Introduction
In the world of the Internet of Things (IoT), there are numerous microcontrollers that inspire developers worldwide. One of the best known and most popular of these is the ESP32. But who is actually behind this little marvel of technology? In this article, we take a look at Espressif Systems, the company behind the ESP32, and shed light on its history, vision and influence on the IoT world.
The history of Espressif Systems
Espressif Systems was founded in 2008 in Shanghai, China. The company began its journey with the goal of developing innovative and cost-effective wireless solutions. Since its inception, Espressif Systems has specialized in the development of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth SoCs (System-on-Chips), which are widely used in IoT projects.
The breakthrough: ESP8266
The big breakthrough for Espressif Systems came in 2014 with the launch of the ESP8266. This low-cost Wi-Fi chip revolutionized the market and allowed developers to integrate wireless connectivity into their projects without breaking the budget. The ESP8266 quickly became a favorite in the maker community and laid the foundation for Espressif Systems’ success.
The evolution: ESP32
Building on the success of the ESP8266, Espressif Systems developed the ESP32, which was launched on the market in 2016. Compared to its predecessor, the ESP32 offers a wide range of improvements and additional functions. These include:
- Dual-core processor: the ESP32 has two Xtensa LX6 microprocessors, enabling higher performance and parallel processing.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The chip supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (both Classic and BLE), making it extremely versatile.
- Advanced peripherals: The ESP32 offers a variety of peripherals such as ADCs, DACs, UARTs, SPIs, I2Cs and more, making it easy to integrate into complex projects.
- Low power consumption: Various power modes make it possible to optimize power consumption, which is particularly advantageous in battery-powered applications.
Influence on the IoT world
The ESP32 has had a significant impact on the IoT world. Thanks to its powerful features and affordable price, it is the preferred choice for many developers and engineers. Applications range from smart home devices to wearables and industrial automation systems. Support from an active community and extensive documentation also makes getting started and developing with the ESP32 very accessible.
The vision of Espressif Systems
Espressif Systems aims to improve people’s lives through advanced wireless technologies. The company strives to develop innovative and affordable solutions that enable seamless connectivity. With a strong focus on research and development and an open and collaborative corporate culture, Espressif Systems is well positioned to continue playing a leading role in the IoT sector in the future.