The ESP-32, or Expressif Systems 32, is a versatile and advanced microcontroller. A microcontroller is basically a small computer that outputs electrical impulses to control small electrical components. The controller has access to a built-in wireless receiver as well as web server interface capabilities. With 34 GPIO pins serving several functions, it dwarfs something like the Arduino Uno with only 14 digital pins. The ESP-32 is a staple of the DIY electronics hobby because of its plethora of features, ease of use and cheap cost.
The main features of the ESP-32 include wifi compatibility with both high and low-frequency Bluetooth. Additionally, the ESP-32 protocol now allows for a relatively painless setup of wireless communication between microcontrollers.
The ESP-32 that can be used to provide PWM, analog and digital outputs, as well as ADC and several other inputs. The outputs are as simple as pins that can then be soldered into a bigger PCB that serves a user’s function or hooked up to a breakout board to allow for easier connection to other types of interfaces, such as screw terminals. The ESP-32, from a hardware standpoint, is rather impressive with its wireless capabilities as well as many other features.
The second reasoning as to why the ESP-32 is so great is its ease of use. It can be programmed via Arduino IDE, allowing for an easy transition to using it working on Arduinos. Though the hardware and libraries are different, the user still works with the same programming language in the same environment. This means the learning curve is much less steep when coming from something like the Arduino UNO. The ease of use means that the ESP-32 can be a large timesaver when creating complex robots that require communication between multiple microcontrollers and computers.
The final main draw of the ESP-32 is its relatively cheap cost. It costs about 10 dollars on Amazon, and for the features that it provides, that is a great deal. An Arduino Uno REV4, which is a wifi-enabled microcontroller that is a bit more beginner-friendly, costs about 30 dollars.
The primary reason for this difference is the complexity of each. The Arduino UNO has more built-in regulators to prevent current overdraw and fires. The ESP-32 is lacking in these areas because it manages to pack a lot of power into a small frame and at a lower cost, so there are tradeoffs. If an individual wires it wrong or supplies the wrong voltage, they will burn it up, but some fuses and being careful about one’s work can help with that.
Overall, the ESP-32 is a great microcontroller with a plethora of features for a very low price, and though it lacks some safeguards, it is a very fun microcontroller to work with with a lot of potential for all sorts of projects. The esp-32 offers a unique set of features at a cheap price point that can be useful for many things.
In the context of the DIY electronics hobby world, it is arguably one of the most useful things to exist, and since microcontrollers are at the heart of any robot, I firmly believe that the ESP-32 is worthy of praise and worship.