Getting Started With ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8 Board

Introduction

The ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8 is a powerful and feature-rich development board designed for the next generation of AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) applications. With its dual-core processor, generous memory, and robust wireless capabilities, this board is perfect for makers, developers, and engineers building advanced IoT projects.

Whether you’re working with Arduino IDE, MicroPython, or ESP-IDF, this board gives you the flexibility to develop, debug, and deploy smart, connected applications with ease.

Specifications

Features

• ESP32-S3 WROOM-N16R8 Chip: Equipped with a dual-core Xtensa® 32-bit LX7 CPU, this chip runs at up to 240 MHz, delivering reliable performance for both wireless communication and edge AI tasks.
• Memory Boost: 16MB of Flash and a generous 8MB of PSRAM provide ample space for firmware, applications, and buffering for cameras or neural network models.
• USB Type-C Dual Function: Features both USB-OTG and USB-to-Serial, enabling direct programming and peripheral interfacing without the need for extra converters.
• Wireless Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5 (LE) with long-range support make it ideal for mesh networking, BLE sensors, and real-time communication.
• AI Acceleration: Built-in vector instructions and hardware support for TensorFlow Lite for Microcontrollers enable on-device AI inference.
• Multiple Programming Environments: Supports Arduino, MicroPython, and ESP-IDF, giving you complete freedom over your development flow.
• Unsoldered Header Pins: Gives you flexibility to solder as needed for breadboard use or permanent installation.

Why Choose ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8?

This board is tailor-made for developers looking to explore the world of AI-powered embedded systems. The combination of PSRAM, USB-OTG, and BLE 5 support.

Applications

• IoT Sensors & Gateways
• AI at the Edge
• Wireless Data Logging
• BLE Beacons or Mesh Devices
• Home Automation

Hardware overview

ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8 indication diagram

ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8 Pinout Diagram

Getting Started

Hardware Preparation

To begin working with the ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8, ensure you have the following:

• ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8 Development Board
• USB Type-C Cable
• Computer with Windows, macOS, or Linux operating system.

Software Preparation

Install Arduino IDE:

• Download and install the latest version of the Arduino IDE.

Add ESP32 Board Support:

• Open Arduino IDE and navigate to File > Preferences.

• In the “Additional Boards Manager URLs” field, enter:

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json

• Click OK.
• Go to the “Board manager” tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
• Click on the “Board Manager” button (Board icon) at the top of the Board tab.
• In the Board Manager window, type “esp32” in the search bar.
• Locate the “esp32” library click on the “Install” button next to it.
• Wait for the board to be installed.

Select the ESP32-S3 Dev Module:

In Arduino IDE, go to Tools > Board and select “ESP32S3 Dev Module” or the appropriate option for your module.

Now, connect the ESP32S3 Dev Module to your computer using a USB cable. Then, go to Tools > Port and select the COM port that the ESP32S3 Dev Module is connected to.

In this tutorial, we’ll use an RGB LED because the ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8 does not include an onboard blink LED.

To make the RGB LED work, you’ll need to solder the required pins, as shown in the image below. This step is essential to connect the RGB LED to the board properly.

Copy the provided code into Arduino IDE, and upload it to your ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8.

/*
Filename: ol_S3_RGB_LED.ino
Description: Smooth color transition using onboard RGB LED (GPIO 48) on ESP32-S3 DevKit-N16R8. Uses Adafruit NeoPixel library to cycle through HSV colors.
Author: www.oceanlabz.in
Modification: 1/4/2025
*/

#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>

#define RGB_PIN     48      // Onboard RGB LED pin
#define NUM_PIXELS  1       // Only one LED

Adafruit_NeoPixel pixel(NUM_PIXELS, RGB_PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

void setup() {
  pixel.begin();
  pixel.setBrightness(100); // Adjust brightness (0-255)
  Serial.begin(115200);

}

void loop() {
  static uint16_t hue = 0; // Hue goes from 0 to 65535 for full cycle

  // Convert HSV to RGB and set LED color
  uint32_t color = pixel.gamma32(pixel.ColorHSV(hue));
  pixel.setPixelColor(0, color);
  pixel.show();

  hue += 256; // Smooth step (smaller = slower transition)
  delay(20);  // Adjust speed of transition
  Serial.println("Hello Everyone!");
}

After uploading the code, you can see the onboard RGB LED smoothly transitioning through different colors, while “Hello Everyone!” is printed repeatedly on the Serial Monitor.