ESP32/ESP8266
makerESP32 and ESP8266 are low-cost, versatile microcontroller modules with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
expanded
The ESP32 and ESP8266 are popular microcontroller units widely used in IoT applications for their affordability and integration of Wi-Fi (and Bluetooth in the ESP32) communication capabilities. Their ease of programming and robust real-time processing features make them ideal for projects such as home automation, wireless sensor networks, and small-scale, connected devices.
examples
Smart home automated lighting system using ESP8266.
The ESP8266 can be used in a home automation project, where it connects to a Wi-Fi network and controls smart lighting using MQTT protocol. A typical setup includes GPIO pins driving relay modules to switch lights on or off, with each ESP8266 handling up to 9 relays under a maximum current of 12 mA per pin.
Remote weather station using ESP32.
An ESP32 module can form the core of a remote weather station, collecting data such as temperature and humidity via digital sensors like the DHT22, and transmitting it over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This setup typically uses ADC ports for sensor inputs, with data processed in real-time. Power consumption can be managed to maximize battery life, typically at 160 mA active power and 10 μA in deep sleep mode.