.
This board is quite similar to others like the Lilygo T-RGB, Round Display for XIAO, ESP32-S3 Round SPI boards. However, it’s thinner and more affordable.
Waveshare ESP32-S3-LCD-1.28 development board specifications:
- Wireless MCU – ESP32-S3 Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core, up to 240MHz frequency.
- Display:
- 1.28-inch round IPS LCD.
- Resolution – 240×240 pixels.
- 65K color.
- Display Chip – GC9A01A.
- IMU Parameters:
- Sensor – QMI8658
- Accelerometer resolution – 16-bit; Range (Optional): ±2, ±4, ±8, ±16g.
- Gyroscope resolution – 16 bits; Range (Optional) – ±16, ±32, ±64, ±128, ±256, ±512, ±1024, ±2048°/sec.
- Memory:
- Built-in 512KB SRAM.
- 384KB ROM.
- Onboard 2MB PSRAM.
- External 16MB Flash memory (W25Q128JVSIQ).
- Wireless Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz (802.11 b/g/n)
- Bluetooth 5 (BLE), with an onboard 2.4GHz ceramic antenna.
- GPIO – 30x multi-function GPIO pins with configurable functions.
- Power:
- Onboard 3.7V lithium battery recharge/discharge management (ETA6096).
- USB Type-C connector for charging and data.
- Other Features:
- USB Type-C interface with CH343P chip for USB to UART.
- 1.27mm pitch headers for GPIO connections.
- I2C interface using GPIO6 (SDA) and GPIO7 (SCL).
- Supports low power consumption modes.
- BOOT and RESET buttons.
- MX1.25 connector for battery voltage measurement.
The Waveshare ESP32-S3-LCD-1.28 development board is compatible with CircuitPython and MicroPython, as well as C/C++ programming using Arduino and ESP-IDF. Users can easily download the MicroPython firmware and find support on the Waveshare Wiki page to get started.
The company also provides onboard parts markings, making it easier for users and developers to identify components which enhances the ease of development and troubleshooting.
The Waveshare ESP32-S3-LCD-1.28 development board costs $15.99 without shipping and also also be found on AliExpress for $22.99 with shipping.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
What a cool little device