FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 Development Kit for Smart Home (2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi 6, Home Assistant, BLE 5, Zigbee, Thread)

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 IO Expansion Kit is an advanced development platform that combines the powerful FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 microcontroller with a dedicated IO expansion shield. Engineered for next-generation IoT applications, it delivers cutting-edge wireless performance, comprehensive protocol support, and robust power flexibility. At its core is the ESP32-C5, offering dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity (2.4 & 5 GHz), alongside Bluetooth 5, Thread, and Zigbee.

This enables seamless integration into modern smart home platforms. It's an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts building custom devices for open-source systems like Home Assistant or creating commercial products compatible with Matter. The development kit features an intelligent power management system with solar charging capabilities and an ultra-low deep sleep current of 23 μA. The included solderless IO expansion board simplifies prototyping, making it ideal for creating sophisticated projects such as custom Home Assistant sensor nodes, solar-powered outdoor monitors that report back via MQTT, or even a multi-protocol Zigbee/Thread gateway.

Next-Generation Connectivity with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6

The ESP32-C5 is Espressif's first module to support Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 5 GHz band provides higher transmission speeds, lower latency, and reduced interference, ensuring stable and responsive wireless connections. Wi-Fi 6 technology further enhances network capacity and efficiency through OFDMA and TWT mechanisms, significantly reducing device power consumption and extending battery life for long-term deployments.

Figure: FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 with IO Expansion Board

Figure: FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6

Unified Smart Home Ecosystem with Multi-Protocol Support

This development board natively supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, Thread, and Zigbee protocols. This comprehensive support allows for the creation of Matter end-devices over Wi-Fi or Thread, enabling cross-platform interoperability among smart home products. This versatility makes it a powerful tool for Home Assistant users, who can leverage it to create reliable MQTT clients, build custom Zigbee devices, or experiment with Thread and Matter integrations, all with a single board.

Flexible & Efficient Power Management

Designed for versatile deployments, the board accommodates multiple power sources, including Type-C, 5V DC, and direct solar panel input for charging a lithium battery. An integrated solar power management IC maximizes charging efficiency across varying light conditions, making it suitable for outdoor or power-constrained locations. Onboard systems provide battery level monitoring and a controllable 3.3V power output, which can de-energize external sensors to achieve minimal power consumption during idle periods.

Rapid Prototyping with Solderless IO Expansion Board

The kit includes a dedicated IO expansion board that eliminates the need for soldering during initial development phases. All IO pins from the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 are brought out to conveniently arranged headers with clear functional partitions. This design facilitates the quick and direct connection of various sensors, displays, and peripherals, allowing for immediate out-of-the-box use and accelerating the transition from concept to functional prototype.