TinyS2 Features the ESP32-S2 and Is Now Available at Adafruit
A single-chip ESP32 in a tiny form factor from Unexpected Maker.
The ESP32-S2 is a single-core version of the popular ESP32 processor. With the slimmed-down silicon, smaller boards are possible. For example, the TinyS2 from Unexpected Maker packs features like onboard WiFi, native USB device support, and extra PSRAM. This teeny low-power board runs CircuitPython by default and is now available from Adafruit's store.
When you think ESP32, you probably think of an ESP32-WROOM or ESP32-ROVER based module. Espressif also offers system-on-chip versions in the -S and -C3 series. For example, we covered the ESP32-S3 in the past. Its application focus is artificial intelligence and machine learning for embedded IoT edge devices.
Even though the ESP32-S2 has a single core and consumes less power than the more popular dual-core ESP32s, it still offers plenty of functionality. The SoC provides 2.4 GHz WiFi, USB device support, and GPIO pins. GPIO covers the usual range of microcontroller functions like PWM, I2C, ADCs, and more.
TinyS2 adds 2 megabytes PSRAM on top of the ESP32-S2's in-package 320 kilobyte. That extra RAM, along with 4 megabytes of Flash memory, makes the TinyS2 an excellent development platform to run CircuitPython — which comes installed by default!
If CircuitPython does not fit your workflow, the ESP32-S2 does have support in the Arduino IDE. (Although, the standard ESP32 board manager module does not include the -S2.) And, of course, Espressif's ESP-IDF programs the chip as well.
The form factor may look familiar. Previously Unexpected Maker developed the TinyPico, also based on ESP32 silicon. TinyS2's board measures 17.8mm by 41mm, which is slightly longer than the original TinyPico.
Adafruit has added the TinyS2 to their online store, where you can pick one up for $18.50.