How to Use ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3 by Waveshare is a 4.3-inch touchscreen display module integrated with the powerful ESP32-S3 microcontroller. This module combines a high-resolution touchscreen with the advanced capabilities of the ESP32-S3, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it an excellent choice for IoT applications, smart home devices, and custom user interface designs.

With its compact design and versatile features, the ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3 is ideal for projects requiring a responsive graphical interface and wireless communication. It is particularly suited for applications such as:

• Smart home control panels
• Industrial automation displays
• IoT dashboards
• Portable monitoring devices
• Educational and prototyping projects

The ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3 features a 20-pin GPIO header for interfacing with external components. Below is the pinout description:

1. Powering the Module:

   • Connect the module to a 5V power source using the USB-C port.
   • Alternatively, use the 3V3 and GND pins to power the module externally.

2. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other peripherals.
   • For I2C devices, connect to the SCL and SDA pins.
   • For SPI devices, connect to MOSI, MISO, SCK, and CS.

3. Programming the ESP32-S3:

   • Install the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework).
   • Select the appropriate board settings for the ESP32-S3.
   • Connect the module to your computer via USB-C and upload your code.

4. Using the Touchscreen:

   • The touchscreen can be controlled using libraries such as TFT_eSPI or LVGL.
   • Ensure the correct pin mappings are configured in your code.

• Power Supply: Ensure a stable 5V power source to avoid unexpected resets or malfunctions.
• Pin Usage: Avoid using reserved pins for custom applications. Refer to the ESP32-S3 datasheet for details.
• Touchscreen Calibration: Some applications may require touchscreen calibration for accurate input.
• Heat Management: If the module operates in high-temperature environments, consider adding a heatsink.

Below is an example of how to display text on the touchscreen using the TFT_eSPI library:

#include <TFT_eSPI.h> // Include the TFT_eSPI library

TFT_eSPI tft = TFT_eSPI(); // Create an instance of the display

void setup() {
  tft.init();               // Initialize the display
  tft.setRotation(1);       // Set display orientation
  tft.fillScreen(TFT_BLACK); // Clear the screen with black color

  tft.setTextColor(TFT_WHITE, TFT_BLACK); // Set text color (white on black)
  tft.setTextSize(2);       // Set text size

  tft.setCursor(10, 10);    // Set cursor position
  tft.println("Hello, ESP32!"); // Print text to the display
}

void loop() {
  // Add your code here for additional functionality
}

Note: Ensure the User_Setup.h file in the TFT_eSPI library is configured for the ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3.

1. The display does not turn on:

   • Verify the power supply is connected and providing 5V.
   • Check the USB-C cable for any damage or loose connections.

2. Touchscreen is unresponsive:

   • Ensure the touchscreen library is correctly installed and configured.
   • Check for loose connections or damaged cables.

3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not working:

   • Verify the ESP32-S3 firmware is up-to-date.
   • Ensure the correct Wi-Fi credentials are provided in your code.

4. Code upload fails:

   • Ensure the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Press and hold the BOOT button on the module while uploading the code.

• Q: Can I use this module with a battery?
  A: Yes, you can use a 3.7V LiPo battery with a suitable voltage regulator to provide 5V.

• Q: What is the maximum Wi-Fi range?
  A: The Wi-Fi range depends on environmental factors but typically extends up to 50 meters indoors.

• Q: Is the touchscreen multi-touch capable?
  A: No, the touchscreen supports single-touch input only.

• Q: Can I use this module with MicroPython?
  A: Yes, the ESP32-S3 is compatible with MicroPython. You can flash the MicroPython firmware and use it for development.

This concludes the documentation for the ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3. For further assistance, refer to the official Waveshare documentation or community forums.