ESP32-S2 secure WiFi processor based on Xtensa LX7 core was first unveiled in May 2019, before the datasheet was released, and the first development boards were showcased in September.

The Coronavirus outbreak slowed down progress, but the company has now announced the start of mass production for ESP32-S2 SoC, ESP32-S2-WROVER & ESP32-S2-WROOM modules, and ESP32-S2-Saola-1 development board. So that means we should soon be able to buy any of those.

Apart from improved security, ESP32-S2 chip also provides a USB OTG interface and interfaces for HMI (Human Machine Interface) solutions thanks to LCD & camera interfaces. So that’s probably why the company has developed ESP-S2 Kaluga-1 board with an LCD touchscreen display, touch panel, support for camera image acquisition, audio playback, and more.

We do not have the full specifications at this stage, but here are some of the highlights of the board:

LCD interfaces – SPI interface or 8-/16-/24-bit parallel port display interface

– SPI interface or 8-/16-/24-bit parallel port display interface Dustproof & waterproof touch panel with low false-touch rate, 14 capacitive touch interfaces. It can be used for touch buttons, proximity sensors, sliding touch bars, scroll wheels, etc.,

with low false-touch rate, 14 capacitive touch interfaces. It can be used for touch buttons, proximity sensors, sliding touch bars, scroll wheels, etc., 8-/16-bit DVP camera interface which – coupled with a DMA engine – can transmit high-resolution images. The company expects it to be found in Smart Home devices, industrial wireless controllers, wireless monitors, QR wireless identification devices, etc…

It’s unclear when Espressif ESP32-S2-Kaluga-1 board will become available and at what price. Espressif Systems also said they have more ESP32-S series chips planned for 2020, and are working on ESP32-C series, a simplified version, that will also be launched this year.