Overview
The Waveshare ESP32-C5-Touch-LCD-3.5 is an integrated Human-Machine Interface development platform constructed around the Espressif Systems ESP32-C5-WROOM-1U-N32R8 module. Driven by the ESP32-C5HR8 system-on-chip, the board pairs a primary 32-bit RISC-V core running up to 240 MHz with an ultra-low-power 40 MHz coprocessor, backed by 384 KB of internal SRAM, 8 MB of external PSRAM, and 32 MB of onboard flash. Its wireless subsystem marks a substantial generational upgrade for microcontroller-class displays, delivering dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy, and an IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver for Zigbee 3.0 and Thread 1.3 mesh networking via an external IPEX antenna port. The display interface integrates a 3.5-inch 480 x 320 IPS panel supporting 262K colors, paired with an ST7796 SPI controller and an FT6336 capacitive touch controller to provide smooth touch response and clear visual feedback for compact dashboard control.
Power regulation and board-level management are anchored by an AXP2101 power management unit that negotiates 5V USB Type-C input while managing charging and voltage regulation for a 3.7V lithium battery. Built on a rigid multi-layer FR4 PCB with surface-mount components, the assembly operates entirely solid-state, passively dispersing heat through the ground planes to maintain low surface temperatures and absolute zero-decibel silence under load. Audio and telemetry capabilities are fully realized through an onboard ES8311 codec, NS4150B amplifier, MEMS microphone, speaker header, QMI8658 6-axis IMU, SHTC3 temperature and humidity sensor, and PCF85063 real-time clock. Supported by Espressif’s ESP-IDF framework and expanding out to a 32-pin GPIO header and MicroSD slot, the platform provides an agile embedded foundation, offset only by its camera interface being constrained to an entry-level 0.08 MP sensor.
Technical Specifications
| Soc | Espressif Systems ESP32-C5HR8 |
| Wireless Module | ESP32-C5-WROOM-1U-N32R8 |
| Cpu | Single-core 32-bit RISC-V up to 240 MHz with 40 MHz low-power RISC-V core |
| Memory Sram | 384 KB on-chip SRAM |
| Memory Psram | 8 MB PSRAM |
| Storage Flash | 32 MB Flash |
| Storage Rom | 320 KB ROM |
| Storage Expansion | MicroSD card slot |
| Display Type | 3.5-inch 262K color IPS capacitive touchscreen |
| Display Resolution | 480 x 320 pixels |
| Display Controller | Sitronix ST7796 (SPI) |
| Touch Controller | FocalTech FT6336 (I2C) |
| Wireless Connectivity | Dual-band (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax/b/g/n), Bluetooth 5.0 LE, 802.15.4 (Zigbee 3.0 / Thread 1.3) |
| Antenna Interface | IPEX connector |
| Camera Support | Optional BF3901 camera interface (320 x 240 resolution, 0.08 MP) |
| Audio Subsystem | ES8311 low-power audio codec, NS4150B amplifier, onboard MEMS microphone, 2-pin speaker header |
| Onboard Sensors | QMI8658 6-axis IMU (gyroscope and accelerometer), SHTC3 temperature and humidity sensor |
| Expansion Interfaces | 32-pin 2.54mm pitch header (GPIO, UART, I2C) |
| Power Management | AXP2101 PMU with lithium battery charging support |
| Real Time Clock | PCF85063 RTC |
| Power Input | 5V via USB Type-C, 2-pin header for 3.7V Lithium battery |
| Dimensions | 95.11 x 63.67 x 14.10 mm |
- Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi 6 with 802.15.4 Zigbee 3.0 and Thread 1.3 connectivity
- Vibrant 3.5-inch IPS capacitive touchscreen with dedicated hardware display and touch controllers
- Comprehensive onboard sensing suite including 6-axis IMU and SHTC3 temperature/humidity sensor
- Integrated AXP2101 PMU supporting power-path switching and 3.7V lithium battery charging
- Camera interface support is restricted to a low-resolution 0.08 MP sensor
- Open devkit form factor requires a separate protective enclosure for field deployment