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How to Use ESP32 38 PINS: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of ESP32 38 PINS
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Introduction

The ESP32 38 PINS is a versatile and powerful microcontroller board that comes equipped with both WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. This board is an ideal choice for Internet of Things (IoT) projects, smart home applications, and various embedded systems that require wireless communication. With its 38 input/output pins, the ESP32 allows for extensive connectivity with a wide range of sensors, actuators, and peripherals, enabling developers to build complex and interactive projects.

Explore Projects Built with ESP32 38 PINS

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
ESP32-Based OLED Display Interface
Image of d: A project utilizing ESP32 38 PINS in a practical application
This circuit features an ESP32 microcontroller connected to an OLED 1.3" display. The ESP32's GPIO pins 21 and 22 are used for I2C communication (SDA and SCL respectively) with the OLED display. The display is powered by the 5V output from the ESP32, and both devices share a common ground.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32-Based Wi-Fi Controlled LED System
Image of PIR Tester: A project utilizing ESP32 38 PINS in a practical application
This circuit features two ESP32 microcontrollers communicating via UART, with one controlling an LED through a resistor. The primary ESP32 (ESP32 38 PINS) handles I2C communication and processes serial input to control the LED, while the secondary ESP32 (pocket esp32-c3) sends periodic data over UART.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32-Controlled Multi-Display Interface with Pushbutton Interaction
Image of Info-Orbs: A project utilizing ESP32 38 PINS in a practical application
This circuit features an ESP32 microcontroller interfaced with multiple round TFT displays, controlled via shared serial communication lines, and several pushbuttons connected to individual GPIOs for input. The ESP32 coordinates the display of information and responds to user inputs from the pushbuttons.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32-Based Smart Display with Camera and Audio Alert System
Image of cam_circuit_design: A project utilizing ESP32 38 PINS in a practical application
This circuit features two ESP32 microcontrollers, one standard 30-pin version and one ESP32-CAM module, both sharing a common ground and power supply. The 30-pin ESP32 is interfaced with an I2C LCD 16x2 Screen for display purposes, using its I2C pins (D21 for SDA and D22 for SCL), and controls a buzzer connected to pin D23. Additionally, the ESP32-CAM is connected to the 30-pin ESP32 via serial communication through pins TX2 and RX2 for potential image data transfer.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with ESP32 38 PINS

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of d: A project utilizing ESP32 38 PINS in a practical application
ESP32-Based OLED Display Interface
This circuit features an ESP32 microcontroller connected to an OLED 1.3" display. The ESP32's GPIO pins 21 and 22 are used for I2C communication (SDA and SCL respectively) with the OLED display. The display is powered by the 5V output from the ESP32, and both devices share a common ground.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of PIR Tester: A project utilizing ESP32 38 PINS in a practical application
ESP32-Based Wi-Fi Controlled LED System
This circuit features two ESP32 microcontrollers communicating via UART, with one controlling an LED through a resistor. The primary ESP32 (ESP32 38 PINS) handles I2C communication and processes serial input to control the LED, while the secondary ESP32 (pocket esp32-c3) sends periodic data over UART.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Info-Orbs: A project utilizing ESP32 38 PINS in a practical application
ESP32-Controlled Multi-Display Interface with Pushbutton Interaction
This circuit features an ESP32 microcontroller interfaced with multiple round TFT displays, controlled via shared serial communication lines, and several pushbuttons connected to individual GPIOs for input. The ESP32 coordinates the display of information and responds to user inputs from the pushbuttons.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of cam_circuit_design: A project utilizing ESP32 38 PINS in a practical application
ESP32-Based Smart Display with Camera and Audio Alert System
This circuit features two ESP32 microcontrollers, one standard 30-pin version and one ESP32-CAM module, both sharing a common ground and power supply. The 30-pin ESP32 is interfaced with an I2C LCD 16x2 Screen for display purposes, using its I2C pins (D21 for SDA and D22 for SCL), and controls a buzzer connected to pin D23. Additionally, the ESP32-CAM is connected to the 30-pin ESP32 via serial communication through pins TX2 and RX2 for potential image data transfer.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

  • Microcontroller: Tensilica LX6 dual-core processor
  • Operating Voltage: 3.3V
  • Input Voltage (recommended): 5V
  • Input Voltage (limit): 6-12V
  • Digital I/O Pins: 38
  • Analog Input Pins: 18 (ADC channels)
  • Analog Output Pins: 2 (DAC channels)
  • Flash Memory: 4MB
  • SRAM: 520 KB
  • Clock Speed: 240 MHz
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  • Bluetooth: v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE
  • Operating Temperature: -40°C to +125°C

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Number Function Description
1-22 GPIO General Purpose Input/Output pins
23-36 GPIO (with ADC) GPIO pins with Analog-to-Digital Conversion
37-38 GPIO (with DAC) GPIO pins with Digital-to-Analog Conversion
GND Ground Common ground for power and signal
3V3 3.3V Power 3.3V power supply pin
VIN Voltage Input Input voltage for the board (5V recommended)
EN Enable Chip enable, active high
TX0, RX0 UART Serial communication pins (UART0)
TX2, RX2 UART Serial communication pins (UART2)
SDA, SCL I2C I2C communication pins
MISO, MOSI, SCK, SS SPI SPI communication pins

Usage Instructions

Integrating ESP32 into a Circuit

  1. Powering the ESP32: Connect the VIN pin to a 5V power supply, and GND to the ground. Ensure that the power supply can deliver sufficient current for your application.

  2. Programming the ESP32: Use a micro USB cable to connect the ESP32 to your computer. Install the necessary drivers and development environment to upload code to the board.

  3. Connecting I/O Devices: Connect sensors, actuators, or peripherals to the GPIO pins. Make sure to configure the pins correctly in your code.

  4. Wireless Communication: Utilize the onboard WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless communication. Ensure proper antenna placement for optimal signal strength.

Best Practices

  • Always use a current limiting resistor with LEDs to prevent damage.
  • Use decoupling capacitors close to the power pins to smooth out power supply noise.
  • Avoid drawing more than 12 mA from any GPIO pin.
  • Ensure that the total current drawn from the 3.3V pin does not exceed 500 mA.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

  • ESP32 not powering on: Check the power supply and connections. Ensure that the input voltage is within the specified range.
  • Cannot upload code: Verify that the correct drivers are installed, the USB cable is functioning, and the correct board is selected in the development environment.
  • WiFi/Bluetooth not working: Ensure that the antenna is properly connected and not obstructed. Check your code for proper initialization of wireless modules.

Solutions and Tips

  • If the ESP32 is unresponsive, try pressing the EN button to reset the board.
  • For analog readings, calibrate the ADC for more accurate results.
  • Use external power sources when connecting high-power devices to the ESP32.

Example Code for Arduino UNO

#include <WiFi.h>

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "your_SSID";
const char* password = "your_PASSWORD";

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  
  // Connect to Wi-Fi
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(1000);
    Serial.println("Connecting to WiFi...");
  }
  
  Serial.println("Connected to WiFi");
}

void loop() {
  // Your code here
}

Remember to replace your_SSID and your_PASSWORD with your actual WiFi network credentials. This code initializes the WiFi module and connects the ESP32 to your local network. The serial monitor will display the connection status.

For further assistance, consult the ESP32 forums and the extensive online community for project-specific advice and support.