Introduction
This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Waveshare ESP32-S3 Development Board with a 1.28-inch Round Touch LCD. This compact MCU board integrates an Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core processor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a capacitive touch display, and a 6-axis IMU sensor, making it suitable for various embedded development projects.
Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 Development Board x1
- SH1.0 12PIN Cable x1
Figure 1: Package Contents - ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 board and SH1.0 12PIN cable.
Features
The Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 is a high-performance MCU board designed for ease of development and integration. Key features include:
- Processor: Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core processor, up to 240MHz main frequency.
- Wireless Connectivity: Supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5 (LE) with an onboard antenna.
- Memory: Built-in 512KB SRAM and 384KB ROM, with onboard 2MB PSRAM and an external 16MB Flash memory.
- Interface: Type-C connector for modern connectivity and ease of use.
- Display: Onboard 1.28-inch capacitive touch display with 240×240 resolution and 65K colors.
- Sensors: Onboard QMI8658 6-axis IMU (3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope) for motion detection.
- Power Management: Onboard 3.7V lithium battery recharge/discharge header.
- GPIO: 6 × GPIO pins available via SH1.0 connector.
- Power Efficiency: Supports flexible clock, module power supply independent setting, and other controls for low power consumption.
- USB Serial: Integrated USB serial port full-speed controller, with flexible GPIO pin configuration.
Figure 2: Overview of ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 key features.
What's On Board
This section identifies the main components on the ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 board:
- ESP32-S3R2: The System-on-Chip (SoC) with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, operating up to 240MHz, with onboard 2MB PSRAM.
- W25Q128JVSIQ: 16MB NOR-Flash memory.
- CH343P: USB to UART chip for serial communication.
- ME6217C33M5G: 800mA output, low dropout, high rejection rate.
- ETA6096: High-efficiency Lithium battery recharge manager.
- QMI8658: 6-axis IMU, including a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer.
- MX1.25 battery header: MX1.25 2P connector for 3.7V Lithium battery, supporting charging and discharging.
- USB Type-C connector: Supports USB1.1 hosts and slave devices.
- RESET button: Resets the board.
- BOOT button: Press before resetting to enter download mode.
Figure 3: Labeled components of the ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 board.
Pin Definition
The board provides several General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins and power connections via the SH1.0 connector. Understanding these pins is crucial for connecting external components.
Figure 4: Pin definitions for the ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 board.
- GND: Ground connection.
- VSYS: System power supply.
- RESET: System reset pin.
- BOOT: Boot mode selection pin.
- 3V3: 3.3V power output.
- GPIO 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 33: General Purpose Input/Output pins for connecting peripherals.
Setup
Follow these steps to set up your ESP32-S3 Development Board:
- Connect to Computer: Use a USB Type-C cable to connect the board to your computer. The board will draw power from the USB connection.
- Driver Installation: Your operating system may automatically install necessary drivers. If not, you may need to install the CH343P USB-to-UART bridge driver. Refer to the Waveshare product wiki for specific driver download links.
- Development Environment: Install a suitable development environment such as Arduino IDE with ESP32 board support or ESP-IDF.
- First Program: Load a simple example program (e.g., a 'Hello World' or a display test) to verify the board's functionality.
- Battery Connection (Optional): If using a 3.7V Lithium battery, connect it to the MX1.25 battery header. Ensure correct polarity.
Operating Instructions
Once set up, you can begin interacting with your ESP32-S3 board:
- Power On: The board powers on automatically when connected via USB or a battery.
- Display Interaction: The 1.28-inch round capacitive touch display allows for direct user input. Develop your application to respond to touch gestures.
- Programming: Upload your code using the chosen development environment. Ensure the correct COM port and board settings are selected.
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Utilize the integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for network communication or connecting to other devices.
- IMU Sensor: Access data from the QMI8658 6-axis IMU (accelerometer and gyroscope) for motion-sensing applications.
Figure 5: Demonstrating touch interaction with the display.
Maintenance
Proper care ensures the longevity and reliable operation of your development board:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the board and display. Avoid liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
- Storage: Store the board in a dry, anti-static environment when not in use. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Handling: Handle the board by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components. Static electricity can damage electronic components.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check the Waveshare official website or product wiki for firmware updates or new library versions to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Board Not Detected:
- Ensure the USB Type-C cable is securely connected to both the board and your computer.
- Verify that the CH343P USB-to-UART driver is correctly installed.
- Try a different USB port or cable.
- Program Upload Fails:
- Check if the correct COM port is selected in your IDE.
- Ensure the correct board type (ESP32-S3) is selected.
- Press and hold the BOOT button, then press and release the RESET button, then release the BOOT button to enter download mode before uploading.
- Display Not Working:
- Verify that your code initializes the display correctly.
- Check for any loose connections if external display components were used (not applicable for the integrated display).
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Connectivity Issues:
- Ensure your code correctly configures Wi-Fi or Bluetooth parameters (SSID, password, etc.).
- Check for interference from other 2.4GHz devices.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core, up to 240MHz |
| RAM Memory Installed Size | 512 KB SRAM |
| PSRAM | 2 MB onboard |
| Flash Memory | 16 MB external |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5 (LE) |
| Display | 1.28-inch Round Capacitive Touch LCD, 240×240 resolution, 65K color |
| IMU Sensor | QMI8658 6-axis (3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscope) |
| USB Interface | Type-C, USB1.1 host/slave |
| Battery Connector | MX1.25 2P for 3.7V Lithium battery |
| GPIO Pins | 6 × via SH1.0 connector |
| Operating System Support | FreeRTOS, Linux |
Outline Dimensions
The physical dimensions of the ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 board are provided below for integration into projects or enclosures.
Figure 6: Outline dimensions of the ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 board (Unit: mm).
Warranty and Support
Waveshare products are designed for reliability and performance. For specific warranty information, please refer to the official Waveshare website or the documentation provided with your purchase. For technical support, resources, and community forums, visit the Waveshare product wiki or contact their customer service directly. Always ensure you are using the latest drivers and software libraries for optimal performance.
