How to Use ESP32-S3 TFT Feather: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-S3 TFT Feather is a compact development board built around the ESP32-S3 microcontroller. It is specifically designed for IoT applications, offering robust processing power, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in TFT display for visual output. This board is ideal for projects that require a combination of wireless communication, efficient processing, and a user-friendly interface.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Portable data loggers with visual feedback
• Wearable devices with graphical interfaces
• Prototyping for wireless communication systems
• Educational projects requiring a display and connectivity

• Microcontroller: ESP32-S3 (dual-core Xtensa LX7, 240 MHz)
• Flash Memory: 8 MB
• PSRAM: 2 MB
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0 (LE)
• Display: 1.14-inch TFT LCD (240x135 resolution, ST7789 driver)
• Power Supply: 3.3V (regulated via USB-C or LiPo battery)
• GPIO Pins: 13 available for user applications
• Dimensions: 51mm x 23mm x 8mm
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V logic level
• Current Consumption: ~20mA in deep sleep, ~240mA during active use

1. Powering the Board: Connect a USB-C cable to power the board or use a 3.7V LiPo battery via the JST connector.
2. Connecting Peripherals: Use the GPIO pins for sensors, actuators, or other peripherals. Ensure the voltage levels are compatible with the 3.3V logic.
3. Programming: The board can be programmed using the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF. Install the necessary board definitions and libraries for the ESP32-S3.
4. Using the TFT Display: The built-in TFT display can be controlled using the Adafruit GFX and ST7789 libraries.

• Always use a level shifter if connecting 5V logic devices to the GPIO pins.
• Avoid drawing more than 500mA from the USB port to prevent damage.
• Use the deep sleep mode to conserve power in battery-operated projects.
• Ensure proper grounding when connecting external components to avoid noise or instability.

Below is an example of how to display text on the TFT screen using the Adafruit GFX library:

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>    // Core graphics library
#include <Adafruit_ST7789.h> // Driver for the TFT display
#include <SPI.h>

// Define TFT display pins
#define TFT_CS   10  // Chip select pin
#define TFT_DC   9   // Data/command pin
#define TFT_RST  8   // Reset pin

// Initialize the TFT display
Adafruit_ST7789 tft = Adafruit_ST7789(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println("Initializing TFT...");

  // Initialize the TFT display
  tft.init(240, 135); // Initialize with width and height
  tft.setRotation(1); // Set display rotation
  tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK); // Clear the screen with black color

  // Display text on the screen
  tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE); // Set text color to white
  tft.setTextSize(2);             // Set text size
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);          // Set cursor position
  tft.println("Hello, ESP32-S3!"); // Print text to the screen
}

void loop() {
  // Nothing to do here
}

1. The board does not power on:

   • Ensure the USB-C cable is properly connected and functional.
   • Check the LiPo battery connection if using battery power.

2. Unable to upload code:

   • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Hold the BOOT button while pressing the RESET button to enter bootloader mode.

3. TFT display shows a blank screen:

   • Ensure the Adafruit GFX and ST7789 libraries are installed.
   • Double-check the pin definitions in your code.

4. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth not working:

   • Verify that the correct credentials are used for Wi-Fi.
   • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled in the code and paired with the correct device.

• Use a multimeter to check voltage levels on the power and GPIO pins.
• Test the board with a simple "blink" sketch to confirm basic functionality.
• Refer to the ESP32-S3 datasheet for advanced debugging and troubleshooting.