# FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 Development Kit for Smart Home (2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi 6, Home Assistant, BLE 5, Zigbee, Thread)

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** DFR1236 · **Brand:** [DFRobot](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/dfrobot-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/dfrobot-firebeetle-2-esp32-c5-wifi6-zigbee-thread-home-assistant-dev-kit.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/dfrobot-firebeetle-2-esp32-c5-wifi6-zigbee-thread-home-assistant-dev-kit.html.md))

FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 IO development expansion kit for smart home, perfect for building custom sensor nodes for Home Assistant via MQTT, Zigbee, or Matter...

## Pricing

- **Price:** $16.80 (inc GST) — $15.27 AUD, exc GST

## Availability & dispatch

- Available with a lead time — expect dispatch between Aug 19 and Aug 24.

## Description

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 IO Expansion Kit is an advanced development platform that combines the powerful FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 microcontroller with a dedicated IO expansion shield. Engineered for next-generation IoT applications, it delivers cutting-edge wireless performance, comprehensive protocol support, and robust power flexibility. At its core is the ESP32-C5, offering **dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity (2.4 & 5 GHz)**, alongside Bluetooth 5, Thread, and Zigbee.

This enables seamless integration into modern smart home platforms. It's an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts building custom devices for open-source systems like **Home Assistant** or creating commercial products compatible with Matter. The development kit features an intelligent power management system with solar charging capabilities and an ultra-low deep sleep current of 23 µA. The included solderless IO expansion board simplifies prototyping, making it ideal for creating sophisticated projects such as custom Home Assistant sensor nodes, solar-powered outdoor monitors that report back via MQTT, or even a multi-protocol Zigbee/Thread gateway.

**Next-Generation Connectivity with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6**

The ESP32-C5 is Espressif's first module to support Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 5 GHz band provides higher transmission speeds, lower latency, and reduced interference, ensuring stable and responsive wireless connections. Wi-Fi 6 technology further enhances network capacity and efficiency through **OFDMA and TWT** mechanisms, significantly reducing device power consumption and extending battery life for long-term deployments.

![FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 with IO Expansion Board](https://dfimg.dfrobot.com/enshop/image/data/DFR1236/ESP32-C5-kit_0x0.jpg.webp)

Figure: FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 with IO Expansion Board

![FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6](https://dfimg.dfrobot.com/enshop/image/data/DFR1236/C5_0x0.jpg.webp)

Figure: FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6

**Unified Smart Home Ecosystem with Multi-Protocol Support**

This development board natively supports **Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, Thread, and Zigbee** protocols. This comprehensive support allows for the creation of Matter end-devices over Wi-Fi or Thread, enabling cross-platform interoperability among smart home products. This versatility makes it a powerful tool for [Home Assistant](https://www.dfrobot.com/blog-18423.html) users, who can leverage it to create reliable MQTT clients, build custom Zigbee devices, or experiment with Thread and Matter integrations, all with a single board.

**Flexible & Efficient Power Management**

Designed for versatile deployments, the board accommodates multiple power sources, including Type-C, 5V DC, and direct solar panel input for charging a lithium battery. An integrated solar power management IC maximizes charging efficiency across varying light conditions, making it suitable for outdoor or power-constrained locations. Onboard systems provide battery level monitoring and a controllable 3.3V power output, which can de-energize external sensors to achieve minimal power consumption during idle periods.

**Rapid Prototyping with Solderless IO Expansion Board**

The kit includes a dedicated IO expansion board that eliminates the need for soldering during initial development phases. All IO pins from the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 are brought out to conveniently arranged headers with clear functional partitions. This design facilitates the quick and direct connection of various sensors, displays, and peripherals, allowing for immediate out-of-the-box use and accelerating the transition from concept to functional prototype.

### Specification

Basic Parameters

- Operating Voltage: 3.3V
- Type-C Input Voltage: 5V DC
- VIN Input Voltage: 5V DC or 4.5-6V solar panel
- Maximum Charging Current: 0.5A
- Sleep Current: 23 µA (ECO1 version, deep sleep mode, battery powered)
- Module Size: 25.4 x 60 mm
 
Hardware Information

- Processor: RISC-V single-core processor
- Clock Frequency: 240 MHz
- SRAM: 384 KB
- ROM: 320 KB
- Flash: 4 MB
- LP SRAM: 16 KB
 
Wi-Fi

- Wi-Fi Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, 1T1R
- Wi-Fi Protocols: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n (data rate up to 150 Mbps)
- IEEE 802.11ax (20 MHz-only non-AP mode)
- Wi-Fi Modes: Station mode, SoftAP mode, SoftAP+Station mode and Promiscuous mode
 
Bluetooth

- Bluetooth Protocols: Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth mesh
- Bluetooth Frequencies: 125 Kbps, 500 Kbps, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps
 
IEEE 802.15.4

- Compatible with IEEE 802.15.4-2015 protocol
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
- Data Rate: 250 Kbps
- Supports Thread 1.3, Zigbee 3.0
 
FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C5 Development Board Interface Pins

- Digital I/O x18
- LED PWM Controller with 6 channels
- SPI x1
- UART x3 (LP UART x1)
- I2C x2 (LP I2C x1)
- I2S x1
- Infrared Transceiver: 5 transmitting channels, 5 receiving channels
- 1x 12-bit SAR ADC with 7 channels
- DMA Controller with 3 receiving channels and 3 transmitting channels
 
IO Expansion Board Interface Pins

- IO x11
- I2C x3
- UART x1
- SPI x1
- RST x1
- VIN: 5V x1
- VOUT: 3V3\_C x1
 
### Documents

- [Product wiki](https://wiki.dfrobot.com/SKU_DFR1236_FireBeetle_2_ESP32_C5_Development_Board_IO_Expansion_Kit)
- [ESP-IDF](https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-idf/en/latest/esp32c5/get-started/index.html)
- [Connect to Home Assistant with MQTT Tutorial](https://www.dfrobot.com/blog-18423.html)

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/D/F/DFR1236-1.jpg)