M5Stack has released a new IoT control device called AtomS3 Lite, a very interesting device for our home automation, robotics, and DIY projects.
The AtomS3 Lite is part of the Atom family, being the younger brother of the AtomS3 that we saw in this post about the M5Stack Atom S3. Compared to this, it is presented as a device with lower features, but much lower price.
Like the rest of the Atom family devices, the new AtomS3 Lite is based on the powerful ESP32-S3. Specifically, it has an ESP32-S3FN8 SoC, a 32-bit dual-core processor at 240Mhz.
In terms of memory, the AtomS3 Lite proves not to be so “lite” and boasts the usual 512SRAM and 8MB PSRAM of the family, more than enough memory for most projects we want to undertake.
Like the rest of the processors based on an ESP32, the AtomS3 Lite has WiFi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, allowing it to connect to the internet and other devices using these protocols.
The main difference compared to the AtomS3 is that the AtomS3 Lite does without the TFT screen and the IMU sensor that we find in its older brother. Instead, it incorporates an RGB LED that can be used to provide visual cues to users.
Another distinctive feature is that the AtomS3 Lite has an infrared transmitter that can be used to control electronic devices that have an IR remote control, such as televisions, air conditioners, etc.
As for the connection, we find 9 pins on the back, 6 GPIO (G5, G6, G7, G8, G38, and G39) and 3 power (5V, 3.3V, and GND). It also has a Grove expansion connector for connecting I2C devices.
The AtomS3 Lite also has a USB-C port for power and programming. In addition to a reset button, and a user function button, located under the RGB LED itself.
We cannot forget to mention another of the distinctive features of the Atom family, which is its small size and weight. With dimensions of only 24x25x9.5mm and a weight of 5.3 grams, it is a device that can be comfortably carried even in a pocket.
This is a summary of some of its features:
- MCU Espressif Systems ESP32-S3FN8 dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX7 @240MHz
- Memory 512 SRAM and 8MB PSRAM
- 2.4 GHz WiFi, 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 5 (BLE)
- 9x pins G5, G6, G7, G8, G38, and G39 GPIOs, 5V, 3.3V, and GND
- 4-pin Grove connector
- Infrared LED
- RGB LED WS2812B-2020
- Reset button and user button
- M2 hole for mounting
- USB Type-C port
- CSY8089 5V to 3V3 converter
- Size 24 x 24 x 9.5mm
- Weight 5.3 grams
AtomS3 Lite is compatible with the Arduino programming language, with MicroPython, and with the UIFlow platform, M5Stack’s visual programming tool.
As for the price, it is currently sold on the M5Stack website for $7.5. This is less than half the price of its older brother, the M5Atom S3, which is sold for 15.5€. It really is a competitive price for a device with these features.
Also, having the infrared LED makes it interesting as a IoT controller for the smart home. For example, to control devices with an infrared remote control, via WiFi or Bluetooth.
As we can see, it is a very interesting option if we do not need the TFT screen or the IMU of the M5Atom S3. It is a compact and lightweight device, with a very good finish (as is customary in M5Stack), and with the added bonus of having IR control.