Introducing the FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6: Affordable Connectivity Powerhouse at $5.90

DFRobot launched a new and improved FireBeetle 2 development board. This version has the latest ESP32-C6 chip from Espressif Systems, providing standard input/output options, battery support, and advanced connections with Zigbee 3.0 and Thread 1.3.

Unlike the previous FireBeetle 2 model (ESP32-S3) released in 2022, the new one comes with the recently unveiled ESP32-C6 chip, offering a single-core RISC-V processor running at speeds up to 160 MHz, 512KB of SRAM, 4MB of Flash memory, and 16KB of dedicated SRAM for the Real-Time Clock (RTC).

The ESP32-C6 chip is noteworthy for being the first to incorporate the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) protocol. This upgrade enhances network capacity and decreases latency. Additionally, the Target Wake Time (TWT) feature is included to optimize power usage, leading to longer battery life in Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6 Specifications:

• Display: 1x GDI connector
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), BLE 5, Zigbee 3.0, Thread 1.3
• I/O Interfaces: 19x Digital I/O, I/R Transceiver, 1x User LED
• USB: 1x USB Type-C
• Other Features: Reset button, Boot button, Charging LED, Battery connector
• Operating Temperature: -10℃ to 60℃
• Power: 5V DC (via USB Type-C), 5V DC or 4.5-6V (Solar Panel)
• Mechanical: 25.4 x 60mm

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 is equipped to support Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, Zigbee 3.0, and Thread 1.3. This makes it a versatile connectivity hub for diverse IoT networks, allowing seamless integration into smart home setups with multiple systems and platforms.
As per the information from the DFRobot Wiki, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 comes with a variety of header pins that serve different functions. These include 19 Digital I/Os (Input/Output), one SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), three UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) for serial communication, two I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) for connecting to other devices, and one I2S interface for audio applications. Additionally, it features a 12-bit SAR ADC (Successive Approximation Register Analog-to-Digital Converter), which is useful for precise analog signal measurements. The board also supports DMA (Direct Memory Access) for efficient data transfer and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for controlling devices like motors and LEDs.

The power management system of the board is designed for flexibility. It includes an integrated CN3165 battery charging IC, allowing you to charge batteries directly on the board. There’s also a dedicated battery connector, making it suitable for portable applications where battery power is essential. Moreover, the board features a USB Type-C port, offering an alternative option for power supply and data transfer. This versatility in power options makes the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 adaptable to various scenarios and applications.

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6 is priced at $5.90 and can be purchased from the DFRobot online store.

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