Espressif has unveiled a new ESP32 based Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module with an innovative twist. The ESP32-WROOM-DA features dual offset antennas for more reliable connectivity.
Same ESP-32 Power, Better Signal Strength
The new modules feature a built-in ESO32-DOWD-V3 chip, with a 32-bit LX6 dual-core processor running at up to 240 MHz. The System on Chips (SoCs) also feature 520 KB of SRAM and 448 KB of ROM.
Espressif didn’t go into many more details in its press release about ESP32-WROOM-DA, though they do mention that the new modules will be pin-to-pin compatible with the popular ESP32-WROOM-32E.
There was also some information about how the new PCB antennas will work too:
While being used, the module works according to signal strength, selecting the strongest signal to ensure continuous communication. When a weak signal is detected, the module continues to work with an API call that helps it switch to the other antenna with a stronger signal.
There is no further information about the software support for the new hardware at this stage, though you can contact Espressif customer support for more details.
The Internet of Things at a Distance
ESP32 based chips are so dominant in IoT that it’s easy to forget just how big of an innovation they, and their Arduino killing smaller siblings the esp8266, were on release. The combination of a powerful, highly compatible dual-core microcontroller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity frequently finds itself at the center of devices from the industry level right down to hobbyist workbenches.
A significant reason for this is price and convenience. The modules themselves represent good value simply as they are so versatile, and can be programmed via the Arduino IDE, Lua, direct AT commands, or bare metal and find themselves in a variety of differing dev boards like the Adafruit Funhouse.
One thing is sure, in a world of Wireless Sensor Nodes and Smart Connected devices all relying on reliable connectivity regardless of environment, the new range upgrades will undoubtedly be welcome to comercial developers and DIY network programmers alike.