Summary of M5STACK ATOM – SMALLEST ESP32 DEVELOPMENT BOARD FOR PORTABLE EMBEDDED AND IOT PROJECTS
The M5Stack ATOM is an ESP32-based microcontroller series (24×24mm) for portable IoT and embedded projects. Two variants exist: ATOM Matrix (5×5 RGB LED matrix, MPU6886 IMU, Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, button, 6 GPIOs) and ATOM Lite (minimal, status LED and button). Both support Arduino, MicroPython, Visuino, and UIFlow for programming and suit smart-home, sensing, and industrial data-collection uses.
Parts used in the M5Stack ATOM Matrix:
- ESP32 PICO System-in-Package (SiP) module
- USB Type-C connector
- 4 MByte flash memory
- 1 programmable push button
- 5 × 5 RGB LED matrix panel
- Infrared LED
- Reset button
- 2.4G SMD Antenna Proant 440
- MPU6886 inertial sensor (IMU)
- 6 × GPIOs (Dupont pins)
- 4‑pin PH2.0 interface
The ESP32-based M5Stack ATOM from Espressif is the smallest (24 x 24mm) development board available in the market, which is designed for portable embedded systems and IoT development projects. M5Stack is the most cost-effective product due to its small size and there is no battery integrated to it. The M5Stack has two types of units in the ATOM series, ATOM Matrix, and ATOM Lite.
The ATOM Matrix is the most compact development board in the M5Stack development kit series with tons of features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5×5 RGB LED Matrix with a push button, an IMU sensor (MPU6886), and six GPIOs. The MCU is Espressif’s ESP-PICO System-in-Package (SiP) module. The ATOM Lite is cheaper when compared to the ATOM Matrix because ATOM Lite is fairly minimal with a status LED and a button.
The ATOM can be embedded in devices that are needed to be connected to the internet such as smart-home controllers, alarm, temperature and humidity-sensors, smart keys, etc. ATOM’s sensors could also be used in the collection of manufacturing data or for developing a centralized controller in industrial automation application scenarios for better production efficiency and to prevent unforeseen breakdowns.
ATOM Matrix and ATOM Lite can be programmed using Arduino, Microphython, Visuino, and UIFlow (a Web-based IoT programming system developed by M5Stack). The Blockly visual interface is clear and easy to program.
Features Of ATOM Matrix
- USB Type-C and ESP32 PICO-based
- 4 MByte flash
- Designed with 1 Programmable button, 5 × 5 RGB LED matrix panel, an Infrared LED and a Reset button
- 2.4G SMD Antenna: Proant 440
- MPU6886 Inertial Sensor
- 6 × GPIOs (Dupont Pins)
- 4 Pin PH2.0 interface
- Program Platform: MicroPython, Arduino
- Product Size: 24 × 24 × 14mm, Product weight: 1g
Read more: M5STACK ATOM – SMALLEST ESP32 DEVELOPMENT BOARD FOR PORTABLE EMBEDDED AND IOT PROJECTS
- What are the main differences between ATOM Matrix and ATOM Lite?
ATOM Matrix includes a 5×5 RGB LED matrix, MPU6886 IMU, button, 6 GPIOs, and more features; ATOM Lite is minimal with only a status LED and a button. - What programming platforms support ATOM Matrix?
ATOM Matrix can be programmed using Arduino, MicroPython, Visuino, and UIFlow. - What wireless capabilities does the ATOM Matrix have?
ATOM Matrix provides Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth via the ESP32 PICO module. - What sensor is integrated on the ATOM Matrix?
The ATOM Matrix includes the MPU6886 inertial sensor (IMU). - How many GPIOs does the ATOM Matrix expose?
ATOM Matrix exposes six GPIOs via Dupont pins. - What power or connector interface does the ATOM Matrix use?
ATOM Matrix uses a USB Type-C connector for power and connectivity. - What is the flash memory size on the ATOM Matrix?
The ATOM Matrix is equipped with 4 MByte of flash memory. - What antenna does the ATOM Matrix use?
ATOM Matrix uses a Proant 440 2.4G SMD antenna. - What are the physical dimensions and weight of ATOM Matrix?
The product size is 24 × 24 × 14 mm and the weight is 1 g.
