Introduction
The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 is a high-performance, low-power IoT development board designed for advanced smart home and extensive IoT applications. Its core strength lies in the groundbreaking Espressif ESP32-C5 chip, offering dual-band (2.4 & 5 GHz) Wi-Fi 6 for unparalleled wireless performance, a comprehensive multi-protocol hub supporting BLE, Zigbee, and Thread, and an advanced power management system with integrated solar charging. Powered by a 240 MHz RISC-V processor with 384 KB SRAM and 4 MB Flash, it achieves an ultra-low deep-sleep current of just 23 μA. This makes it an ideal solution for a wide range of demanding applications, from high-definition video streaming and low-latency robotics to off-grid environmental monitoring and complex smart home ecosystems.
Superior Wireless Performance with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6
The ESP32-C5 is Espressif's first chipset to integrate dual-band Wi-Fi 6, representing a monumental leap in wireless capabilities for IoT devices. By providing access to the 5 GHz band, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 bypasses the heavily congested 2.4 GHz spectrum, resulting in significantly higher transmission rates, lower latency, and dramatically reduced interference. This is critical for:
High-Throughput Data Streaming: Ideal for developing custom IP cameras, FPV drones, or local servers. The high bandwidth of the 5GHz band ensures smooth and reliable streaming of high-definition video.
Low-Latency Control: Facilitates the creation of highly responsive robotics, real-time interactive systems, and industrial controllers where precise command execution is essential.
Furthermore, Wi-Fi 6 technology enhances network efficiency through features like OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) for better multi-device performance and TWT (Target Wake Time) to reduce device power consumption, intelligently extending battery life.
Flexible Power, Endless Deployment
The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 is engineered with a robust and versatile power management system, providing the flexibility to deploy projects anywhere, regardless of power constraints.
Versatile Power Supply Options: The board supports multiple power inputs, including Type-C, 5V DC, and a PH2.0 lithium battery interface, complete with integrated charge and discharge management for seamless operation.
Integrated Solar Charging: Featuring the same high-efficiency solar power management chip as the popular 5V@1A Solar Power Module (DFR1075), this board allows for a direct connection to a 4.5V~6V solar panel. This enables true off-grid, autonomous deployments for outdoor environmental sensors, remote monitoring stations, and other long-term projects.
Intelligent Power Saving: Maximum battery life is achieved with an ultra-low deep-sleep current of 23 μA. The board also features a controllable 3.3V power output (VCC_EN), which can completely cut power to external sensors and peripherals, further minimizing energy consumption.
Unified Wireless Hub for Future-Proof IoT
Extending beyond a single protocol, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 is a true multi-protocol hub, supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 (BLE), Thread 1.3, and Zigbee 3.0. This versatility enables the creation of sophisticated, cross-platform IoT ecosystems.
Matter-Ready: The board is equipped to develop Matter Wi-Fi or Matter Thread end devices, ensuring seamless interoperability with major smart home platforms like Apple HomePod and Google Home.
Advanced Gateway Functionality: When combined with an external MCU or used in advanced configurations, the board can function as a Thread border router, Matter gateway, or Zigbee bridge, unifying disparate wireless devices into a single, cohesive network.
Rapid Prototyping with the FireBeetle Ecosystem
Designed with the developer in mind, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 incorporates features that simplify development and accelerate prototyping.
Onboard GDI for Displays: The integrated GDI (General Display Interface) allows for an easy, solder-free connection to a wide range of DFRobot screens, making it simple to add a graphical user interface or data dashboard to a project.
Convenient Peripherals: Features a user-friendly PH2.0 battery interface for secure and convenient battery connection and is fully compatible with DFRobot's extensive ecosystem of Gravity and Fermion series sensors and modules.
Multi-Platform Software Support: Projects can be programmed using C/C++ (Arduino IDE) or MicroPython, giving developers the flexibility to choose the development environment that best suits their skills and project requirements.
Note:
The trial version of the board uses the ESP32-C5 ECO1 version. The officially sold version features Espressif's mass-produced ESP32-C5 module (ECO2 version) with enhanced performance.
Current Arduino IDE support is available on the esp32 v3.3.0-alpha1 development branch. Please refer to the product wiki for detailed setup instructions.
Specification
Basic Parameters
Operating Voltage: 3.3V
Type-C Input Voltage: 5V DC
VIN Input Voltage: 5V DC or 4.5-6V solar panel
Maximum Charging Current: 0.5A
Sleep Current: 23 μA (ECO1 version, deep sleep mode, battery powered)
Module Size: 25.4 x 60 mm
Hardware Information
Processor: RISC-V single-core processor
Clock Frequency: 240 MHz
SRAM: 384 KB
ROM: 320 KB
Flash: 4 MB
LP SRAM: 16 KB
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, 1T1R
Wi-Fi Protocols: IEEE 802.11a/b/g
/ac/ax
IEEE 802.11a/b/g
(data rate up to 150 Mbps)
IEEE 802.11ax (20 MHz-only non-AP mode)
Wi-Fi Modes: Station mode, SoftAP mode, SoftAP+Station mode and Promiscuous mode
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Protocols: Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth mesh
Bluetooth Frequencies: 125 Kbps, 500 Kbps, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps
IEEE 802.15.4
Compatible with IEEE 802.15.4-2015 protocol
Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
Data Rate: 250 Kbps
Supports Thread 1.3, Zigbee 3.0
Interface Pins
Digital I/O x18
LED PWM Controller with 6 channels
SPI x1
UART x3 (LP UART x1)
I2C x2 (LP I2C x1)
I2S x1
Infrared Transceiver: 5 transmitting channels, 5 receiving channels
1x 12-bit SAR ADC with 7 channels
DMA Controller with 3 receiving channels and 3 transmitting channels
Shipping List
FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 IoT Development Board x1
20pin-2.54mm pitch pin header x2
Documents
Product wiki
Applications
Balcony Plant Soil Monitoring: Long-term, solar-powered data logging.
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring: Stable, real-time data upload over 5GHz Wi-Fi.
Smart Home Hub: Bridging Zigbee lights and Wi-Fi devices seamlessly.
High-Performance FPV/Robotics: Low-latency video streaming and control.
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