How to Use Waveshare ESP32-S3-ETH-8DI-8RO-C: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Waveshare ESP32-S3-ETH-8DI-8RO-C is a powerful and versatile development board designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It is built around the ESP32-S3 chip, which features dual-core Xtensa LX7 processors, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. This board is equipped with 8 digital inputs (DI), 8 relay outputs (RO), and Ethernet connectivity, making it ideal for industrial automation, smart home systems, and other IoT projects requiring reliable communication and control.

• Industrial automation and control systems
• Smart home devices and automation
• Remote monitoring and data logging
• IoT gateways with Ethernet connectivity
• Projects requiring multiple relay outputs and digital inputs

Below are the key technical details of the Waveshare ESP32-S3-ETH-8DI-8RO-C:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect a 7-24V DC power supply to the VIN and GND terminals, or use a USB-C cable for 5V power.
   • Ensure the power supply can provide sufficient current for the relays if they are all active.

2. Connecting Digital Inputs:

   • Connect external sensors or switches to the digital input pins (IN1 to IN8).
   • Ensure the input voltage levels are compatible with the ESP32-S3's GPIO pins (3.3V logic).

3. Using Relay Outputs:

   • Connect the devices you want to control (e.g., lights, motors) to the relay output terminals (OUT1 to OUT8).
   • Ensure the load does not exceed the relay's maximum current and voltage ratings.

4. Ethernet Connectivity:

   • Connect an Ethernet cable to the RJ45 port for wired network communication.
   • Configure the network settings in your firmware to enable Ethernet functionality.

5. Programming the Board:

   • Use the USB-C port to connect the board to your computer.
   • Install the necessary drivers and use the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF to upload your code.

• Relay Ratings: Ensure the connected load does not exceed the relay's maximum ratings (typically 10A at 250VAC or 30VDC).
• Isolation: Use optocouplers or other isolation techniques if connecting high-voltage devices to the relays.
• Input Protection: Add pull-up or pull-down resistors to the digital inputs if required by your application.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly update the ESP32-S3 firmware to ensure compatibility and security.

Below is an example code snippet to control the relays and read the digital inputs using the Arduino IDE:

// Include the necessary libraries
#include <WiFi.h>

// Define relay output pins
#define RELAY1  25
#define RELAY2  26
#define RELAY3  27
#define RELAY4  14
#define RELAY5  12
#define RELAY6  13
#define RELAY7  15
#define RELAY8  2

// Define digital input pins
#define INPUT1  32
#define INPUT2  33
#define INPUT3  34
#define INPUT4  35
#define INPUT5  36
#define INPUT6  39
#define INPUT7  21
#define INPUT8  19

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication
  Serial.begin(115200);

  // Set relay pins as outputs
  pinMode(RELAY1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RELAY2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RELAY3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RELAY4, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RELAY5, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RELAY6, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RELAY7, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RELAY8, OUTPUT);

  // Set digital input pins as inputs
  pinMode(INPUT1, INPUT);
  pinMode(INPUT2, INPUT);
  pinMode(INPUT3, INPUT);
  pinMode(INPUT4, INPUT);
  pinMode(INPUT5, INPUT);
  pinMode(INPUT6, INPUT);
  pinMode(INPUT7, INPUT);
  pinMode(INPUT8, INPUT);

  // Turn off all relays initially
  digitalWrite(RELAY1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(RELAY2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(RELAY3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(RELAY4, LOW);
  digitalWrite(RELAY5, LOW);
  digitalWrite(RELAY6, LOW);
  digitalWrite(RELAY7, LOW);
  digitalWrite(RELAY8, LOW);
}

void loop() {
  // Read digital inputs and print their states
  Serial.print("Input 1: "); Serial.println(digitalRead(INPUT1));
  Serial.print("Input 2: "); Serial.println(digitalRead(INPUT2));
  Serial.print("Input 3: "); Serial.println(digitalRead(INPUT3));
  Serial.print("Input 4: "); Serial.println(digitalRead(INPUT4));
  Serial.print("Input 5: "); Serial.println(digitalRead(INPUT5));
  Serial.print("Input 6: "); Serial.println(digitalRead(INPUT6));
  Serial.print("Input 7: "); Serial.println(digitalRead(INPUT7));
  Serial.print("Input 8: "); Serial.println(digitalRead(INPUT8));

  // Example: Toggle relay 1 based on input 1
  if (digitalRead(INPUT1) == HIGH) {
    digitalWrite(RELAY1, HIGH); // Turn on relay 1
  } else {
    digitalWrite(RELAY1, LOW);  // Turn off relay 1
  }

  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

1. Relays Not Activating:

   • Ensure the board is powered with sufficient voltage and current.
   • Check the relay control pins in your code and ensure they are set as outputs.

2. Digital Inputs Not Responding:

   • Verify the input voltage levels are within the acceptable range (3.3V logic).
   • Check for loose connections or faulty sensors.

3. Ethernet Not Working:

   • Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to the RJ45 port.
   • Verify the network settings in your firmware (e.g., IP address, subnet mask).

4. Board Not Detected by Computer:

   • Install the correct USB drivers for the ESP32-S3.
   • Try a different USB cable or port.

• Can I use this board with the Arduino IDE?
  Yes, the board is compatible with the Arduino IDE. Install the ESP32 board package to get started.