Name: ESP-12F ESP-12E Serial WiFi Adapter Module
Brand: Generic
SKU: IFT00081-2
Availability: InStock

ESP-12F ESP-12E Serial WiFi Adapter Module is a highly integrated and essential component for any Internet of Things (IoT) project, offering both Wi-Fi connectivity and a powerful micro-controller in one compact package. Built around the robust ESP8266EX chip, this module acts as a complete system-on-chip (SoC), enabling devices to connect to the internet with minimal external components. The ‘F’ and ‘E’ versions feature improvements over older models, including enhanced PCB antenna design for better signal strength and a more stable package. Engineers and developers choose this module for its vast community support, flexibility in programming (using the Arduino IDE, Lua, or MicroPython), and its capability to run the entire application code directly, eliminating the need for a separate host micro-controller in many scenarios.

Key Features:

Integrated Wi-Fi Connectivity: Provides built-in 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing seamless connection to local networks and the internet.
Powerful SoC Architecture: Runs on the highly popular ESP8266EX System-on-Chip, which includes a 32-bit micro-controller, memory, and an integrated radio.
Enhanced Antenna Design: The ESP-12F and ESP-12E modules feature an optimized PCB antenna for improved range and signal stability compared to earlier versions.
Multiple Programming Options: You can program the module using familiar tools like the Arduino IDE, or utilize firmware like NodeMCU (Lua) and MicroPython.
Low Power Consumption: Designed for efficiency, it supports various low-power modes, making it suitable for battery-operated IoT devices.
11 GPIO Pins: Offers plenty of General Purpose Input/Output pins to interface with sensors, actuators, relays, and other peripherals.

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: ESP8266EX
Standard: 802.11 b/g/n (Wi-Fi)
Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, FTP
Operating Voltage: 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3V recommended)
Logic Level: 3.3 V TTL
Flash Memory: 4 MB (often configurable to 8 MB or 16 MB)
Current Consumption (Active): ~80 mA (varies with Wi-Fi activity)
Interfaces: SDIO 2.0, SPI, UART, I²C, I²S

Mechanical Specifications:

Mounting: Surface Mount Device (SMD) for soldering directly onto a custom PCB.
Antenna: Onboard PCB Antenna (Meander Line Antenna)
Package: Metal shielding over the ESP8266EX chip for better EMI performance.

Dimensions:

Length: 24 mm
Width: 16 mm
Height: ~3 mm (excluding pins on breakout boards)

Pinout and Wiring:

VCC: 3.3 V Power Supply.
GND: Ground.
EN (Chip Enable): Must be pulled HIGH (3.3V) for the chip to operate.
RST (Reset): Active LOW reset pin.
TX/RX: UART (Serial) communication pins (used for programming and data transmission).
GPIO Pins (0, 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16): General purpose input/output pins for external components.
Wiring Note: You need an external 3.3V power source and a 3.3V logic level FTDI/USB-to-Serial adapter to program and power this module; 5V will permanently damage the chip.

Datasheet Reference:

Download ESP8266EX Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

Smart Home Devices: Building custom smart plugs, temperature controllers, and automated lighting systems.
Data Logging Systems: Creating remote sensors that transmit data to cloud platforms like Firebase, ThingSpeak, or AWS IoT.
Educational Kits: A foundational component in courses and starter kits focused on introducing IoT principles.

Applications:

Remote Monitoring: Design sensors to monitor air quality, water levels, or machinery performance over Wi-Fi.
Web Servers: Host a small, interactive web page directly on the module to control peripherals via a browser.
Wireless Gateway: Use it as a bridge to connect other wireless standards (like Bluetooth or RF) to the internet.
Firmware Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Enable devices to receive firmware updates wirelessly, reducing maintenance time.

Equivalent Models:

ESP-01S: A smaller, simpler ESP8266 module with fewer exposed GPIO pins.
ESP32 Modules (e.g., ESP-WROOM-32): A higher-performance alternative that includes dual-core processing, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and more GPIO.