The Internet of Things has completely changed the world in modern times of science and technology. We can send and receive data using gadgets online in our daily lives. This approach facilitates communication between people and makes life easier than it was in the past. We now live in smart homes thanks to the Internet of Things. Smart technology controls everything, including the lights and lock system.
This is an important question: what makes the ESP32 the best option for Internet of Things projects? Or what are the IoT applications that use ESP32? The ESP32 is a great option for Internet of Things projects due to its built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi systems. Second, it is inexpensive, energy-efficient, simple to use, etc. Therefore, you can go with the ESP32 if you’re starting a complicated or beginner-level project. Let’s take a closer look at these points.
Setting Up Development Environment
It is essential to have the following elements before beginning an IoT project using the ESP32. First, you’ll need an ESP32 development board. The main microcontroller is the core component from which programming will be performed. It is a tiny circuit board with pins and an integrated antenna. Second, you’ll need a USB cable to connect the ESP32 board to your computer. The sensors, actuators, and a computer are then required to upload the code. Finally, the breadboard and jumper wires are necessary.
The next step is to install the necessary software on the computer. The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is typically used to program code for microcontrollers such as the ESP2. After downloading the software on the PCs, the ESP32 board is added to the Arduino IDE. The development environment is complete, and we can begin our project by creating and uploading code.
Basic ESP32 Functionality
As previously stated, the ESP32’s built-in capability facilitates internet connectivity and the ability to send and receive data. The fundamental capability of the ESP32 now includes the ability to connect to WI-Fi; to do so, we must launch the Arduino IDE, create a new sketch, and include the Wi-Fi library. Then, setting up the network credentials, connecting to Wi-Fi, and performing connection verifications are all necessary processes to link ESP32 to the internet.
Now that the connection has been made, we can begin working on the project. Start with a simple project, such as flashing an LED. For this project, we need to grasp programming fundamentals and how to manipulate hardware. The LED is connected so that the longer leg, known as the anode, is connected to one of the ESP32’s digital pins, and the cathode, or shorter leg, is connected to a resistor. And the other end of the resistor is connected to the ground of the ESP32.
Writing the code in the Arduino IDE and uploading it is the next step. The LED should begin blinking once the code has been uploaded and the board has been chosen in the IDE. When everything is done correctly, the LED will turn on and off.
These are the basic steps to understand the Arduino IDE and ESP32 interface better.
Sensors and Actuators Integration
As we know, sensors are devices that detect and measure physical qualities, which are subsequently read and used by the ESP32.
We will now explore how to connect and utilize the ESP32’s humidity and temperature sensors. Selecting the sensor is essential since it will determine the humidity and temperature. Thus, depending on the needs, the DHT11 or DHT22 sensor is selected. The sensors must then be connected. The ESP32 is connected to the GND pin, the digital pin, and the 3.3V power pin. A library is needed to facilitate communication with the sensor to read the sensor data.
Following this stage, the library includes functions for reading temperature and humidity from the sensors. The data is displayed. For example, the Arduino IDE’s serial monitor calculates current humidity and temperature measurements.
The next category is actuators, which are described as devices that read movements and actions. Let’s have a look at how we can use the ESP32 to control a relay and motor.
Thus, we require a relay module that allows the ESP32 to control high-power devices such as lighting and fans. The VCC pin is linked to the ESP32’s 3.3V power pin. The GND pin is connected to the ESP32, and the IN pin is connected to one of the ESP32’s digital pins. We can now turn on and off the relay by sending signals from the ESP32.
Actuators and sensors will allow us to design complicated IoT projects and a wide range of smart devices and systems.
Enhanced Features of ESP32
One of the ESP32’s upgraded features is the use of Bluetooth Low Energy. You may be intrigued by this terminology. Bluetooth Low Energy is a more energy-efficient form of Bluetooth that enables the ESP32 to communicate wirelessly with other BLE devices. It is energy efficient and ideal for applications that require long-lasting batteries.
The next feature is Over the Air (OTA), which allows you to wirelessly upgrade your ESP32’s firmware without the need for a physical connection. The OTA will allow us to add new features, fix bugs, and update the ESP32’s security improvements.
Another advanced characteristic of the ESP32 is its extremely low power consumption. This feature is best suited for gadgets that use batteries. There are various mode options, including light and deep sleep modes. Wearable gadgets and environmental monitoring apps make the best use of this excellent feature.
Conclusion
ESP32 is the finest microcontroller for a variety of IoT devices due to its extensive feature set. We can begin the functions by connecting the Wi-Fi to Bluetooth Low Energy Communications. Its low power consumption is often used in systems that require a larger battery. In short, the ESP32 is a versatile and essential component for bringing IoT concepts to reality.
