Espressif Systems AWS IoT ExpressLink module

Espressif’s AWS IoT ExpressLink module (ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4-A) provides host MCUs with out-of-the-box AWS IoT connectivity, while also implementing the AWS IoT ExpressLink specification. It has a simple serial interface through which the host MCU gets connected to AWS IoT services, thus transforming any offline product into a Cloud-connected product. It handles complex, yet undifferentiated, workload, such as authentication, device management, connectivity, messaging and OTA. Thus, it relieves developers from developing and maintaining complex firmware, while it provides end-to-end security and fleet management at scale.

Key features

• Out-of-the-box AWS IoT connectivity to AWS IoT Core and related services
• Pre-configured with the certificates and pre-programmed with the ExpressLink firmware
• Provides a simple set of AT commands for accessing all of its features
• Provides OTA upgrades for both the module and the host

Additional features

Hardware features

• ESP32-C3 (Single-core, 32-bit RISC-V) with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (LE)
• Small form-factor of just 13.2 mm x 16.6 mm
• Comes with regulatory certifications for most of the world’s regions
• Security features include RSA-3072-based secure boot, AES-128-XTS-based flash encryption, Integrated digital signature peripheral
   

Software features

• Pre-provisioned with the required certificates and can readily connect to the AWS IoT Core service and pre-programmed with the ExpressLink firmware, reducing production time significantly
• Provides MQTT publish-subscribe messaging using a simple interface, but none of the complexities of the MQTT protocol
• The initial Wi-Fi configuration on Espressif's AWS IoT ExpressLink modules can be done securely using Espressif’s open-source provisioning apps, which are available on Android and iOS

Applications

• Smart coffee machine
• Light bulbs
• Dimmers

Available tools

Espressif offers ESP32-C3-AWS-ExpressLink-DevKit, which hosts Espressif’s AWS IoT ExpressLink module (ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4-A), along with a detailed guide on how to get started with both of them. ESP32-C3-AWS-ExpressLink-DevKit can be used with an external host MCU for easy evaluation and prototyping. Both the module and the development kit are available for purchase via Espressif or via Amazon. In case you already have an Espressif DevKit, our company has made available updated Firmware which can be easily installed on existing modules.