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How to Use Arduino Nano ESP32: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of Arduino Nano ESP32
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Introduction

The Arduino Nano ESP32 (Manufacturer Part ID: Nano-ESP32) is a compact microcontroller board developed by Arduino. It combines the familiar form factor of the Arduino Nano with the powerful ESP32 chip, enabling advanced features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This board is designed for IoT (Internet of Things) applications, making it an excellent choice for projects requiring wireless communication, remote monitoring, or smart device integration.

Explore Projects Built with Arduino Nano ESP32

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Bioamplifier-Integrated ESP32 & Arduino UNO Wi-Fi Controlled Biometric Data Acquisition System
Image of epsilon: A project utilizing Arduino Nano ESP32 in a practical application
This circuit features an Arduino Nano ESP32 connected to a BioAmplifier (bioampexgpill) for biometric signal acquisition, with the amplifier's output connected to the Arduino's analog input (A0). The ESP32 is powered by a 3.7V LiPo battery, and the circuit also includes an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi connected to a servo motor and an LED, with the servo controlled via digital pin D6 and the LED connected to digital pin D12. The UNO is powered by a 9V battery, and the servo's power is supplied from the UNO's 5V output.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino Nano ESP32 Battery-Powered Robotic Arm with Servo Motors and Distance Sensor
Image of quadruped spider: A project utilizing Arduino Nano ESP32 in a practical application
This circuit features an Arduino Nano ESP32 controlling multiple servos and a VL53L0X distance sensor. Power is supplied by two 18650 Li-ion batteries through a buck converter, with a rocker switch to control the power. The servos are connected to various digital pins on the Arduino, while the distance sensor communicates via I2C.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32-Based Environmental Monitoring System with GPS and GSM Connectivity
Image of IOT BASED SENSORS: A project utilizing Arduino Nano ESP32 in a practical application
This circuit features an ESP32 microcontroller as the central processing unit, interfacing with a variety of sensors and modules. It includes an IR sensor for detecting infrared signals, a GPS NEO 6M module for location tracking, a PH Meter and a Turbidity Module for water quality measurement, and a SIM900A module for cellular communication. The ESP32 is powered by an 18650 Li-Ion battery, and it communicates with the GPS, SIM900A, and ESP32-CAM modules via serial connections. Ground and power connections are distributed among all components to ensure a common reference point and proper power supply.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
IoT Biometric and RFID Security System with GSM and Wireless Communication
Image of IOT Project: A project utilizing Arduino Nano ESP32 in a practical application
This circuit features an ESP8266 NodeMCU and an Arduino Nano as its main microcontrollers, interfacing with a variety of peripherals. The ESP8266 controls an NRF24L01 wireless module and communicates with a SIM900A GSM module, while the Arduino Nano manages a fingerprint scanner, a buzzer module, an OLED display, an RFID-RC522 module, and another NRF24L01 module. A bi-directional logic level converter is used to interface devices with different voltage levels, ensuring proper communication between 3.3V and 5V components.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Arduino Nano ESP32

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 epsilon: A project utilizing Arduino Nano ESP32 in a practical application
Bioamplifier-Integrated ESP32 & Arduino UNO Wi-Fi Controlled Biometric Data Acquisition System
This circuit features an Arduino Nano ESP32 connected to a BioAmplifier (bioampexgpill) for biometric signal acquisition, with the amplifier's output connected to the Arduino's analog input (A0). The ESP32 is powered by a 3.7V LiPo battery, and the circuit also includes an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi connected to a servo motor and an LED, with the servo controlled via digital pin D6 and the LED connected to digital pin D12. The UNO is powered by a 9V battery, and the servo's power is supplied from the UNO's 5V output.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of quadruped spider: A project utilizing Arduino Nano ESP32 in a practical application
Arduino Nano ESP32 Battery-Powered Robotic Arm with Servo Motors and Distance Sensor
This circuit features an Arduino Nano ESP32 controlling multiple servos and a VL53L0X distance sensor. Power is supplied by two 18650 Li-ion batteries through a buck converter, with a rocker switch to control the power. The servos are connected to various digital pins on the Arduino, while the distance sensor communicates via I2C.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of IOT BASED SENSORS: A project utilizing Arduino Nano ESP32 in a practical application
ESP32-Based Environmental Monitoring System with GPS and GSM Connectivity
This circuit features an ESP32 microcontroller as the central processing unit, interfacing with a variety of sensors and modules. It includes an IR sensor for detecting infrared signals, a GPS NEO 6M module for location tracking, a PH Meter and a Turbidity Module for water quality measurement, and a SIM900A module for cellular communication. The ESP32 is powered by an 18650 Li-Ion battery, and it communicates with the GPS, SIM900A, and ESP32-CAM modules via serial connections. Ground and power connections are distributed among all components to ensure a common reference point and proper power supply.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of IOT Project: A project utilizing Arduino Nano ESP32 in a practical application
IoT Biometric and RFID Security System with GSM and Wireless Communication
This circuit features an ESP8266 NodeMCU and an Arduino Nano as its main microcontrollers, interfacing with a variety of peripherals. The ESP8266 controls an NRF24L01 wireless module and communicates with a SIM900A GSM module, while the Arduino Nano manages a fingerprint scanner, a buzzer module, an OLED display, an RFID-RC522 module, and another NRF24L01 module. A bi-directional logic level converter is used to interface devices with different voltage levels, ensuring proper communication between 3.3V and 5V components.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

  • IoT devices and smart home automation
  • Wireless sensor networks
  • Remote data logging and monitoring
  • Bluetooth-enabled devices
  • Robotics and automation systems
  • Prototyping for connected devices

Technical Specifications

The Arduino Nano ESP32 is packed with features that make it versatile and powerful for a wide range of applications. Below are its key technical details:

Key Technical Details

Parameter Specification
Microcontroller ESP32-S3
Operating Voltage 3.3V
Input Voltage (VIN) 5V (via USB or VIN pin)
Digital I/O Pins 14
Analog Input Pins 8
PWM Pins 14
Flash Memory 8MB (external)
SRAM 512KB
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0
USB Interface USB-C
Dimensions 45mm x 18mm

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The Arduino Nano ESP32 features a pinout similar to the classic Arduino Nano, with additional functionality provided by the ESP32 chip. Below is the pin configuration:

Pin Number Pin Name Description
1 VIN Input voltage (5V) for powering the board.
2 GND Ground pin.
3 3V3 3.3V output from the onboard regulator.
4-11 D0-D7 Digital I/O pins (can also be used for PWM).
12-13 RX, TX UART communication pins.
14-21 A0-A7 Analog input pins (can also be used as digital I/O).
22 RST Reset pin to restart the microcontroller.
23 SDA I2C data line.
24 SCL I2C clock line.
25 EN Enable pin for the ESP32 chip.
26 BOOT Boot mode selection pin (used for flashing firmware).

Usage Instructions

The Arduino Nano ESP32 is easy to use and program, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. Below are the steps and best practices for using the board in a circuit.

How to Use the Component in a Circuit

  1. Powering the Board:

    • Use the USB-C port to power the board and upload code.
    • Alternatively, supply 5V to the VIN pin for external power.
  2. Connecting Peripherals:

    • Use the digital and analog pins to connect sensors, actuators, and other peripherals.
    • For I2C devices, connect to the SDA and SCL pins.
  3. Programming the Board:

    • Install the Arduino IDE and add the ESP32 board package.
    • Select "Arduino Nano ESP32" as the board in the Tools menu.
    • Write and upload your code via the USB-C connection.
  4. Using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:

    • Leverage the ESP32's built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless communication.
    • Use libraries such as WiFi.h and BluetoothSerial.h for easy implementation.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Ensure the input voltage does not exceed 5V to avoid damaging the board.
  • Use level shifters when interfacing with 5V logic devices, as the board operates at 3.3V.
  • Avoid placing the board near sources of electromagnetic interference to maintain reliable wireless communication.
  • Use proper decoupling capacitors when connecting external components to reduce noise.

Example Code for Arduino Nano ESP32 with Wi-Fi

Below is an example of how to connect the Arduino Nano ESP32 to a Wi-Fi network and print the IP address:

#include <WiFi.h> // Include the Wi-Fi library

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "Your_SSID";
const char* password = "Your_PASSWORD";

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Initialize serial communication
  Serial.println("Connecting to Wi-Fi...");

  WiFi.begin(ssid, password); // Start Wi-Fi connection

  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(1000); // Wait for connection
    Serial.print(".");
  }

  Serial.println("\nWi-Fi connected!");
  Serial.print("IP Address: ");
  Serial.println(WiFi.localIP()); // Print the IP address
}

void loop() {
  // Add your main code here
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. The board is not detected by the Arduino IDE:

    • Ensure the correct USB driver is installed for the ESP32.
    • Check that the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
  2. Wi-Fi connection fails:

    • Double-check the SSID and password in your code.
    • Ensure the Wi-Fi network is within range and not overloaded.
  3. The board overheats:

    • Avoid overloading the GPIO pins with excessive current.
    • Ensure proper ventilation around the board.
  4. Code upload fails:

    • Press and hold the BOOT button while uploading the code.
    • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the Arduino Nano ESP32 with 5V sensors?
A: Yes, but you will need level shifters to convert the 5V logic to 3.3V.

Q: Does the board support OTA (Over-The-Air) updates?
A: Yes, the ESP32 supports OTA updates, which can be implemented using the Arduino IDE or other tools.

Q: Can I use the board with the Arduino Nano shields?
A: The pinout is similar, but compatibility depends on the shield's voltage requirements and functionality.

Q: How do I reset the board?
A: Press the RST button or toggle the EN pin to reset the board.

This concludes the documentation for the Arduino Nano ESP32. For further assistance, refer to the official Arduino documentation or community forums.