Espressif has recently released the ESP-IDF v6.0 framework with support for ESP32-C5 and ESP32-C61, so we can expect more ESP32-C5 boards. Following the launch of boards like DFRobot FireBeetle 2 and the Espressif DevKitC-1, SparkFun has now launched its Thing Plus – ESP32-C5, an Adafruit Feather-compatible board based on the ESP32-C5.
The timing is no coincidence. Although the ESP32-C5 dual-band WiFi 6 SoC was announced back in 2022, hardware makers have been waiting for stable software support. With the release of ESP-IDF v6.0, the ESP32-C5 moves from “preview” to “stable” and adds key features, such as Safe Bootloader OTA updates. This enables the ROM bootloader to fall back to a recovery partition if an update fails, making it reliable enough for companies like SparkFun to launch hardware for remote deployments and Matter-compatible smart home applications.
SparkFun Thing Plus – ESP32-C5 specifications:
- Wireless module – ESP32-C5-WROOM-1
- SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-C5
- CPU – Single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor @ up to 240 MHz; Low-power RISC-V core @ 40 MHz
- Memory – 384 KB SRAM on-chip; 8MB PSRAM
- Storage – 320 KB ROM, support for external flash; 8MB SPI flash
- Connectivity – Dual-band (2.4/5 GHz) 802.11ax WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 LE with Mesh support, 802.15.4 radio for Zigbee 3.0, Thread 1.3, and Matter
- Expansion – 28-pin Feather-compatible headers with 19x GPIOs; 4-pin Qwiic connector
- Storage – MicroSD card slot
- USB – USB Type-C port for power and programming
- Power Supply – 5V via USB-C; 2-pin JST connector for 3.7V/4.2V LiPo battery; Integrated MCP73831 battery charger (213mA @ 3.3V); Integrated MAX17048 I2C fuel gauge
- Dimensions – 2.3″ x 0.9″ (approx. 58.4 x 22.9 mm)
- Form Factor – SparkFun Thing Plus (Feather-compatible)
While the dual-band WiFi 6 board supports Espressif’s ESP-IDF v6.0 framework for advanced users, it comes pre-flashed with MicroPython, or can also be programmed with the Arduino IDE. More technical information and instructions to get started, as well as the KiCad hardware design files, are available on GitHub.
The SparkFun Thing Plus – ESP32-C5 can be purchased from the SparkFun store for $24.95, where you’ll also find a Hookup Guide.