FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 Development Kit for Smart Home (2.4/5GHz W

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 IO Expansion Kit is an advanced development platform that combines the powerful FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 microcontroller with a dedicated IO expansion shield. Engineered for next-generation IoT applications, it delivers cutting-edge wireless performance, comprehensive protocol support, and robust power flexibility. At its core is the ESP32-C5, offering dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity (2.4 & 5 GHz), alongside Bluetooth 5, Thread, and Zigbee, enabling seamless integration into modern smart home ecosystems like Matter. The development kit features an intelligent power management system with solar charging capabilities and an ultra-low deep sleep current of 23 μA. The included solderless IO expansion board simplifies prototyping, making it ideal for creating sophisticated projects such as remote environmental monitors, smart home automation hubs, and complex IoT sensor networks.

Next-Generation Connectivity with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6

The ESP32-C5 is Espressif's first module to support Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 5 GHz band provides higher transmission speeds, lower latency, and reduced interference, ensuring stable and responsive wireless connections. Wi-Fi 6 technology further enhances network capacity and efficiency through OFDMA and TWT mechanisms, significantly reducing device power consumption and extending battery life for long-term deployments.

Figure: FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 with IO Expansion Board

Figure: FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6

Unified Smart Home Ecosystem with Multi-Protocol Support

This development board natively supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, Thread, and Zigbee protocols. This comprehensive support allows for the creation of Matter end-devices over Wi-Fi or Thread, enabling cross-platform interoperability among smart home products. When paired with an external MCU, it can also be configured as a Thread border router, Matter gateway, or Zigbee bridge to manage complex, multi-device network scenarios.

Flexible & Efficient Power Management

Designed for versatile deployments, the board accommodates multiple power sources, including Type-C, 5V DC, and direct solar panel input for charging a lithium battery. An integrated solar power management IC maximizes charging efficiency across varying light conditions, making it suitable for outdoor or power-constrained locations. Onboard systems provide battery level monitoring and a controllable 3.3V power output, which can de-energize external sensors to achieve minimal power consumption during idle periods.

Rapid Prototyping with Solderless IO Expansion Board

The kit includes a dedicated IO expansion board that eliminates the need for soldering during initial development phases. All IO pins from the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 are brought out to conveniently arranged headers with clear functional partitions. This design facilitates the quick and direct connection of various sensors, displays, and peripherals, allowing for immediate out-of-the-box use and accelerating the transition from concept to functional prototype.

Basic Parameters

Hardware Information

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth

IEEE 802.15.4

FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 Development Board Interface Pins

IO Expansion Board Interface Pins