Summary of BlkBox BB-E01P – The World’s Smallest ESP8285-Based WiFi Module
In March 2016, Espressif introduced the ESP8285 chip with integrated 1MB flash to enhance IoT efficiency and compactness. This article highlights Blkbox's BB-E01P module as potentially the world's smallest WiFi IoT solution at 10x14 mm. Pin-compatible with ESP-01, it features an internal chip antenna, supports deep sleep modes, and operates on a 3V-3.6V power supply using AT firmware v1.6.
Parts used in the BB-E01P Project:
- Espressif ESP8285 WiFi SoC
- 1MB internal flash memory
- Chip antenna
- 8-pin expansion header (2.54mm pitch)
- UART interface
- Deep Sleep Mode jumper
Back in March 2016, Espressif Announced the ESP8285 Wi-Fi Chip, a supposed killer of the favorite ESP8266 chip. The new chip is an ESP8266, but with the flash memory onboard – 1MB flash memory. Espressif’s ESP8285 delivers highly integrated Wi-Fi SoC solution to meet users’ constant demands for efficient power usage, compact design and reliable performance in the Internet of Things industry. With the complete and self-contained Wi-Fi networking capabilities, ESP8285 can perform either as a standalone application or as the slave to a host MCU. When ESP8285 hosts the application, it promptly boots up from the flash. The Chip is also ultra-small as compared to the ESP8266 making it suitable for applications like in wearables.
Taiwan based Blkbox may have designed the world’s smallest WiFi IoT module with their Espressif Systems ESP8285 based BB-E01P module which is pin-compatible with the ESP-01 module, and measuring just 10×14 mm. Several ESP8285 modules have been released, but the Blkbox version is probably the smallest ever. Itead Studio’s PSF-A85, an ESP8285 Wireless Module measures just 14mm*135mm, and even the Electrodragon ESP8285 WiFi module measures 15.5mm x 17.8mm. With this, the Blkbox module might be the smallest we currently have. The BB-E01P is the equivalent of the Blkbox predecessor BB-E01 with reduced dimensions.
The following are the specification of the Blkbox BB-E01P ESP8285 WiFi module:
- WiFi SoC – Espressif ESP8285 WiFi SoC with 1MB internal flash
- Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n WiFi with chip antenna
- Expansion – 8-pin (2.54mm pitch) with Tx/Rx, CP, RS, GPIO0, GPIO2, 3V, GND (Same layout as ESP-01)
- Interface – UART
- Misc – Jumper supports Deep Sleep Mode (AT+GSLP)
- Firmware Version: AT v1.6 / SDK v2.2
- Power Supply – 3V -3.6V
- Dimensions – 10 x 14 mm
- Pin Pitch – 2.54mm
Read more: BlkBox BB-E01P – The World’s Smallest ESP8285-Based WiFi Module
- What is the primary advantage of the ESP8285 over the ESP8266?
The ESP8285 includes 1MB of flash memory onboard. - Can the ESP8285 function without a host MCU?
Yes, it can perform as a standalone application or as a slave to a host MCU. - What makes the Blkbox BB-E01P unique compared to other modules?
It measures just 10×14 mm, making it potentially the smallest ESP8285-based module available. - Is the BB-E01P compatible with existing ESP-01 designs?
Yes, it is pin-compatible with the ESP-01 module and shares the same layout. - What are the dimensions of the Itead Studio PSF-A85 module?
The Itead Studio PSF-A85 measures 14mm by 135mm. - How does the Blkbox module support low power consumption?
A jumper supports Deep Sleep Mode using the AT+GSLP command. - What firmware versions are supported by the BB-E01P?
The module runs AT v1.6 and SDK v2.2. - What voltage range powers the BB-E01P module?
The module requires a power supply between 3V and 3.6V.
