How to Use Waveshare ESP32 S3 4.3B Touch: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Waveshare ESP32 S3 4.3B Touch is a 4.3-inch touchscreen display module powered by the ESP32-S3 microcontroller. This versatile component combines a high-resolution display with the powerful processing capabilities of the ESP32-S3, which includes dual-core processing, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. It is designed for interactive applications such as smart home interfaces, IoT dashboards, industrial control panels, and educational projects.

• Smart home control panels
• IoT device interfaces
• Industrial automation displays
• Educational and prototyping projects
• Portable monitoring systems

The Waveshare ESP32 S3 4.3B Touch features a USB-C port for power and programming, as well as GPIO pins for external connections. Below is the pin configuration:

1. Powering the Module: Connect the module to a 5V power source using the USB-C port or the 5V and GND pins.
2. Programming: Use the USB-C port to upload code to the ESP32-S3 microcontroller via the Arduino IDE or other compatible platforms.
3. Connecting Peripherals: Use the GPIO, UART, I2C, or SPI pins to interface with external sensors, actuators, or other devices.
4. Touchscreen Operation: The capacitive touchscreen can be used to create interactive user interfaces. Libraries such as LVGL (Light and Versatile Graphics Library) are recommended for GUI development.

• Power Supply: Ensure a stable 5V power supply to avoid unexpected resets or malfunctions.
• ESD Protection: Handle the touchscreen carefully to avoid electrostatic discharge damage.
• Firmware Updates: Keep the ESP32-S3 firmware updated for optimal performance and security.
• Library Compatibility: Use compatible libraries for touchscreen and display control, such as TFT_eSPI or LVGL.

Below is an example of how to initialize the Waveshare ESP32 S3 4.3B Touch display and draw a simple rectangle 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 (1 = landscape)
  tft.fillScreen(TFT_BLACK); // Clear the screen with black color

  // Draw a red rectangle on the screen
  tft.fillRect(50, 50, 200, 100, TFT_RED); 
  // Parameters: x, y, width, height, color
}

void loop() {
  // No actions in the loop for this example
}

• Install the TFT_eSPI library via the Arduino Library Manager before running the code.
• Configure the User_Setup.h file in the TFT_eSPI library to match the Waveshare ESP32 S3 4.3B Touch display settings.

1. Display Not Turning On:

   • Ensure the module is receiving 5V power via USB-C or the 5V pin.
   • Check for loose connections or damaged cables.

2. Touchscreen Not Responding:

   • Verify that the touchscreen library is correctly installed and configured.
   • Ensure the I2C lines (SCL and SDA) are properly connected if using external peripherals.

3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Not Working:

   • Confirm that the ESP32-S3 firmware is up to date.
   • Check the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth configuration in your code.

4. Code Upload Fails:

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

• Can I use this module with other microcontrollers? Yes, the module can interface with other microcontrollers via UART, I2C, or SPI, but the ESP32-S3 is the primary controller.

• What is the maximum touchpoints supported? The capacitive touchscreen supports up to 5 simultaneous touchpoints.

• Is the display sunlight-readable? The display is not optimized for direct sunlight and is best used indoors or in shaded environments.

• Can I power the module with a battery? Yes, you can use a 5V battery pack with a USB-C output or connect a regulated 5V source to the 5V pin.