How to Use 3.5 inch ESP32-S3 Display module: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The 3.5 inch ESP32-S3 Display Module (Manufacturer Part ID: JC3248W535C_I_Y) by Shenzhen Jingcai Intelligent is a compact and versatile display module. It features a 3.5-inch touchscreen interface and is powered by the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, which supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This module is ideal for creating interactive applications, such as IoT dashboards, smart home interfaces, and portable devices.

• IoT control panels and dashboards
• Smart home automation interfaces
• Portable multimedia devices
• Educational and prototyping projects
• Industrial control systems
• Wearable devices with touchscreen functionality

The module has a standard pin header for easy integration into circuits. Below is the pinout:

1. Powering the Module: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. SPI Communication: Connect the SCK, MOSI, MISO, and CS pins to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller or development board.
3. Touchscreen Interface: Use the SDA and SCL pins for I2C communication to read touchscreen inputs.
4. Reset and Interrupt: Connect the RST pin to a GPIO pin for resetting the module, and the INT pin to a GPIO pin to handle touchscreen interrupts.
5. Debugging: Use the TX and RX pins for serial communication to debug or send data.

• Ensure the power supply is stable and does not exceed 3.3V to avoid damaging the module.
• Use appropriate pull-up resistors for the I2C lines (SDA and SCL) if not already included in your circuit.
• Avoid placing the module near high-frequency noise sources to maintain reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Use a level shifter if interfacing with a 5V microcontroller to prevent damage to the module's pins.

Below is an example of how to interface the module with an Arduino UNO using the SPI interface. Note that the ESP32-S3 module can also be programmed directly, but this example assumes the Arduino UNO is used as a host controller.

#include <SPI.h>
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_ILI9341.h>

// Define SPI pins for the display
#define TFT_CS   10  // Chip Select pin
#define TFT_RST  9   // Reset pin
#define TFT_DC   8   // Data/Command pin

// Initialize the display object
Adafruit_ILI9341 tft = Adafruit_ILI9341(TFT_CS, TFT_DC, TFT_RST);

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Initializing 3.5 inch ESP32-S3 Display Module...");

  // Initialize the display
  tft.begin();
  tft.setRotation(1); // Set display orientation
  tft.fillScreen(ILI9341_BLACK); // Clear the screen with black color

  // Display a welcome message
  tft.setTextColor(ILI9341_WHITE);
  tft.setTextSize(2);
  tft.setCursor(10, 10);
  tft.println("Hello, World!");
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Draw a rectangle that changes color
  static uint16_t color = ILI9341_RED;
  tft.fillRect(50, 50, 100, 100, color);
  delay(1000);
  color = (color == ILI9341_RED) ? ILI9341_BLUE : ILI9341_RED;
}

• The Adafruit_ILI9341 library is used to control the display. Install it via the Arduino Library Manager.
• Ensure the SPI pins on the Arduino UNO are connected to the corresponding pins on the module (SCK, MOSI, MISO, and CS).

1. Display Not Turning On:

   • Verify that the VCC and GND pins are properly connected.
   • Ensure the power supply provides a stable 3.3V.

2. Touchscreen Not Responding:

   • Check the I2C connections (SDA and SCL) and ensure pull-up resistors are used if necessary.
   • Verify that the interrupt pin (INT) is correctly configured in your code.

3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity Issues:

   • Ensure the module is not placed near sources of electromagnetic interference.
   • Check your code for proper initialization of the ESP32-S3's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth features.

4. Flickering or Artifacts on the Display:

   • Verify the SPI clock speed in your code. A clock speed of 40MHz or lower is recommended.
   • Check for loose or poor connections in the SPI lines.

Q: Can I power the module with 5V?
A: No, the module operates at 3.3V. Use a voltage regulator or level shifter if interfacing with a 5V system.

Q: Is the module compatible with other microcontrollers?
A: Yes, the module can be used with any microcontroller that supports SPI and I2C communication, such as Arduino, STM32, or Raspberry Pi.

Q: How do I update the firmware on the ESP32-S3?
A: Use the ESP-IDF or Arduino IDE to upload firmware via the USB interface or UART pins (TX and RX).

Q: Can I use the module outdoors?
A: The module is not weatherproof. Use an appropriate enclosure for outdoor applications.

Q: What is the maximum range for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
A: The range depends on environmental factors but typically reaches up to 30 meters indoors and 100 meters outdoors for Wi-Fi.

This concludes the documentation for the 3.5 inch ESP32-S3 Display Module. For further assistance, refer to the manufacturer's datasheet or contact technical support.