# ESP8266 > system-on-a-chip microcontroller model with Wi-Fi **Wikidata**: [Q21094865](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21094865) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESP8266) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/esp8266 ## Summary The ESP8266 is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) microcontroller model featuring integrated Wi-Fi capabilities. Developed and manufactured by Espressif Systems, it serves as a low-cost microcontroller with a single processor core. It was commercially introduced in 2014 and was later succeeded by the ESP32 series. ## Key Facts - **Classification:** The ESP8266 is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and microcontroller designed to function as a small computer on a single integrated circuit. - **Manufacturer:** Developed and manufactured by Espressif Systems. - **Connectivity:** Features integrated Wi-Fi functionality. - **Release Date:** Commercialized in 2014, specifically circa August 26, 2014. - **Processor:** Contains a single processor core. - **Clock Speed:** Operates at a clock frequency of 80 MHz. - **Successor:** The model was followed by the ESP32, a series of low-cost, low-power system on a chip microcontrollers with integrated Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth. - **Product Model:** It is identified as an instance of a "product model." ## FAQs ### Q: What is the ESP8266? A: The ESP8266 is a system-on-a-chip microcontroller that integrates Wi-Fi capabilities. It is designed to function as a small computer on a single integrated circuit. ### Q: Who manufactures the ESP8266? A: The ESP8266 is developed and manufactured by Espressif Systems. ### Q: What is the difference between the ESP8266 and the ESP32? A: The ESP32 is the successor to the ESP8266. While the ESP8266 is a single-core microcontroller with Wi-Fi, the ESP32 series is noted for being a low-cost, low-power system on a chip that includes both Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth. ### Q: When was the ESP8266 released? A: The ESP8266 was commercialized in 2014, with sourcing indicating a release circa August 26, 2014. ## Why It Matters The ESP8266 represents a significant development in the field of microcontrollers by integrating system functions and Wi-Fi connectivity onto a single chip. As a system-on-a-chip (SoC), it consolidates the functions of a system onto a single integrated circuit, allowing for more compact and efficient electronic designs. The release of the ESP8266 in 2014 provided a distinct product model within the microcontroller market. Its architecture allows for Wi-Fi handling, which is a critical feature for modern electronics and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. By offering these capabilities, the chip serves as a foundation for developers and engineers creating connected devices. Furthermore, the ESP8266 established a product lineage for Espressif Systems. It was directly followed by the ESP32 series, which expanded upon the original's capabilities by adding dual-mode Bluetooth and maintaining the low-cost, low-power profile. The existence of extensive community resources, such as dedicated Stack Exchange tags and GitHub topics, highlights its ongoing relevance and utility in the electronics and programming communities. ## Notable For - **Integrated Design:** Distinguished as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) microcontroller, integrating system functions onto a single circuit. - **Wireless Capability:** Specifically noted for its integrated Wi-Fi functionality, differentiating it from standard microcontrollers without wireless features. - **Processor Specifications:** Features a single processor core running at 80 MHz. - **Lineage:** Recognized as the predecessor to the ESP32 series, which expanded functionality to include dual-mode Bluetooth. - **Community Presence:** Maintains a strong presence in developer communities, evidenced by dedicated tags on Stack Exchange (Arduino, Electronics, Stack Overflow) and GitHub. ## Body ### Overview and Classification The ESP8266 is a microcontroller model classified as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). By definition, this places it in the category of small computers built on a single integrated circuit. It functions as a complete system on a chip, integrating the functions of a system onto a single silicon die. ### Technical Specifications The hardware of the ESP8266 is defined by several key technical properties: - **Cores:** It features 1 processor core. - **Clock Frequency:** The processor runs at a speed of 80 MHz. - **Connectivity:** The chip includes integrated Wi-Fi. ### Development and Commercialization The entity is a product of **Espressif Systems**, which acts as both the developer and the manufacturer. The commercialization of the ESP8266 occurred in **2014**. Records indicate a specific sourcing circumstance pointing to a release date circa August 26, 2014. ### Succession and Product Line In the product timeline, the ESP8266 is the predecessor to the **ESP32**. The ESP32 is described as a series of low-cost, low-power system on a chip microcontrollers that improves upon the ESP8266 by adding integrated Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth. ### Developer Resources The ESP8266 has a substantial footprint in technical knowledge bases and developer platforms. It is associated with a Google Knowledge Graph ID (`/g/11c3kq9gl3`) and has a sitelink count of 20 across various language wikis (including Arabic, Catalan, German, English, Spanish, French, and Italian). Developer engagement is further evidenced by its presence on: - **GitHub:** Topic `esp8266` - **GitLab:** Topic ID `#ESP8266` - **Stack Exchange:** Dedicated tags on Arduino, Electronics, and Stack Overflow. - **Quora:** Topic `ESP8266-WiFi-module-1`. The official website for the product is hosted by Espressif Systems at `https://www.espressif.com/en/products/hardware/esp8266ex/overview`. ## References 1. Quora 2. [Source](https://hackaday.com/2014/08/26/new-chip-alert-the-esp8266-wifi-module-its-5/)