# ESP32 > original microcontroller from the ESP32 family, released 2016 **Wikidata**: [Q118189642](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118189642) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/esp32-q118189642 ## Summary ESP32 is the original product model in the ESP32 family of system-on-a-chip microcontrollers. It is a dual-core, 240 MHz microcontroller launched for commercialization in 2016 and intended as part of the ESP32 series of low-cost, low-power SoC microcontrollers. ## Key Facts - Commercialization date: 2016-09-05 (reported in sources referencing the product release). - Announcement date: 2015-11-05 (announcement referenced by a public tweet). - Processor: 2 processor cores. - Clock frequency: 240 MHz. - Instruction set: Xtensa. - Operating voltage: 3.3 volt. - Instance of: product model; subclass of system on a chip and microcontroller. - Part of series: ESP32 (the ESP32 series is described as low-cost, low-power SoC microcontrollers with integrated Wi‑Fi and dual‑mode Bluetooth). - Operating temperature range: −40 °C minimum to 125 °C maximum. - Non-operating temperature range: −40 °C minimum to 150 °C maximum. - Official product page: https://www.espressif.com/en/products/hardware/esp32/overview - User manual / datasheet (English): https://www.espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/esp32_datasheet_en.pdf ## FAQs ### Q: What is the ESP32? A: The ESP32 is the original product model in the ESP32 family of system-on-a-chip microcontrollers. It is a dual-core, 240 MHz Xtensa-based SoC marketed as part of the ESP32 series. ### Q: When was the ESP32 announced and released? A: The ESP32 was announced on 2015-11-05 (announcement referenced by a tweet) and was commercialized on 2016-09-05 (reported in coverage of the release). ### Q: What are the core hardware specifications of the ESP32? A: The ESP32 has two processor cores running at up to 240 MHz, uses the Xtensa instruction set, and operates at a nominal voltage of 3.3 V. ### Q: What temperature ranges does the ESP32 support? A: The ESP32’s operating temperature range is −40 °C to 125 °C. Its non-operating (storage) temperature range is −40 °C to 150 °C. ### Q: Where can I find official documentation? A: The official product overview is at the manufacturer’s product page (https://www.espressif.com/en/products/hardware/esp32/overview) and the English datasheet/user manual is available at https://www.espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/esp32_datasheet_en.pdf. ## Why It Matters The ESP32, as the original microcontroller model in the ESP32 series, represents an accessible, integrated system-on-a-chip option for embedded and IoT applications. Its combination of dual processor cores, a high clock rate (240 MHz), and an Xtensa instruction set provides a balance of performance and efficiency on a single integrated circuit. Being part of a series described as low-cost and low-power positions the ESP32 as a practical choice for developers and product designers looking to embed networking-capable microcontrollers into devices while keeping component count and cost down. The official datasheet and product page provide authoritative technical details and support. The ESP32’s specified wide operating and storage temperature ranges (down to −40 °C and up to 125 °C operating, 150 °C non-operating) make it suitable for a broad set of environmental conditions. Its 2015 announcement and 2016 commercialization mark the entry of this model into the market as the foundational member of the ESP32 family. ## Notable For - Being the original product model of the ESP32 family of SoC microcontrollers. - Dual-core design running at up to 240 MHz using the Xtensa instruction set. - Wide operating temperature range: −40 °C to 125 °C (storage up to 150 °C). - Positioned in a series described as low-cost, low-power SoC microcontrollers with integrated Wi‑Fi and dual‑mode Bluetooth (as the ESP32 series). ## Body ### Overview - The ESP32 is identified as a product model and is classified as both a system on a chip (SoC) and a microcontroller. - It is the original microcontroller from the ESP32 family and is part of the ESP32 series. ### Chronology - Announcement date: 2015-11-05 (announcement referenced by a public tweet). - Commercialization date (market release): 2016-09-05 (documented in reporting on the product release). ### Hardware specifications - Processor cores: 2. - Maximum clock frequency: 240 MHz. - Instruction set: Xtensa. - Nominal operating voltage: 3.3 V. ### Thermal and environmental specifications - Operating temperature range: −40 °C (minimum) to 125 °C (maximum). - Non-operating (storage) temperature range: −40 °C (minimum) to 150 °C (maximum). ### Classification and series context - Instance of: product model. - Subclass of: system on a chip; microcontroller. - Part of series: ESP32 series, which is described as a series of low-cost, low-power system-on-a-chip microcontrollers with integrated Wi‑Fi and dual‑mode Bluetooth. ### Documentation and resources - Official product overview: https://www.espressif.com/en/products/hardware/esp32/overview - English datasheet/user manual: https://www.espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/esp32_datasheet_en.pdf ### References noted in structured data - Announcement reference: public tweet dated 2015-11-05. - Commercialization reference: coverage reporting product release dated 2016-09-05. ## References 1. [Source](https://hackaday.com/2016/09/05/new-part-day-the-esp32-has-been-released/)