FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 Review: Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 & Solar Charging

2025-08-29 | By DFRobot

As Internet of Things (IoT) applications continue to evolve, developers using the ESP32 series often face challenges such as congested 2.4GHz bands, data transmission bottlenecks, and inefficient multi-device collaboration. To address these performance demands, DFRobot has introduced the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 development board. This board features the latest ESP32-C5 module, equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi 6, multi-protocol support (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Thread, Zigbee), and optimized power management, including a solar charging function.

Please note: The highly anticipated FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 is not yet available for purchase, but will be launching very soon. Stay tuned!

1. Core Features of the ESP32-C5 Module

Key Highlight: Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz + 5GHz) – A Breakthrough in Device Compatibility and Wi-Fi Performance

Image of Core Features of the ESP32-C5 Module

The ESP32-C5 module supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, providing significant network performance enhancements for IoT devices.

Core Advantages of Dual-Band Support on the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5:

Compatibility with 2.4GHz & 5GHz Devices: The board can seamlessly connect with both newer high-speed devices on 5GHz and older long-range devices on 2.4GHz, eliminating compatibility headaches. For example, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6. When used as a Wi-Fi AP, it only allows 2.4GHz devices to connect. When used as a Wi-Fi Station trying to connect to a 5GHz router, the router's channel must be adjusted first. The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 solves these issues by automatically adapting to the frequency band.
Concurrent Multi-Device Access: It enables multiple devices to connect simultaneously on the 5GHz band, avoiding the "queuing" that occurs in traditional Wi-Fi and significantly improving network efficiency for multiple devices. In scenarios with a high density of devices, such as data acquisition systems, this capability greatly enhances the efficiency and real-time nature of data collection, providing more timely and accurate information for processing and analysis without causing network lag or crashes.

Image of Core Advantages of Dual-Band Support on the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5

Empowered by Wi-Fi 6 Technology:

Key Wi-Fi 6 technologies like OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output), and TWT (Target Wake Time) further enhance network efficiency, connection density, and device power savings. This ensures stable connections and efficient data transfer even in complex network environments with many devices operating concurrently.

Image of Empowered by Wi-Fi 6 Technology

Other Key Features:

Multi-Protocol Integration: The ESP32-C5 module natively supports multiple mainstream wireless communication protocols, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Thread, and Zigbee.
Rich On-Chip Resources: The module is built with an efficient RISC-V processor core and integrates a rich set of hardware interfaces, including GPIO, SPI, I2C, UART, and ADC, providing robust hardware support for various peripheral extensions and complex functionalities.

Image of Rich On-Chip Resources

2. Unique Design of the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5: A Focus on Power Optimization and Solar Integration

DFRobot has deeply optimized the power system of the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 to meet the demands of diverse and harsh application environments.

1. Flexible Power Supply Solutions:

The board supports power supply and program downloads via a Type-C (5V DC) interface. It also provides solder pads for an external 3.7V to 4.2V lithium battery and includes an onboard PH2.0 lithium battery connector with charge/discharge management circuitry. This offers a convenient desktop development experience and allows for a seamless switch to battery power for portable or standalone applications, providing extended power support.

Image of Flexible Power Supply Solutions

2. Programmable 3.3V Power Output Pin:

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 integrates a 3.3V power output pin (3V3_C) that can be controlled via GPIO 0, allowing users to manage the power state of external devices through software. By default, this pin is low (off). When an external module needs power, the control pin can be pulled high (3.3V) in the code to activate the power output. When not needed, pulling the pin low cuts the power, enabling fine-grained power management. This feature is crucial for ultra-low-power scenarios. If a project includes high-power sensors (e.g., GPS modules, gas sensors) that continue to draw power even when the system is in a low-power mode, this pin can be used to precisely control their power supply, turning them on and off as needed to minimize overall system power consumption.

3. Deep Sleep Mode and Precision PMIC:

Thanks to an onboard optimized Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) and meticulous circuit design, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 achieves an extremely low operating current of approximately 23µA in deep sleep mode. This significantly extends the battery life of battery-powered devices and reduces maintenance costs, making it particularly suitable for prototypes of Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) applications and long-term monitoring devices.

Image of Deep Sleep Mode and Precision PMIC

4. Onboard Solar Charge Management:

The board integrates a professional-grade solar charge management chip, allowing users to directly connect a 5V solar panel to charge the lithium battery. This management chip features an efficient MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)-like function to optimize solar energy conversion efficiency. This feature greatly expands the application boundaries of the development board, enabling it to:

Perform well in applications requiring long-term autonomous operation where mains power is unavailable, such as indoor balcony environmental monitoring or rooftop weather station data collection.
Support the deployment of IoT applications in outdoor areas without external power (within Wi-Fi or Bluetooth coverage), building sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
Achieve long-term autonomous operation of devices, reducing manual intervention and maintenance.

3. FireBeetle ESP32-C5 vs. ESP32-C6: A Comparative Analysis

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 represents a significant upgrade over the ESP32-C6 in key network performance areas, especially with its support for the 5GHz band. This makes it an ideal choice for users pursuing more advanced applications. At the same time, it maintains full compatibility with IoT protocols like BLE, Thread, and Zigbee, offering a clear upgrade path for ESP32-C6 users seeking higher network performance.

Key Parameter Comparison:

Image of FireBeetle ESP32-C5 vs ESP32-C6: A Comparative Analysis

Recommended Scenarios for Upgrading from ESP32-C6 to ESP32-C5:

Upgrading to the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 will bring significant improvements and expanded capabilities if your project has one or more of the following urgent needs for wireless network performance:

High-Bandwidth Applications: If your current ESP32-C6 project is bottlenecked by the 2.4GHz bandwidth (e.g., stuttering HD real-time video streams, difficulty aggregating large-scale sensor data wirelessly), upgrading to the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 will significantly improve performance through its 5GHz Wi-Fi 6 channel.
Latency-Sensitive Applications: For ESP32-C6 projects requiring precise command response and data synchronization, such as precision robotics, real-time human-computer interaction, or wireless audio transmission, the ESP32-C5 can achieve lower and more stable network latency thanks to the physical characteristics of the 5GHz band and Wi-Fi 6 optimizations, thereby enhancing system performance.
Multi-Device Connectivity Applications: If your current ESP32-C6 project experiences data queuing and transmission lag when 10+ devices connect simultaneously on the 2.4GHz band due to channel competition (CSMA/CA mechanism), upgrading to the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 will enable parallel data transmission without queuing, thanks to its 5GHz band and OFDMA technology.
Complex/Congested RF Environments: When your ESP32-C6 project is deployed in an area with severe 2.4GHz signal interference (e.g., environments with numerous Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, or other 2.4GHz ISM band equipment), upgrading to the ESP32-C5 allows you to effectively evade interference by using the 5GHz band, ensuring stable and reliable wireless connectivity.
Low-Power Applications: When your project relies on battery or solar power and has strict power consumption requirements, consider using the ESP32-C5 with its more comprehensive power management controls. This will effectively extend the operational life of the device.

Summary

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 development board, empowered by the ESP32-C5 module's exceptional dual-band Wi-Fi 6 performance and multi-protocol support, combined with DFRobot's meticulously designed advanced power management system (including solar charging) and convenient expansion interfaces, offers a comprehensive and powerful development platform for IoT developers, especially advanced users with high demands for Wi-Fi performance and stability. With its outstanding dual-band Wi-Fi 6 capabilities and unique solar power management, it will help your innovative IoT projects break through performance and battery life bottlenecks.

How to Get the Latest Updates

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 is launching soon! To be the first to receive availability notifications, technical documentation, and exclusive updates, please follow our DFRobot social media accounts and subscribe to our email newsletter via the links at the bottom of this page. Don't miss out on the latest news about this powerful development board.

Appendix: What is MPPT and Why is it Necessary for Solar Power?

MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking.

In simple terms, it is an electronic technology (usually implemented with an algorithm and a DC-DC converter circuit) whose core function is to ensure a solar panel (photovoltaic module) always outputs as much electrical energy as possible under its current conditions.

Why is MPPT needed for solar power?

To understand the need for MPPT, it's crucial to grasp two important characteristics of solar panels:

1. Non-linear Output Characteristics: The relationship between a solar panel's output voltage and current is not a simple straight line (Ohm's Law). It is described by an I-V characteristic curve. On this curve, there is a specific operating point (a combination of voltage and current) where the panel's power output is maximized. This is called the Maximum Power Point (MPP).

1. The Maximum Power Point Changes: This magical "Maximum Power Point" is not fixed. It shifts significantly with changes in light intensity, ambient temperature, and even the aging of the panel.

Increased Light: MPP voltage changes little, but MPP current increases substantially.
Decreased Light: MPP voltage changes little, but MPP current decreases substantially.
Increased Temperature: MPP voltage drops significantly (the main effect), while MPP current slightly increases.
Decreased Temperature: MPP voltage increases significantly.

What happens without MPPT? (The problem with traditional PWM controllers)

Imagine your solar system simply connects the panel to a battery or the grid:

Fixed Operating Point: The system would force the panel to operate at a fixed voltage (usually close to the battery voltage).
Deviation from the MPP: When environmental conditions (light, temperature) change and the true MPP moves, this fixed operating point is usually no longer the maximum power point.
Power Loss: The actual power output of the panel would be far below the maximum power it could potentially generate under those conditions. This means a large amount of solar energy is wasted!

How MPPT Solves the Problem

An MPPT controller acts like a smart "energy hunter" or an "automatic transmission." It continuously performs two tasks:

Measure: It constantly monitors the panel's output voltage and current to calculate the current output power.
Adjust: Through its built-in DC-DC converter circuit (like a Buck, Boost, or Buck-Boost converter), it automatically adjusts the equivalent load impedance on the panel side (which manifests as adjusting the panel's operating voltage).
Seek the Peak: It uses specific algorithms (like Perturb and Observe or Incremental Conductance) to tweak the operating point, compares the power change before and after the adjustment, and determines the next direction to adjust. This process continues, allowing the system to dynamically lock onto the maximum power point for the current environmental conditions.

Core Benefits of MPPT

Significantly Increases Generation Efficiency: This is the primary goal! By always keeping the panel operating at or near its maximum power point, MPPT technology can extract 15% to 30% or even more energy compared to traditional PWM controllers. The efficiency gain is even more pronounced in low-light conditions (early morning, evening, cloudy days) and at high or low temperatures.

More Flexible System Design:

Voltage Matching: An MPPT controller allows the nominal voltage of the solar panel array (e.g., 36V, 48V, or even 100V+) to be different from the battery bank voltage (e.g., 12V, 24V, 48V). It can step the voltage up or down to match, allowing designers to choose higher-voltage, lower-current panels, which reduces line losses and allows for thinner, cheaper cables.
Optimizes Battery Charging: Many MPPT controllers are also intelligent charge controllers. They intelligently adjust charging stages (e.g., bulk, absorption, float) based on the battery's state (voltage, temperature), protecting the battery and extending its lifespan while maximizing the solar energy harvest.

Conclusion

A solar panel's power output fluctuates dramatically with light and temperature, and its maximum power point is constantly changing. MPPT technology ensures that the system extracts as much energy as possible from the panel at any given moment by continuously monitoring and intelligently adjusting the panel's operating point. Without MPPT, a solar system's efficiency is severely compromised, especially in non-ideal conditions. Therefore, MPPT is an indispensable key technology in modern, high-efficiency solar power systems (whether off-grid, on-grid, or hybrid), as it directly determines how much valuable electricity you can get from the free sunlight.