WiQwiic-32 Speeds Up Prototyping
WiQwiic-32 packs an ESP32, LCD, and 8 Qwiic ports into a USB-C dongle to make prototyping fast, modular, and entirely solder-free.
Every maker should keep a few all-in-one development boards within arm’s reach for rapidly prototyping new ideas. These compact gadgets usually combine a microcontroller, a display, and a handful of communication interfaces into a tidy, approachable package. That convenience, however, comes with tradeoffs — they’re often constrained when it comes to interfacing with external hardware. As a result, they’re great for simple circuits, but not so great for more complex creations.
The new WiQwiic-32 is an all-in-one development board that was designed to address this limitation. It is equipped with an ESP32 microcontroller and an onboard display, but when you need to add sensors, motors, or just about anything else, the WiQwiic-32 makes it very easy. It is equipped with eight 4-pin JST connectors for rapid integration with the Qwiic ecosystem of add-on modules.
The WiQwiic-32 is powered by an ESP32-WROOM-32 microcontroller, a well-established platform known for its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. This gives the tiny USB-C dongle plenty of wireless muscle right out of the box, making it suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) projects, remote monitoring systems, and interactive devices. Paired with a 1.14-inch onboard LCD, developers can display real-time data directly on the device without needing an external screen.
Where the WiQwiic-32 really differentiates itself is in its focus on reducing friction during development. The inclusion of eight Qwiic-compatible connectors means users can snap in sensors, relays, and peripherals without soldering or complex wiring. This modular approach significantly lowers the barrier to entry for beginners while still offering enough flexibility for more advanced users to build sophisticated systems.
By drawing power and providing programming access through a single USB connection, the device eliminates the complexity sometimes associated with development setups. It effectively turns any laptop or desktop into a compact prototyping station.
Designed with developers, educators, and hardware enthusiasts in mind, the WiQwiic-32 aims to streamline workflows and accelerate iteration cycles. Instead of spending time debugging wiring or configuring interfaces, users can focus on experimenting and refining their ideas.
The WiQwiic-32 has not been released yet, but a Kickstarter campaign will be starting soon. Be sure to sign up for updates if you would like to be notified as soon as it’s available.
R&D, creativity, and building the next big thing you never knew you wanted are my specialties.