FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 Development Kit for Smart Home (2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi 6, Home Assistant, BLE 5, Zigbee, Thread)

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 IO Expansion Kit is an advanced development platform that unites the powerful FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 microcontroller with a dedicated IO expansion shield. This combination is tailored for next-generation IoT applications, featuring cutting-edge wireless performance, comprehensive protocol support, and robust power flexibility. At its core, the ESP32-C5 provides dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, facilitating seamless integration into modern smart home platforms.

At the heart of this kit is dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, offering 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support. This ensures a stable and responsive wireless connection with higher transmission speeds and lower latency. The Wi-Fi 6 technology boosts network capacity and efficiency through mechanisms such as OFDMA and TWT, reducing device power consumption and prolonging battery life for extended deployments.

The development board supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, Thread, and Zigbee protocols, paving the way to create Matter end-devices over Wi-Fi or Thread. This multi-protocol support ensures seamless cross-platform interoperability among smart home products. Home enthusiasts can utilize this flexibility to build reliable MQTT clients or experiment with Thread and Matter integrations, consolidating diverse functionalities into a single board.

Featuring versatile power management, the board accommodates various power sources, including Type-C, 5V DC, and direct solar panel input for lithium battery charging. The solar power management IC optimizes charging efficiency regardless of light strength, making it perfect for outdoor or power-scarce settings. With integrated battery level monitoring and controllable 3.3V power output, the device minimizes power consumption during idle times by de-energizing external sensors.

The included solderless IO expansion board revolutionizes rapid prototyping, negating the need for soldering in initial development stages. All IO pins from the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 are exposed via conveniently arranged headers, with clear functional divisions, enabling seamless connection to sensors, displays, and peripherals. This setup accelerates the journey from concept to prototype, making innovative project development easier and faster.