T-Embed is an interesting product from manufacturer LilyGo that integrates an ESP32-S3 along with a 1.9-inch TFT screen and a rotary encoder into a single device.
Like many LilyGo products, the T-Embed mounts an ESP32 SoC from Espressif Systems. Specifically, an ESP32-S3 featuring a dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor at 240MHz.
The ESP32-S3 is an old friend of the blog. You can read more about it in the article ESP32-S3 or in the section ESP8266/ESP32
Regarding memory, the T-Embed features 512KB SDRAM, accompanied by 8MB PSRAM and 16MB SPI Flash. Enough memory for almost any project we want to tackle, even those making intensive use of graphics or GUI.
Furthermore, as is common in devices integrating ESP32, the LilyGo T-Embed features IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 wireless connectivity.
Regarding the features that truly distinguish the T-Embed, first we find its integrated IPS LCD screen, with a size of 1.9 inches and a resolution of 320x170px.
But undoubtedly the “crown jewel” of the T-Embed is its 24-step rotary encoder. This, in addition, features 7 RGB LEDs underneath the surface, allowing for visual feedback to the user.
All of this in a compact (though not small) package with dimensions of 95.4 x 36.40 mm. It is available in different colors and finishes, with ABS or PC plastic casing. In short, a cute little device no matter how you look at it. 😍
{ “CPU and Memory”: [ { “label”: “SoC”, “value”: “ESP32-S3” }, { “label”: “Processor”, “value”: “Xtensa LX7 dual core @240Mhz” }, { “label”: “Memory”, “value”: [“512KB SDRAM”, “8MB PSRAM”, “16MB SPI Flash”] } ], “Connectivity”: [ { “label”: “WiFi”, “value”: “IEEE 802.11 b/g/n” }, { “label”: “Bluetooth”, “value”: “BLE 5.0” } ], “Devices”: [ { “label”: “Screen”, “value”: “LCD TFT IPS 1.9 in. 320x170px ST7789” }, { “label”: “MicroSD Slot”, “value”: “Yes” }, { “label”: “Encoder”, “value”: “24-step rotary with 7 APA102 RGB LEDs” }, { “label”: “Audio”, “value”: [“2 microphones”, “8 ohm 1W speaker”] }, { “label”: “Connections”, “value”: [“8 GPIO pins”, “Grove connector (I2C)”] }, { “label”: “Battery”, “value”: “2-pin LiPo connector with protection” }, { “label”: “USB”, “value”: “Type-C for programming and power” } ], “Dimensions”: [ { “label”: “Dimensions”, “value”: “95.4 x 36.40 mm” }, { “label”: “Casing”, “value”: “ABS+PC” } ] }
As an area for improvement, the T-Embed lacks a battery. It has a connector and protection circuit to incorporate one, but it is not included. I think it would have been great for the package to come with it by default.
The T-Embed is compatible with the Arduino and MicroPython environments. LilyGo is not usually known for documenting its projects very well. But they have a Github repository with quite a few examples, which I leave below in the references.
The price of the T-Embed is $33, shipping not included. A bit expensive considering it doesn’t include the battery, and when compared to other similar available options.
Evidently, its biggest attractions are the encoder with RGB LED, combined with the LCD screen. A combination that offers a lot of possibilities for adding it to your home automation, robotics, or IoT projects.
In any case, the T-Embed is aesthetically impeccable. It’s a device that invites you to try it and could easily become one of your favorite toys.
References:
