This tiny $13 super-cheap PC is barely bigger than an adult pinky finger and has no operating system – yet this hacker-friendly device has a display, a MicroSD card slot and Wi-Fi connectivity
The ESP32-S3 is a high-performance microcontroller developed by Espressif Systems, primarily designed for embedded applications that require Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
As noted by CNX softwareWaveshare has introduced the ESP32-S3-LCD-1.47 (to give it its full, catchy name), a compact USB dongle based on Espressif’s microcontroller. The device integrates wireless connectivity with high-capacity Flash and PSRAM, making it a suitable solution for a wide range of embedded applications, including IoT devices, smart home products and wearables.
At the heart of the device is Espressif’s ESP32-S3R8, a dual-core Tensilica LX7 processor with a clock speed of up to 240 MHz. It also includes 512 KB of RAM, 8 MB of PSRAM and 16 MB of Flash memory, along with a 1.47-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 320 x 172 pixels. The display is driven by the ST7789 controller, making it well suited for running small GUI applications such as those built with the LVGL open-source library.
Advanced energy management
Connectivity options on the ESP32-S3-LCD-1.47 include 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0, which support mesh networking and long-distance communications. It also offers expansion options via two 9-pin headers, allowing GPIO, UART and power pin connections for added versatility in development projects. The device also includes a microSD card slot, which provides external storage for files and images.
One of the standout features of the ESP32-S3-LCD-1.47 is its power management. The microcontroller supports multiple low-power modes, such as light and deep sleep, allowing developers to create energy-efficient applications. It can be programmed using the ESP-IDF framework or Arduino IDE, so it is accessible to professionals and hobbyists alike.
Although similar ESP32-S3 boards such as the LILYGO T-HMI exist, the compact USB dongle form factor of the ESP32-S3-LCD-1.47 makes it an interesting option for those looking for a development board with an integrated display .
ESP32-S3-LCD-1.47 is available for purchase via Waveshare’s official store for $12.99 plus shipping. Additional information and an installation guide can be found at Waveshare Wiki page.
