Page 36 – Electronics-Lab.com

EDATEC ED-IPC3020 is A Fanless RPi 5 PC with M.2 SSD and RS485/RS232 Interfaces

Posted on 3 January, 20243 January, 2024 by Debashis Das

The EDATEC ED-IPC3020 is a fanless PC based on the Raspberry Pi 5. It stands out because it supports NVMe M.2 SSD and features RS232 and RS485 serial ports. It also offers the standard I/O capabilities of the Raspberry Pi 5.

The new Raspberry Pi 5 SBC has a PCIe 2.0×1 interface that lets you connect various devices, like SSDs. Companies like PineBerry Pi have used this feature to create add-ons like the PineBerry Pi Ha tDrive. Now, with the EDATEC series, we get a full Raspberry Pi 5 computer that includes M.2 NVMe storage.

The fanless industrial PC integrates the Raspberry Pi 5 with accessible ports and an add-on board for M.2 NVMe, serial ports, RTC battery, and buzzer. It also includes speaker and 5V output connectors for potential future use with a Raspberry Pi 5 smart display.

EDATEC’s ED-IPC3020 supports all Raspberry Pi OS variants and includes scripts for drivers and configuration to enable additional features. Its design features a thermal pad for cooling and an M.2 SSD connected to the Pi 5 via GPIO and PCIe.

EDATEC ED-IPC3020 specifications(Mostly RPI-5 Specs):

SoC:
- Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor, up to 2.4 GHz
- VideoCore VI GPU
- 4Kp60 H.265 decoder
Memory:
- Options: 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM
Storage:
- MicroSD card slot for the OS
- M.2 Key-M PCIe socket for 2230, 2242, or 2260 NVMe SSD (can also boot OS)
Video Output:
- 2x micro HDMI ports, up to 4Kp60
Networking:
- Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port (optional PoE support)
- Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5
- Bluetooth 5.0 Classic and BLE
USB Ports:
- 2x USB 2.0 Type-A (up to 480Mbps)
- 2x USB 3.0 Type-A (up to 5Gbps)
Audio:
- 3.5mm stereo audio output jack (green)
- 3.5mm stereo audio LINE IN jack (red)
Serial Ports:
- RS485 via 3-pole Phoenix terminal with 120Ω terminal resistor
- RS232 via 3-pole Phoenix terminal
Expansion I/Os (internal only, not usable with ED-IPC3020 enclosure):
- 3-pin 5V/1A DC OUT 2.0mm pitch WTB connector (extended LCD)
- 4-pin speaker 1.5mm pitch WTB connector (dual channel stereo audio output)
- 2x MIPI CSI/DSI connectors (extended LCD screen, supporting I2C touchscreen and backlight adjustment)
Miscellaneous:
- Power button
- Power LED, ACT LED, 2x green UART LEDs (COM1 and COM2)
- RTC with SuperCAP and CR1220 battery backup
- Buzzer (alarm for bad configuration)
Power Supply:
- 5V DC/5A via USB-C port
- Power Consumption: 25 Watts (Max)
Physical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 102.8 x 89.5 x 32.5mm
- Weight: 300 grams
- Temperature Range: Operating: -25°C ~ 60°C; Storage: -25°C ~ 60°C
- Humidity: 5% ~ 95% (non-condensing)
Certifications:
- FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart B
- Various EN IEC standards (62368-1, 62311, 61000-3-2, 61000-3-3, 55032, 55035)
- Various EN 301 standards (489-1, 489-3, 489-17, 489-52, 328, 440, 511, 908-1, 908-2)

EDATEC’s ED-IPC3020 starts shipping in January, with pre-orders on Aliexpress ranging from $165 to $243, based on RAM (4GB/8GB) and storage options (microSD or 128GB/256GB SSD).

Introducing HyperAIBox’s Compact PCs: Powered by Rockchip 3568 and Rockchip 3588 Processors

Posted on 2 January, 20242 January, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

IBM is introducing new tools to make it easier for developers to write code for quantum computers. Qiskit Patterns is a set of tools that helps developers map classical problems, optimize them for quantum circuits, and execute them using Qiskit Runtime. With Qiskit Patterns and Quantum Serverless, users can create and run workflows that combine classical and quantum computing in different environments, like the cloud or on-premises.

IBM is also using generative AI, called watsonx, to automate the development of quantum code for Qiskit. This involves fine-tuning the IBM Granite model series, making it simpler for developers to work with quantum algorithms. Overall, these tools aim to provide building blocks for users to easily build and run quantum algorithms.

The HyperAIBox H2 is a compact Mini-PC with a robust Rockchip 3588 processor. This processor includes four high-performance Cortex-A76 cores running at speeds up to 2.4 GHz and four energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores running at speeds up to 1.8 GHz. Complementing this, it features an Arm Mali-G610 MP4 GPU for graphics and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a substantial 6 tera-operations per second (TOPS) capacity.

Similar to the PlanetPC XR2, the HyperAIBox H2 provides ample storage with 32GB internally and the option to expand up to 2TB using M.2 technology. It supports 4K video input through its HDMI port and offers versatility in display options, including dual outputs for 4K and 8K resolutions or VGA.

In essence, the HyperAIBox H2 stands out as a small yet powerful computing solution, sharing similarities with the PlanetPC XR2 in terms of features and capabilities.

The product announcement states the following:

“The HyperAIBox features pre-installed software, allowing users to run nodes from homes, offices, and retail shops, basically anywhere. The HyperAIBox is easy to use and has an integrated LED touchscreen for real-time monitoring. It is designed to handle tasks autonomously and comes with updates and support from many developers including the HyperCycle and SingularityNET ecosystems.”

The HyperAIBox H2 emerges as a video powerhouse, boasting robust decoding capabilities for various formats. With the ability to handle 8K video at 60fps in H.265, VP9, and AVS2, as well as 8K at 30fps for H.264 AVC/MVC, it covers a broad spectrum of video requirements. Additionally, the H2 can decode 4K video at 60fps in AV1 and 1080P video at 60fps for MPEG-2, -1, VC-1, and VP8, supporting up to 32 channels at 1080P at 30fps. On the encoding front, it excels in producing 8K videos at 30fps in H.265 and H.264, and it efficiently manages up to 16 channels at 1080P at 30fps.

Connectivity is a key highlight, featuring dual Wi-Fi antenna sockets for enhanced options. This stands in contrast to the H1, which utilizes internal antennas, providing users with a choice based on their preferences. The ease of use is emphasized with pre-installed software, enabling users to run nodes from various locations such as homes, offices, or retail shops. The integrated LED touchscreen facilitates real-time monitoring, and the system is designed to autonomously handle tasks, receiving ongoing updates and support from developers within the HyperCycle and SingularityNET ecosystems.

Specifications:

Memory/Storage: Up to 16 GB LPDDR5, Up to 2TB SATA HDD
Display/Audio: Touchscreen display, VGA port, HDMI in, 2x HDMI out, Speakers, 3.5mm Audio jack
Connectivity: 802.11 AX Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports
Expansion: 1x M.2 NVMe slot
USB: 4x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type-C
Other Features: Power button, 2x Status LEDs
Power: 1x Power input port
Mechanical: Dimensions – 29 x 26 x 6cm

In terms of pricing, the HyperAIBox H1 is listed at $1,199.00, while the HyperAIBox H2 starts at $1,259.00. Moreover, there’s a hint of the impending HyperAIBox H3, promising enhanced computing power and modular features shortly.

STMicroelectronics unveils the VL53L8CX ToF Sensor

Posted on 2 January, 2024 by Debashis Das

STMicroelectronics recently unveiled the VL53L8CX, a new Multi-Zone Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor, that has a daylight range of 285cm, a significant improvement over the 170cm range of its predecessor, the VL53L5CX.

In 2021, STMicro first introduced its first multi-zone ToF sensor, that sensor used laser light to measure distances. Improving upon that their latest VL53L8CX sensor features significant upgrades including a greatly enhanced daylight range, overcoming previous constraints caused by bright light conditions.

As mentioned in the intro, the new VL53L8CX sensor offers a 285cm range in full daylight, an improvement from the previous 170cm. While it doesn’t reach the 400cm maximum (according to the datasheet), it achieves this range with lower power consumption, down to 1.6 mW. Additionally, it features a 64-location, 8×8 sensing grid over a 45×45° field, all with a 60Hz frame rate. This capability makes the device suitable for gesture-based systems and allows integration with STM32 AI for hand posture recognition.

This sensor can very accurately measure container contents and liquid levels, making it suitable for autonomous robots and camera autofocus systems. It features SPI connectivity, in addition to the I2C, found in earlier models.

Key Highlights of this VL53L8CX Multi-Zone Time-of-Flight (ToF) Sensor:

Multizone Ranging: 64 zones for detailed detection.
Extended Range: Up to 400 cm in dark, 285 cm under ambient light.
Enhanced Range Over Predecessors: Increased from 170cm in the VL53L5CX model.
Field of View: 45×45° with 65° diagonal.
Low Power Use: 1.6 mW in autonomous mode.
High Frame Rate: 60 Hz capability.
Ambient Light Immunity: Enhanced performance in bright conditions.
Multi-Target Detection: In each zone.
Glass Crosstalk Immunity: Effective beyond 60 cm.
Versatile Applications: Robotics, smart buildings, liquid level monitoring, gesture recognition, etc.
Connectivity: Includes SPI and I2C options.

The VL53L8CX can be ordered from STMicro’s website, starting at $8.91 for a single unit and reducing to $3.60 each for orders of 1,000-unit trays.

This PD Trigger Board Features a Potentiometer – Adjust Output Voltage

Posted on 2 January, 2024 by Debashis Das

Engineer and designer Vincent “CentyVin” has designed a simplified USB-C PD (Power Delivery) based PPS (Programmable Power Supply) trigger board, that allows users to easily set different output voltages by simply using a potentiometer.

CentyVin in his Hackday Post Explains that this board is

A much simplified USB-C PD and PPS trigger board, [that] allow users to select arbitrary voltage from PPS-capable power brick via potentiometer

Vincent mentioned that the board includes Diodes Incorporated’s AP33772 USB PD Sink Controller, along with an RP2040 that sends instructions to the PD controller and the PD controller then sets the output voltage. The device prioritizes using the PPS profile; if unavailable or the voltage range is insufficient, it switches to a fixed PDO.

In the board, there are jumpers through which fixed outputs of 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, or 20V, can be set quickly. But by default, you can adjust voltage through a potentiometer. You can also use the potentiometer to select a voltage during boot-up, which remains constant until the next restart.

In a brief test using a UGREEN 140W charger, the board effectively accessed the full 3.3V to 21V range. A 15-minute stress test at 20V 5A showed the board’s temperature reaching 62C, within the safe operating limit of 85C for all onboard ICs.

Feature of PD Trigger Board:

Simplified USB-C PD and PPS trigger board.
Arbitrary voltage selection via potentiometer.
Jumpers for fixed 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V outputs.
Voltage remains constant after board reboot.
Uses AP33772_CPP library for efficient USB-PD operation.
Compatible with various USB-C chargers.
Stable in 15-minute stress test at 20V 5A.
Option for custom screw terminals.

Though the device allows voltage adjustment via a potentiometer one concerning thing is that the device has no current limit. Drawing more current than the charger’s rating will cause it to reset as a standard USB-PD safety feature.

Nguyen has now launched a limited batch of the PPSTrigger boards for sale on Tindie at $9.50 each. For further details and updates, visit his project on the Hackaday.

Topton M4 Fanless Mini PC Features an Intel N100 Processor at a $106 Price Point

Posted on 2 January, 2024 by Debashis Das

The Topton M4 is another fanless mini PC powered by an Intel N100 Alder Lake-N quad-core/quad-thread processor. It supports up to 32GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and includes M.2 and SATA III SSD sockets. Priced at $106, this is the most affordable Mini PC on the market.

The Topton M4, priced at $106, is notably affordable but the catch is it ships without RAM, storage, or a wireless module. While this might be seen as a drawback, it also offers an opportunity for those who have spare RAM SSDs or USB Wi-Fi dongles lying around. You can add all that in and get yourself a pretty powerful mini PC with a 50% lower price.

Previously, we’ve reviewed several mini PCs, including the Chaco Canyon, the XULU XR1, and the PICO-V2K4-SEMI, among others. If you’re interested in a mini PC setup, you might find these reviews helpful.

Topton M4 Fanless Mini PC specifications:

CPU: Intel N100 Alder Lake-N Quad-Core, Turbo up to 3.4 GHz, 6MB Cache.
Graphics: 24EU Intel HD, up to 750 MHz; 6W TDP.
RAM: Max 32GB DDR4-3200, SO-DIMM.
Storage:
- 2 2280 (NVMe/SATA III SSD).
- SATA III (2.5-inch HDD/SSD).
Video Outputs:
- 2x HDMI 2.0 (4Kp60).
- 1x DisplayPort (4Kp60).
- Supports triple displays.
Audio: 3.5mm headphone and mic jacks; digital via HDMI/DP.
Connectivity:
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet (Realtek).
- Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 (external antenna).
USB: 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0.
Serial: 2 COM ports (DB9).
Other Features: Power button, RTC, battery.
Power: 12V DC (3A-5A).
Size: 135 x 127 x 39 mm.

The mini PC supports Windows 11, OPNsense, Ubuntu, and more. While similar N100 processor computers support up to 16GB RAM, the M4 offers a 32GB/1TB option, though its compatibility is unconfirmed. The TopTon M4 includes a power adapter, cord, SATA cable, and two antennas. Pre-installed Windows 11 is provided in models with RAM, storage, and Wi-Fi. Unlike others in its price range, it features customizable RAM, storage, and wireless options.

In my opinion, this is a great deal and you can easily find the RAM, SSDs, and Wi-Fi adapters on the used market at low prices. Another variant with an Intel Pentium J6426 or Celeron J6413 Elkhart Lake processor is available for $96.85 in a barebone configuration.

More details about this mini-PC are available on cnx-software, or androidpctv.

Melexis squeezes ultimate performance in a tiny 3D Magnetometer

Posted on 28 December, 202329 December, 2023 by mixos

Melexis announces the MLX90394 Triaxis® micropower magnetometer, a tiny Hall-effect based sensor. It perfectly balances the design trade-off between low noise, current consumption and cost. With on-the-fly selectable modes and advanced configurability, it enables high reuse and fast time to market. This contactless solution is suitable for rotary, linear and 3D joystick control in gaming and industrial peripherals.

Replacing mechanical solutions, the MLX90394 provides an elegant, flexible and highly reliable solution overcoming concerns inherent to traditional potentiometers, such as contamination of the wiper surface and packaging constraints. The magnetometer’s versatility allows for deployment in linear, rotary, joystick and push button operations, offering a cost-effective simplification of the supply chain by replacing numerous existing components. Both the smart nature of the device, which allows for future configuration changes, and the non-contact design help to provide a longer lifespan than potentiometers and contact based switches. Moreover, the ultra slim and small design (2×1.5×0.4 mm) helps make slicker HMIs.

The MLX90394’s architecture delivers several benefits compared to existing solutions. This design enables measurement and output of each magnetic axis individually, along with a built-in thermometer that allows selectable temperature measurement for additional digital signal processing (DSP) compensation. Both the temperature and position data are output in 16-bit resolution, with I²C interface pins supporting 0.1MHz, 0.4MHz and 1.0MHz modes. Moreover, one product has two I²C addresses inside, which can be selected by changing the electrical pinout connection.

At the core of the product is Melexis Triaxis technology. This innovative technology helps to deliver low noise (<9μT) independent 3-axis measurement in micropower operation. Average current consumption is just 3μA for X or Y measurement and 4.3μA for Z, at 10Hz in single measurement mode. With its counting current of 10μA, the chip does the counting for you, while your microcontroller is in deep sleep and consumes little. While the Wake-up On Change (WOC) functionality enables a swift return to operation with pulsed or latched hardware pin-interrupts (XYZ). WOC thresholds can be configured as either against an initial measurement (Static Delta), against the previous measurement (Dynamic Delta) or a predefined measurement (Absolute). This allows accurate transition from the Power Down mode to active in both high movement applications and those which exhibit slow drift movements.

The embedded design grants easy integration and high accuracy tracking of both rotational joystick movements and push/slide button applications. Two compact UTDFN-6 (LD) packaged designs are available featuring different measurement ranges: ±5mT (0.15μT/LSB) and ±50mT (1.5μT/LSB). All variants are RoHS certified, and suitable for deployment in ambient conditions between -40^oC to 105^oC with supply voltage between 1.7V to 3.6V, ideal for most embedded and IOT electronics environments.

“The MLX90394 brings unprecedented value and performance, meeting the demands of a wide range of modern applications. Whether engineers are developing computer peripherals, industrial cylinders or controls for smart appliances, this optimized and flexible chip will bring customers long-term performance not possible with existing potentiometers, mechanical switches and sliders,” commented Minko Daskalov, Product Manager at Melexis. “Its compact packaging and efficiency will increase design freedom and simplify integration within existing products, as well as allowing for new novel solutions.”

more information: www.melexis.com/MLX90394

Load switch ICs extend battery life

Posted on 28 December, 2023 by mixos

Littelfuse has expanded its protection IC product line to include five load switch ICs that deliver power savings in a small package.

Littelfuse, Inc. has announced the release of five load switch ICs in its protection IC product line. Featuring a small form factor and high efficiency, they target IoT, mobile, handheld devices, SSD storage, building automation, consumer electronics and wearable electronics applications.

The ICs combine low-power consumption and power savings and easy-to-power on/off controls. The small chip-scale form factor not only saves space, but also integrates functions such as slew rate control, true reverse, current blocking and quick output discharging. They support the industry’s lowest quiescent current (I_Q), low R_ON and shutdown current (I_SD) to reduce parasitic leakage current, improve system efficiency and increase overall battery lifetime, Littelfuse said.

The new load switch ICs include the following series: LQ05021QCS4 (5 V, 2 A, ultra-low power consumption with slew rate control), LQ05021RCS4 (5 V, 2 A, ultra-low consumption with true reverse current blocking), LQ05022QCS4 (5 V, 2 A, ultra-low consumption with slew rate control), LQ05041QCS6 (5 V, 4 A, ultra-low power consumption with slew rate control) and LQ05041RCS6 (5 V, 4 A ultra-low power consumption with true reverse current blocking).

The load switch ICs are currently available in tape and reel in quantities of 4,000 in the following series: LQ05021QCS4, LQ05021RCS4 and LQ05022QCS4) or in quantities of 3,000 for the LQ05041QCS6 and LQ05041RCS6. Sample requests can be ordered through Littelfuse’s authorized distributors.

The devices are available in a small, chip-scale package with four bumps in a 0.77 × 0.77 × 0.46 mm package size on a 0.4-mm pitch, four bumps in a 0.97 × 0.97 × 0.55 mm die size on a 0.4-mm pitch or six bumps in a 0.97 × 1.47 × 0.55 mm package size on a 0.5-mm pitch.

Siglent SDS7000A 4 Channel 12-Bit 4GHz MSO Oscilloscope Series

Posted on 28 December, 202328 December, 2023 by mixos

Siglent’s first high-bandwidth, high-resolution oscilloscope SDS7000A series offers bandwidths up to 4 GHz, 12-bit resolution, and a sampling rate of 20 GSa/s, together with a matching high-bandwidth active differential probe SAP5000D.

Saelig Company, Inc. has announced the Siglent SDS7000A series of high-bandwidth, high-resolution oscilloscopes with advanced features such as 20GSa/s sampling, 12-bit vertical resolution, and 500 Mpts per channel memory. Using 12bit ADCs to limit quantization errors aids greatly in observing small signal details. The noise floor on the 7000A series is as low as 220μVrms at 4 GHz bandwidth and the waveform capture rate reaches 1 million wfm/s, ideal for capturing abnormal events. The SDS7000A scopes have a 15.6-inch high-definition touch screen for analyzing all signal channels simultaneously and improving operational efficiency. 16 digital channels are also available for high performance mixed signal analysis.

The SDS7000A series supports multiple automatic parameter measurements, such as jitter and eye characterization, with easy setup to speed debugging tasks and simplify engineering design testing. Siglent also provides embedded compliance test solutions to evaluate systems versus communication standards including USB 2.0, 100base-TX, 1000base-T, 100base-T1 and 1000base-T1. Users can configure the test items, allowing software to control the oscilloscope to automatically complete the defined test, and automatically provide signal test results (Pass/Fail) after comparison with reference standards. This helps to speed up, identify, and resolve critical signal and transmission issues. The trigger system supports multiple powerful triggering modes including serial bus triggering. Tools such as History waveform recording, Search and Navigate functions, Signal Scan, Mask Test, Bode Plot, Power Analysis, Eye/Jitter Analysis and Compliance Test allow for extended waveform records to be captured, stored, and analyzed.

The oscilloscope is supported by the SAP5000D 5GHz active differential probe for detailed signal analysis. Its high input resistance and low input capacitance ensures that the load introduced by the measurement system is minimized. The probes do not need an additional external power supply and are automatically recognized by the oscilloscope via an intelligent SAPBus interface, making them also suitable for oscilloscopes in the SDS5000X, SDS6000A and SDS7000A series.

The Siglent SDS7000A series of high-bandwidth, high-resolution oscilloscopes consists of two models: SDS7404A (4GHZ) and SDS7304A (3GHz).

SparkFun’s New TMAG5273 3D Hall-Effect Sensor Features Qwiic Connectors

Posted on 28 December, 2023 by Debashis Das

Sparkfun recently introduced two breakout boards based on the TMAG5273 Linear 3D Hall-Effect Sensor. The board is available in two variants: a Mini version (0.5in. x 1in.) and a Standard version (1in. x 1in.). Both have low power consumption (2.3mA active, 1µA sleep), but only the Standard version includes a Disable button.

SparkFun’s Chris McCarty explains:

The SparkFun TMAG5273 Qwiic Linear 3D Hall-Effect Sensor is a low-power, high-precision magnetic field sensor that can detect a magnetic field’s presence, strength, and direction in three dimensions, this board is perfect for applications involving magnetic proximity detection, door and window sensing, mobile rotor and control, and more, all on a Standard 1x1in. Qwiic breakout!

The sensor offers a ±40mT range at 820LSB/mT or ±80mT at 410LSB/mT, with ±0.5-degree accuracy and 5% magnetic drift. It’s breadboard-friendly, uses I2C communication, consumes 2.3mA in active mode and 1µA in sleep mode, and the (1in. x 1in.) module includes a disable button and pin. The extended features list is shown below.

TMAG5273 3D Hall-Effect Sensor Features:

Breakout Board Features:
- Dimensions: Standard 1in. x 1in. footprint.
- Connectors: Two horizontal Qwiic connectors.
- Mounting: Four 4-40 screw-compatible mounting holes.
- Pins: Six PTH pins (3V3, GND, SCL, SDA, INT, Disable).
- Indicators: Power LED (Red).
- Additional: Disable button.
TMAG5273 Hall Effect Sensor Specs:
- I2C Address: 0x35 (Default, 7-bit).
- Magnetic Range/Sensitivity:
  - ± 40mT (820 LSB/mT).
  - ± 80mT (410 LSB/mT).
- Magnetic Drift: 5%.
- Rotational Accuracy: ± 0.5° per 360° rotation.
- Voltage Range: 1.7 – 3.6V.
- Power Consumption:
  - Sleep: 5nA.
  - Wake-Up/Sleep: 1µA.
  - Active: 2.3mA.
- Operating Temperature: –40 – 125°C.
- Features:
  - Integrated temperature compensation/measurement (Range: -40 – 170°C).
  - Configurable data rate.
  - CRC support.

SparkFun has introduced a smaller 0.5×1in.version of its breakout board, maintaining the same functionalities but with rear 90-degree Qwiic connectors for a compact design.

The Mini and Standard SparkFun Linear 3D Hall-Effect Sensors are on sale for $6.50 and $5.95, respectively. For more information about the sensor, you can always check out the datasheet of the device. Sparkfun also provides extensive resources for their products, including schematics, Eagle files, board dimensions, a hookup guide, Qwiic information, and an Arduino library, all can be found in their GitHub repo.

LILYGO’s New Mini E-Paper Core Features an ESP32-S3 MCU

Posted on 28 December, 2023 by Debashis Das

LILYGO has recently introduced the Mini E-Paper Core ESP32, an ESP32-S3-based E-paper display module that is compatible with different LILYGO shields like the nRF24L01 2.4GHz wireless and 433/868 MHz LoRa.

Over the years LILYGO has introduced many display products like the T-Display-S3 Amoled, T-Display-S3-Long, T-Display-S3-pro, and LILYGO T-HMI. For those interested, further information on these products is available for review.

LILYGO Mini E-Paper Core S3 Features:

System-on-Chip & CPU: Espressif Systems ESP32-S3FN4R2, featuring a dual-core Tensilica LX7 processor capable of speeds up to 240 MHz and equipped with AI vector instructions.
Memory: 512KB RAM, 2MB PSRAM.
Storage: 4MB flash, plus a MicroSD card slot.
Display: 1.02-inch e-paper with a resolution of 128×80.
Connectivity:
- WiFi 4 (2.4 GHz) and Bluetooth.
- USB Type-C for power and programming.
Expansion Interfaces:
- 7-pin header: GPIOs, ADCs, 3.3V, GND.
- 8-pin header: GPIOs, SPI, ADC, 5V, VBUS, VBat, GND.
Additional Features:
- Triple-toggle button and reset button.
Power Supply:
- USB-C (5V).
- The external battery is compatible with the charging circuit.
Power Consumption: Approximately 10uA in sleep mode.
Enclosure: Supports a 3D-printed shell.

LILYGO offers a T-U2T USB to TTL converter for programming but as my understanding goes, you don’t need this programmer to upload the code it can be done through the USB.

For programming the device LILYGO supports both PlatformIO and Arduino, with resources like instructions and firmware available on a shared GitHub repository. You’ll just need to select the “ESP32S3 Dev Module” board, “UART0 / Hardware CDC” upload mode, and “Hardware CDC and JTAG” USB mode.

The company provides additional connectivity options with an nRF24L01 2.4GHz shield and a 433 MHz LoRa shield.

Available on Aliexpress, the ESP32-S3 LILYGO Mini E-Paper Core is priced at $22.98 including shipping. Additional accessories like the nRF24L01 2.4 GHz shield and the CC1101 433/868 MHz shield are also offered at $12.98 and $16.98, respectively