How to Use ESP32-S3 AMOLED1.8: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-S3 AMOLED1.8 is a compact development board manufactured by Waveshare. It integrates the powerful ESP32-S3 microcontroller with a 1.8-inch AMOLED display, making it ideal for IoT applications, wearable devices, and projects requiring a vibrant graphical interface. The board also features capacitive touch buttons, enabling intuitive user interaction.

This component is widely used in:

• IoT devices with graphical user interfaces
• Wearable electronics
• Smart home automation systems
• Portable data visualization tools
• Educational and prototyping projects

The following table outlines the key technical details of the ESP32-S3 AMOLED1.8:

The ESP32-S3 AMOLED1.8 features a 24-pin header. Below is the pinout description:

1. Powering the Board: Connect the ESP32-S3 AMOLED1.8 to a 5V USB power source via the USB Type-C port.
2. Programming: Use the USB connection to upload code to the ESP32-S3 using the Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, or ESP-IDF.
3. Connecting Peripherals: Use the GPIO pins to interface with external sensors, actuators, or other devices. Ensure the voltage levels are compatible (3.3V logic).
4. Using the Display: The 1.8-inch AMOLED display can be controlled via SPI. Libraries such as Adafruit_GFX and Adafruit_ST7735 are compatible.
5. Touch Buttons: The capacitive touch buttons can be read as digital inputs. Use the touchRead() function in the Arduino IDE to detect touch events.

• Power Supply: Ensure a stable 5V power source to avoid display flickering or microcontroller instability.
• Pin Protection: Avoid applying voltages higher than 3.3V to the GPIO pins to prevent damage.
• Display Handling: Avoid applying excessive pressure to the AMOLED screen to prevent damage.
• Firmware Updates: Keep the ESP32-S3 firmware updated for optimal performance and compatibility.

Below is an example of how to display text on the AMOLED screen and read touch input:

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_ST7735.h>

// Define SPI pins for the display
#define TFT_CS   15  // Chip select pin
#define TFT_RST  17  // Reset pin
#define TFT_DC   16  // Data/command pin

// Initialize the display object
Adafruit_ST7735 tft = Adafruit_ST7735(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

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

  // Initialize the display
  tft.initR(INITR_BLACKTAB);  // Initialize with a specific tab configuration
  tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLACK);  // Clear the screen
  tft.setTextColor(ST77XX_WHITE);  // Set text color
  tft.setTextSize(2);  // Set text size

  // Display a message
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);  // Set cursor position
  tft.println("Hello, ESP32!");

  // Initialize touch pins
  pinMode(18, INPUT);  // TOUCH1
  pinMode(19, INPUT);  // TOUCH2
}

void loop() {
  // Check if TOUCH1 is pressed
  if (digitalRead(18) == LOW) {
    Serial.println("Touch 1 Pressed!");
    tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_RED);  // Change screen color
  }

  // Check if TOUCH2 is pressed
  if (digitalRead(19) == LOW) {
    Serial.println("Touch 2 Pressed!");
    tft.fillScreen(ST77XX_BLUE);  // Change screen color
  }

  delay(100);  // Small delay for debounce
}

1. Display Not Working:

   • Ensure the SPI connections are correct and secure.
   • Verify that the display initialization code matches the hardware configuration.
   • Check the power supply for sufficient voltage and current.

2. Touch Buttons Not Responding:

   • Ensure the touch pins are properly configured as inputs.
   • Verify that the touchRead() function is used correctly in the code.
   • Check for electrical noise or interference affecting the touch sensors.

3. Microcontroller Not Detected by PC:

   • Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Install the correct USB drivers for the ESP32-S3.
   • Press the reset button or hold the boot button while connecting to the PC.

Q: Can I use the ESP32-S3 AMOLED1.8 with a 5V logic device?
A: No, the GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic. Use a level shifter if interfacing with 5V devices.

Q: What is the maximum current draw of the board?
A: The maximum current draw is approximately 500mA, depending on the peripherals and display usage.

Q: Is the display backlight adjustable?
A: Yes, the display brightness can be controlled via PWM on the backlight pin (if exposed).

Q: Can I use the board with MicroPython?
A: Yes, the ESP32-S3 is compatible with MicroPython. You can flash the MicroPython firmware and use libraries to control the display and touch inputs.