ESP8266 ESP-01 Wi-Fi Serial Module

ESP8266 ESP-01 Wi-Fi Module

The ESP8266 ESP-01 Wi-Fi Module provides a compact way to add wireless networking to electronic projects. It communicates with Arduino and other microcontrollers through a UART serial interface.

The integrated ESP8266EX chip includes a 32-bit processor and a complete TCP/IP stack. Therefore, the module can handle many networking tasks without placing a heavy load on the main controller.

Key Features

• Uses the ESP8266EX Wi-Fi SoC
• Supports 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Communicates through a UART serial interface
• Supports AT command firmware
• Operates in Station, SoftAP, or combined mode
• Includes an integrated PCB antenna
• Provides two usable GPIO pins
• Supports TCP and UDP communication
• Allows UART or OTA firmware updates
• Suits Arduino, IoT, and automation projects

Technical Specifications

• Model: ESP-01
• Main Chip: ESP8266EX
• Wireless Standard: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
• Frequency Band: 2.4GHz
• Recommended Supply Voltage: 3.3V DC
• GPIO Logic Level: 3.3V
• Recommended Supply Capacity: At least 500mA
• Average Operating Current: Approximately 80mA
• Communication Interface: UART
• Available GPIO: GPIO0 and GPIO2
• Wi-Fi Modes: Station, SoftAP and Station + SoftAP
• Network Support: IPv4, TCP, UDP and HTTP
• Security Support: WEP, WPA and WPA2
• Antenna: Integrated PCB antenna
• Pin Count: Eight

Pin Configuration

• VCC: 3.3V power input
• GND: Ground
• TXD: UART data output
• RXD: UART data input
• EN/CH_PD: Chip enable
• RST: Hardware reset
• GPIO0: General-purpose I/O and programming-mode selection
• GPIO2: General-purpose I/O and boot configuration

Operating Modes

The ESP-01 supports several Wi-Fi modes:

• Station Mode: Connects to an existing Wi-Fi router
• SoftAP Mode: Creates its own Wi-Fi access point
• Station + SoftAP: Connects to a router while creating an access point

Applications

Use this ESP8266 module for:

• Arduino Wi-Fi projects
• IoT devices
• Home automation
• Wireless sensor monitoring
• Remote-control systems
• Web server projects
• Wi-Fi relays
• Smart switches
• Robotics projects
• Wireless data transmission

Programming Notes

1. Use a stable 3.3V power supply.
2. Connect TXD and RXD to a USB-to-TTL adapter or microcontroller.
3. Use a logic-level converter with 5V controllers.
4. Pull EN/CH_PD HIGH during normal operation.
5. Pull GPIO0 LOW during startup to enter programming mode.
6. Return GPIO0 HIGH for normal boot.
7. Use AT commands or compatible ESP8266 firmware.

Flash Memory Note

ESP-01 modules may contain different flash-memory capacities depending on the manufacturing batch. Common versions use 512KB or 1MB.

Therefore, verify the installed flash chip before selecting firmware or assigning a fixed memory capacity in your project.

Package Contents

• 1 × ESP8266 ESP-01 Wi-Fi serial module

Important Notes

• This product is the standard ESP-01 version, not ESP-01S.
• Never connect 5V directly to VCC or any GPIO pin.
• Use a stable 3.3V supply that can handle Wi-Fi current peaks.
• Many Arduino 3.3V pins cannot supply enough current.
• Check the pin arrangement before applying power.
• Pull the required boot pins to the correct logic levels.
• Flash capacity and installed firmware may vary between batches.