OMGS3 is a Compact yet Fully Functional ESP32-S3 Module

The OMGS3 is a compact, fully-featured ESP32-S3-PICO board from the Unexpected Maker. With its dual-core architecture and QSPI memory, it can effortlessly handle more than one task at a time. It has wireless connectivity supporting Wifi, Bluetooth, and an Onboard High Gain Antenna.

The Architecture of the OMGS3 Board

The Xtensa LX7 Core is designed by Cadence. The dual-core setup allows the device to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It is highly customizable. This allows designers to create processors that are highly efficient for tasks, such as real-time signal processing, IoT functions, or machine learning.

These cores are coupled with a RISC-V Ultra Low Power Co-processor. The RISC-V architecture is known for its simplicity, modularity, and flexibility. It is highly adaptable for different applications. It handles low-power tasks, allowing the main processor to enter sleep mode and conserve energy.

The OMGS3 provides wireless communication through 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and BLE 5.0 + Mesh. These wireless technologies offer versatile connectivity options, balancing performance, range, and power consumption for various embedded applications. It provides a wide range of Wi-Fi standards that make it compatible across devices and provide different speeds of communication. The 2.4GHz band is widely used as it effectively penetrates walls and obstacles while covering large areas. BLE Mesh allows devices to form a network where messages can be relayed through multiple nodes to reach their destination. This significantly extends the range of BLE communication.

The memory has a QSPI-Quad Serial Peripheral Interface which is a high-speed memory interface that allows data transfer using four data lines, making it faster than traditional SPI. The 8MB QSPI Flash is used to store the system’s firmware, applications, or large static datasets. When the system is powered on, part of this code or data may be loaded into the 2MB of QSPI PSRAM for faster access and execution. The flash provides long-term storage, while the PSRAM acts as a temporary working memory for dynamic operations.

OMGS3: Specifications

• Dimensions:
  • 25 x 10 x 2.6mm
• Processors:
  • Dual 32bit Xtensa LX7 cores @ up to 240Mhz
  • RISC-V Ultra Low Power Co-processor
• Wireless Connectivity:
  • 2.4GHz Wifi – 802.11b/g/n
  • BLE 5.0 + Mesh
  • High Gain Antenna
• Memory:
  • 8MB QSPI FLASH
  • 2MB QSPI PSRAM
• Low Power Consumption:
  • 700mA 3.3V LDO Regulator
  • Low Deep Sleep Current
  • Low-power RGB LED
• USB:
  • Native USB + USB Serial JTAG
  • D+/D- pins for external USB connector
• 17 GPIO ports
• Battery: 
  • LiPo Battery Charging
  • I2C Battery Fuel Gauge (MAX17048G+T10)

Miscellaneous Peripherals

The power consumption is additionally kept low with features like 700mA 3.3V LDO Regulator, Low Deep Sleep Current, and Low-power RGB LED. The USB + USB Serial JTAG streamlines the process of flashing firmware and debugging issues without additional hardware interfaces. The LiPo Battery Charging simplifies power management for portable devices by eliminating the need for an external charger circuit. The I2C Battery Fuel Gauge monitors the battery’s state, helps optimize battery life, and avoids sudden shutdowns. The High Gain Antenna increases signal strength and extends the range of wireless communication. It is useful for applications that require stable and reliable connectivity in environments with obstacles or interference. The Bottom Pads on the module allow direct surface mounting onto another PCB or have wires soldered to them. They are typically useful when space is limited because of the compact design.

The OMGS3 module can work with CircuitPython as well as Micropython. However, working with C/C++, ESP-IDF, and Arduino is more user-friendly. The Unexpected Maker ESP32-S3 GitHub Repo includes a 3D STEP file for the OMGS3, some KiCAD 8 files, a PDF Schematic for the OMGS3, a pinout reference card, and Helper Libraries for CircuitPython.

The OMGS3 Ships with CircuitPython and the UF2 bootloader pre-installed. For more information on the OMGS3 and to buy it,  the official shop! It is currently unavailable in offline stores.

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