# LILYGO T-Embed

> ESP32-S3 all-in-one media board with 1.9-inch TFT display, rotary encoder, dual microphones, 1W speaker, 7 RGB LEDs, GROVE connector, and LiPo battery support — ideal for audio players and interactive IoT devices.

## Quick Facts

- **Brand:** LILYGO
- **Board Type:** dev-board
- **Price:** ~$22
- **Product Readiness:** developer
- **CPU:** Xtensa LX7 dual-core @ 240MHz, FPU, AI vector extensions, HW crypto (AES/SHA/RSA)
- **CPU Architecture:** Xtensa LX7
- **CPU Cores:** 2
- **RAM:** 512KB SRAM
- **PSRAM:** 8MB OPI
- **Flash:** 16MB
- **USB:** USB-C 2.0
- **Power:** 5V + LiPo
- **Operating Voltage:** 3.3V
- **Battery:** LiPo (user-supplied, 1.25mm JST)
- **Charging Port:** USB-C
- **Antenna:** Built-in PCB antenna
- **SD Card:** microSD
- **Display:** 1.9" IPS LCD 170×320

## Connectivity

- **Wifi:** 802.11 b/g/n
- **Bluetooth:** BLE 5.0

## Open Source

- **Firmware:** Yes
- **Schematics:** No
- **PCB Layout:** No

## Compatible Firmware

arduino, micropython, esphome, platformio

## Use Cases

- music-player
- voice-assistant
- smart-home-dashboard
- remote-control
- iot

## Components

- **ESP32-S3** (mcu): Espressif ESP32-S3 dual-core Xtensa LX7 at 240MHz with WiFi, BLE 5.0, USB OTG, and AI vector extensions. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espressif.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdocumentation%2Fesp32-s3_datasheet_en.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=lilygo-t-embed&source=md-export)
- **ST7789** (display-driver): Sitronix ST7789 TFT LCD driver for the 1.9-inch 170×320 IPS panel. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.displayfuture.com%2FDisplay%2Fdatasheet%2Fcontroller%2FST7789.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=lilygo-t-embed&source=md-export)
- **MAX98357A** (audio-amplifier): Analog Devices MAX98357A I2S mono amplifier delivering 1W into 8Ω for the onboard speaker. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.analog.com%2Fmedia%2Fen%2Ftechnical-documentation%2Fdata-sheets%2FMAX98357A-MAX98357B.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=lilygo-t-embed&source=md-export)
- **rotary-encoder** (rotary-encoder): Mechanical rotary encoder with 24 detents per revolution and push-button click for menu navigation and control. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Ftech.alpsalpine.com%2Fe%2Fproducts%2Fdetail%2FEC11E18244AU%2F&ref=openhardware.directory&product=lilygo-t-embed&source=md-export)

## Protocols

- **I2S**: BCLK: GPIO7, LRCK: GPIO5, DATA: GPIO6
- **SPI**: MOSI: GPIO11, CLK: GPIO12, CS: GPIO10
- **I2C**: SDA: GPIO18, SCL: GPIO8

## GPIO Map

| Pin | Name | Type | Functions |
|-----|------|------|-----------|
| GPIO0 | Boot Button | GPIO | digital-input, strapping |
| GPIO5 | I2S LRCK | I2S | digital-output |
| GPIO6 | I2S DATA | I2S | digital-output |
| GPIO7 | I2S BCLK | I2S | digital-output |
| GPIO8 | I2C SCL / Encoder | I2C | digital-input, digital-output |
| GPIO10 | Display CS | SPI | digital-output |
| GPIO11 | SPI MOSI | SPI | digital-output |
| GPIO12 | SPI CLK | SPI | digital-output |
| GPIO15 | Rotary Encoder A | GPIO | digital-input |
| GPIO16 | Rotary Encoder B | GPIO | digital-input |
| GPIO17 | Encoder Button | GPIO | digital-input |
| GPIO18 | I2C SDA | I2C | digital-input, digital-output |
| GPIO38 | RGB LED Data | GPIO | digital-output |
| GPIO40 | GROVE GPIO/UART TX | UART | digital-input, digital-output |
| GPIO41 | GROVE GPIO/UART RX | UART | digital-input, digital-output |

## Description

## Overview

The LILYGO T-Embed is a purpose-designed all-in-one ESP32-S3 development board built for interactive media and IoT applications. Its defining feature is a 24-detent rotary encoder with push-button confirmation, providing an intuitive physical control interface for audio players, menu navigation, and parameter adjustment. A 1.9-inch ST7789 IPS display (170×320) shows UI and status output, while 7 addressable RGB LEDs create dynamic lighting effects.

Audio capabilities are strong: two MEMS microphones handle voice input and ambient sound detection, while a MAX98357A I2S amplifier drives an 8Ω 1W speaker for audio playback or voice feedback. The board features a 1.25mm JST battery connector with charge/discharge protection, enabling portable operation. A GROVE connector expands the ecosystem with sensors, and a 2.54mm 8-pin GPIO header provides additional I/O breakout.

The T-Embed ships with an ABS+PC housing (also available in translucent), is fully programmable via USB-C, and is supported by Arduino IDE and PlatformIO with extensive examples in the GitHub repository. Popular for DIY internet radios, smart home controllers, and audio-reactive LED projects.

## Where to Buy

- [LILYGO Official](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Flilygo.cc%2Fproducts%2Ft-embed&ref=openhardware.directory&product=lilygo-t-embed&source=md-export) — $22.00

## Resources

- [product](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Flilygo.cc%2Fproducts%2Ft-embed&ref=openhardware.directory&product=lilygo-t-embed&source=md-export)
- [github](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2FXinyuan-LilyGO%2FT-Embed&ref=openhardware.directory&product=lilygo-t-embed&source=md-export)
- [wiki](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwiki.lilygo.cc&ref=openhardware.directory&product=lilygo-t-embed&source=md-export)

## Tags

`esp32-s3`, `rotary-encoder`, `speaker`, `microphone`, `rgb`, `lilygo`, `audio`, `display`

## Images

![LILYGO T-Embed](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/lilygo-t-embed/0fe0eb51315a.jpg)
![LILYGO T-Embed](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/lilygo-t-embed/70a11aba5572.jpg)
![LILYGO T-Embed](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/lilygo-t-embed/fdcc48400a0d.jpg)
![LILYGO T-Embed](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/lilygo-t-embed/7638e4154613.jpg)
![LILYGO T-Embed](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/lilygo-t-embed/4586ddff7573.jpg)
![LILYGO T-Embed](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/lilygo-t-embed/a565ecb763fe.jpg)
![LILYGO T-Embed](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/lilygo-t-embed/39ef1551f03c.jpg)
![LILYGO T-Embed](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/lilygo-t-embed/3f0af7fa5156.jpg)

> **Battery Powered:** Li-Po

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