Overview
The ESP8266 WiFi Module is a self contained SOC with integrated TCP/IP protocol stack that can give any microcontroller access to your WiFi network. The ESP8266 is capable of either hosting an application or offloading all WiFi networking functions from another application processor. Each ESP8266 module comes pre-programmed with an AT command set firmware, meaning, you can simply hook this up to your Arduino device and get about as much WiFi-ability as a WiFi Shield offers (and that's just out of the box)! The ESP8266 module is an extremely cost effective board with a huge, and ever growing, community.
This module has a powerful enough on-board processing and storage capability that allows it to be integrated with the sensors and other application specific devices through its GPIOs with minimal development up-front and minimal loading during runtime. Its high degree of on-chip integration allows for minimal external circuitry, including the front-end module, is designed to occupy minimal PCB area. The ESP8266 supports APSD for VoIP applications and Bluetooth co-existance interfaces, it contains a self-calibrated RF allowing it to work under all operating conditions, and requires no external RF parts.
There is an almost limitless fountain of information available for the ESP8266, all of which has been provided by amazing community support. In the Documents section below you will find many resources to aid you in using the ESP8266, even instructions on how to transform this module into an IoT (Internet of Things) solution!
Note: The ESP8266 Module is not capable of 5-3V logic shifting and will require an external Logic Level Converter. Please do not power it directly from your 5V dev board.
Key Feature
- Fully self-contained WiFi networking with TCP/IP stack and soft-AP support
- Onboard low-power 32-bit processor usable as an application core
- Compact, cost-effective module with minimal external circuitry
- Supports Wi-Fi Direct (P2P), VoIP APSD, and Bluetooth co-existence
- Backed by a strong developer community and extensive documentation
Technical Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
|---|
WiFi Standards | 802.11 b/g/n |
Flash Memory | 4MB |
CPU | Integrated low-power 32-bit processor |
Communication Interfaces | UART, SPI, SDIO 1.1 / 2.0 |
Output Power | +19.5dBm (802.11b mode) |
Soft Access Point (Soft-AP) | Supported |
Wi-Fi Direct (P2P) | Supported |
TCP/IP Protocol Stack | Integrated |
Power Management | Integrated with DCXO, PLLs, regulators |
RF Components | Integrated TR switch, balun, LNA, PA |
Power Down Leakage | <10 µA |
Standby Power (DTIM3) | <1.0 mW |
Packet Transmission Time | <2 ms (wake up & transmit) |
MIMO Support | 1×1 MIMO, 2×1 MIMO, STBC |
Aggregation Support | A-MPDU & A-MSDU, 0.4ms guard interval |
Applications
- IoT and smart home devices
- Wireless sensor networks
- Arduino/microcontroller WiFi projects
- Home automation systems
- Embedded WiFi in electronics