The ESP32 series of microcontrollers is one of the go-to choices for projects where performance and connectivity are a priority, all while providing a powerful processor and wireless capabilities at an affordable price. These MCUs quickly gained popularity due to their impressive set of features, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and exceptional price-to-feature ratio. Compared to many traditional embedded MCUs, the ESP32 series offered more processing power, integrated connectivity, and better security features, which made them a favourite among hobbyists and professionals alike. Over the years, we've seen numerous iterations, with both Tensilica Xtensa and RISC-V cores powering the various models, but until now, the Wi-Fi capabilities have been limited to the 2.4 GHz band.
That’s about to change with the upcoming ESP32-C5, which marks a significant evolution in Espressif’s product lineup by adding dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities. The C5 is the first RISC-V-based MCU from Espressif to support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi 6, along with Bluetooth 5 (LE) and IEEE 802.15.4 standards. This dual-band support opens new possibilities for IoT applications, allowing devices to operate on the less crowded 5 GHz band for lower latency and more reliable connectivity. The inclusion of advanced Wi-Fi 6 features such as Target Wake Time (TWT), MU-MIMO, and OFDMA ensures improved performance in dense network environments, making the ESP32-C5 ideal for modern IoT solutions.
Under the hood, the ESP32-C5 features a single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor clocked at up to 240 MHz, 384 KB of on-chip SRAM, and support for external PSRAM. It has a total of 29 programmable GPIOs, comprehensive peripheral support, and robust security features, including secure boot, flash encryption, and cryptographic accelerators. Notably, the 5 GHz Wi-Fi radio requires a separate antenna, which Espressif has elegantly integrated into the design without increasing the module's size. Engineering samples reviewed by Andreas Spiess highlight the C5's dual-band capabilities, with successful tests demonstrating connectivity on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.
Developers will also benefit from software support, as Espressif integrates the ESP32-C5 into its own ESP-IDF SDK, ensuring compatibility with existing tools and applications. While Arduino support is still in development, the promise of Arduino IDE integration means that hobbyists and professionals will soon be able to leverage this advanced MCU for a wide range of projects. With its enhanced connectivity, high-performance features, and future-proof design, the ESP32-C5 is set to become a game-changer in the IoT space, raising the bar for affordable and versatile microcontrollers.
