ESP32-P4 learning and prototyping kit features 7-inch touchscreen, comes with 16 modules and AI lessons

Abstract

Elecrow has launched the "All-in-One Starter Kit for ESP32-P4," an open-source learning and prototyping platform built around the dual-core RISC-V ESP32-P4 chip. This comprehensive kit features a 7-inch touchscreen, a 2MP camera, and sixteen integrated modules, streamlining development for embedded systems and advanced HMI applications. It is supported by over 20 structured lessons that guide users through I/Os, LVGL GUI creation, and foundational Edge AI use cases using the C-based ESP-IDF framework.

Report

Key Highlights

• Product Name: Elecrow’s “All-in-One Starter Kit for ESP32-P4.”
• Target Audience: Students, educational institutions, and developers focused on rapid prototyping.
• Hardware Integration: Features a 7-inch touchscreen display, a 2MP camera, and sixteen built-in electronic modules.
• Learning Content: Includes over 20 structured lessons covering embedded I/Os, audio processing, LVGL GUI development, and basic AI applications.
• Development Framework: Utilizes Espressif’s ESP-IDF framework, providing ready-to-build examples and modular BSP drivers.
• Open Source: The platform is marketed as an open hardware kit.

Technical Details

• Wireless MCU: ESP32-P4NRW32.
• Main CPU Architecture: Dual-core RISC-V microcontroller clocked at 400 MHz.
• Advanced Features: Includes AI instructions extension and a single-precision Floating-Point Unit (FPU).
• Low-Power Core: Single-core RISC-V LP (Low-power) MCU operating up to 40 MHz.
• Graphics Capability: Mentions the inclusion of a 2D Pixel GPU.
• Software Environment: Development is conducted in C using the robust ESP-IDF ecosystem.
• Application Focus: Suitable for IoT device control, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), smart home integration, and entry-level Edge AI.

Implications

• RISC-V Ecosystem Growth: This kit significantly democratizes access to advanced RISC-V features (like AI instructions and FPU) in an accessible educational format, driving wider adoption of Espressif’s high-performance RISC-V chips.
• Edge AI Prototyping: By bundling hardware (camera, powerful MCU) and specialized lessons, the kit lowers the barrier to entry for students and developers wishing to experiment with entry-level multimedia and Edge AI applications.
• HMI Development: The inclusion of a large 7-inch display and dedicated LVGL GUI lessons positions the kit as an ideal tool for rapidly prototyping complex and modern human-machine interfaces, critical for modern IoT and industrial control systems.
• Educational Standardization: The all-in-one nature and structured curriculum make this a strong candidate for standardization in educational settings focused on embedded systems and modern IoT development.