Espressif ESP32-S31 CoreBoard and Korvo Kits Target AIoT, HMI, and Smart Audio Apps

Espressif Systems has recently introduced two new development boards, the ESP32-S31-Function-CoreBoard-1 and the ESP32-S31-Korvo-1, both built around their new ESP32-S31 MCU. Designed for IoT, HMI, and edge AI applications, these boards pack a rich set of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and 802.15.4 (Zigbee, Thread, and Matter).

Both boards use the ESP32-S31-WROOM-3 module, built around a dual heterogeneous-core RISC-V architecture. This includes a high-performance core running at up to 320 MHz with SIMD instructions for edge machine learning, paired with a low-power MCU core for efficient background processing.

ESP32-S31 CoreBoard (left) and Korvo-1 (right) development boards

ESP32-S31-Function-CoreBoard-1 Development Board

The Function-CoreBoard-1 is a general-purpose development board with Ethernet, USB, GPIO expansion, and onboard audio support for embedded applications.

 ESP32-S31 Function-CoreBoard-1 showing key components and interfaces

Key Specifications:

• SoC: Espressif ESP32-S31 dual-core RISC-V with 512 KB SRAM.
• Memory & Storage: 16MB PSRAM with 8MB, 16MB, or 32MB SPI flash options.
• Wireless: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 (LE Audio, Mesh 1.1), and 802.15.4 radio.
• Networking: Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port via YT8531DC-CA PHY.
• Audio: Onboard microphone, ES8311 mono audio codec, and NS4150B 3W class-D amplifier with a speaker output port.
• USB: USB 2.0 Type-A high-speed port, USB 2.0 Type-C full-speed port (serial/JTAG), and a USB Type-C UART port.
• Expansion: 40-pin GPIO header.
• Power: 5V via USB-C, 5V to 3.3V DC/DC Converter, and a TPS2051C USB power switch.
• Dimensions: 65 mm x 55 mm

ESP32-S31-Korvo-1 Multimedia Board

The Korvo-1, on the other hand, removes the Ethernet interface and instead includes dual microphones, display support, and audio interfaces for multimedia and HMI applications.

ESP32-S31 Korvo-1 board highlighting key components and interfaces

Key Specifications:

• Wireless Module: ESP32-S31-WROOM-3 with 16MB flash and 16MB PSRAM.
• Display & Camera: Connectors for a 4.3-inch LCD (800×480 resolution) and a 3MP OV3660 DVP camera module.
• Audio: Dual analog microphones connected to an ES8389 low-power stereo codec, and dual NS4150B mono class-D amplifiers for independent left and right speaker outputs.
• Storage: MicroSD card slot (SDIO 3.0 capable) and an unpopulated Quad SPI NAND flash footprint.
• USB: USB 2.0 Type-A high-speed OTG port (up to 500 mA output), USB Type-C UART port, and a dedicated USB Type-C power port.
• Misc: Dedicated hardware buttons (PLAY, SET, VOL-, VOL+), RGB LED, and multiple dedicated LDOs for clean audio and camera power isolation.
• Dimensions:  106.5 mm x 89.20 mm

Both boards are supported by ESP-IDF, but since the ESP32-S31 is new, some features require the latest development branch. The Korvo board also supports ESP-Brookesia frameworks for UI and the ESP-GMF framework for audio/video applications.

The ESP32-S31-Function-CoreBoard-1 and ESP32-S31-Korvo-1 Kits are currently available on AliExpress for $19.70 and $58.41, respectively. Optional accessories like the 4.3-inch LCD subboards and camera modules are sold separately. More information can be found on Espressif’s docs.

Images used courtesy of Espressif