SparkFun Thing Plus - ESP32-S3

The SparkFun ESP32-S3 Thing Plus is a powerful and versatile IoT development platform featuring the ESP32 WROOM-S3 MINI wireless module from espressif™. Built around an Xtensa® 32-bit LX7 processor, it operates up to 240 MHz and supports 2.4 GHz WiFi and Bluetooth® 5 (LE) with a built-in PCB antenna. It includes 4MB Flash memory, 2MB PSRAM, and a microSD card slot for additional storage.

This module boasts numerous peripherals such as UART, I²C, SPI, LCD control, SDIO host, and a TWAI® controller (compatible with ISO 11898-1, CAN Specification 2). The ESP32-S3 can run two USB ports simultaneously and can act as a USB host device, providing extensive flexibility for various applications.

The Thing Plus footprint breaks out 21 of the ESP32-S3's GPIO pins, including six analog-capable pins, along with Reset and Enable signals to a pair of 2.54mm-spaced plated through hole (PTH) headers. These GPIO pins are available for UART, I²C, and SPI interfaces, making it easy to connect to other devices and sensors.

Equipped with a USB-C connector for power and programming, a 2-pin JST connector for a LiPo battery (not included), a microSD card slot for expanded storage, and a Qwiic connector, this board integrates seamlessly into SparkFun’s Qwiic ecosystem. It also features a charging circuit and fuel gauge for monitoring an attached LiPo battery.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System simplifies prototyping by using a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces PCB space requirements and ensures correct connections with polarized connectors.

Features:

• ESP32-S3 Mini Module:
  • Dual-Core Xtensa® 32-bit LX7 Processor
  • 45 Programmable GPIO (21 pins broken out on Thing Plus, 17 analog input capable)
  • Up to 3 UART Channels
  • 1 Full-Speed USB OTG
  • 1 USB Serial/JTAG Controller
  • Up to 4 SPI
  • Up to 2 I²C
  • Up to 2 I²S
  • 1 LCD Interface
  • Up to 8 LED PWM Controller Channels
  • 1 TWAI® Controller (Compatible with ISO 11898-1 CAN Spec. 2.0)
  • 4 MB Flash
  • 2 MB PSRAM
  • 2.4 GHz WiFi 6
  • Bluetooth® 5 LE
  • PCB Antenna
• Thing Plus Form-Factor:
  • Dimensions: 6.48 cm x 2.29 cm
  • Two Mounting Holes
  • 28 PTH pins
  • USB-C Connector
  • 2-pin JST Connector for LiPo Battery (not included)
  • 4-pin Qwiic Connector
  • microSD Card Slot
  • MCP73831 Battery Charger
    • Charge Rate: 213mA@3.3V
  • MAX17048 Fuel Gauge
    • I²C Address: 0x36
• LEDs:
  • PWR - Red Power LED
  • CHG - Yellow Battery Charging Indicator
  • STAT - Blue LED
  • WS2812 - RGB LED (Data In tied to ESP46)
• Buttons:
  • BOOT
  • RESET

Documents:

• Schematic
• KiCad Files
• Board Dimensions
• Hookup Guide
• Datasheet (ESP32-S3 MINI-1)
• Thing Plus Info Page
• Qwiic Info Page
• GitHub Hardware Repo