ESP32-S2 Thing Plus Hookup Guide
QCPete, santaimpersonator Introduction
The ESP32-S2 Thing Plus is a feather form-factor development board with the improved ESP32-S2 module, from Espressif. The new ESP32-S2 module addresses the security flaws in the original ESP32. While the ESP32-S2 does include improved security features, it lacks the Bluetooth capabilities of the original ESP32 module.
Not Yet Implemented: The Arduino core for the ESP32 microcontroller are still a work in progress. There are a handful of peripherals and features that have yet to be implemented, including:
PWM/Analog Ouptut (analogWrite([pin], [value]))- Alternative: LED Control API
- Pulse Counter
- SDIO
Timer/Real-Time Clock- Alternative: Timer API
- Alternative: ESP32Time Arduino library
- TWAI
The peripherals are available (if, also, still in their infancy) in the IoT Development Framework for the ESP32. If your application requires any of the features above, consider giving the ESP-IDF a try! (Updated: June 2022.)
Required Materials
To get started, users will need a few items. Now some users may have a few of these items, feel free to modify your cart accordingly.
- ESP32-S2 Thing Plus
- USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot - The USB interface serves two purposes: it powers the board and allows you to upload programs to it. (*If your computer doesn't provide a USB-A slot, then you will need to choose an appropriate cable or purchase an adapter as well.)
- Computer with the an operating system (OS) that is compatible with all the software installation requirements.
Headers Batteries Jumper Modification JTAG Functionality
wish to use. Feel free to modify the items in your cart to fit your needs.
Li-Po Battery
For mobile applications, users will want to pick up a single-cell LiPo battery from our catalog. Below, are a few available options:
Headers & Accessories
Headers are great for development purposes, letting users swap parts with just a set of jumper wires. If you would like to add headers to your board, check out some of the options for the Thing Plus or Feather form factor boards below. For a full selection of our available Headers or Soldering Tools, click on the associated links.
New to soldering? Check out our Through-Hole Soldering Tutorial for a quick introduction!
How to Work with Jumper Pads and PCB Traces
April 2, 2018
JTAG Functionality
Users interested in JTAG applications (i.e. programming and debugging the ESP32) will need an JTAG Programmer and need to solder on a JTAG header. We recommend these programmers from our catalog:
JTAG 20 Pin 0.1 In. To 10 Pin 0.05 In. Adapter
PGM-18421Suggested Reading
As a more professionally oriented product, we will skip over the more fundamental tutorials (i.e. Ohm's Law and What is Electricity?). However, below are a few tutorials that may help users familiarize themselves with various aspects of the board.
How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering
Serial Communication
Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)
Analog vs. Digital
How to Work with Jumper Pads and PCB Traces
Installing Arduino IDE
ESP32 Thing Plus Hookup Guide
Installing Board Definitions in the Arduino IDE
One of the new, advanced features of the board is that it takes advantage of the Qwiic connect system. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the Logic Levels and I2C tutorials. Click on the banner above to learn more about Qwiic products.