# M5Stack Core2

> ESP32-based IoT dev kit with 2.0" IPS capacitive touch display, 16MB flash, 8MB PSRAM, built-in mic, speaker, IMU, vibration motor, and 390mAh battery in a compact stackable enclosure.

## Quick Facts

- **Brand:** M5Stack
- **Board Type:** dev-board
- **Price:** ~$56.95
- **Product Readiness:** developer
- **CPU:** ESP32-D0WDQ6
- **CPU Architecture:** Xtensa LX6
- **CPU Cores:** 2
- **RAM:** 520KB SRAM
- **PSRAM:** 8MB
- **Flash:** 16MB
- **USB:** Type-C
- **Power:** 5V
- **Operating Voltage:** 3.3V
- **Battery:** 390mAh
- **Charging Port:** USB-C
- **Antenna:** Built-in PCB antenna
- **SD Card:** MicroSD (up to 16GB)
- **Display:** 2.0" IPS LCD (capacitive touch) 320x240

## Connectivity

- **Wifi:** 802.11 b/g/n
- **Bluetooth:** BLE 4.2

## Open Source

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

## Compatible Firmware

arduino, esp-idf, uiflow, micropython

## Use Cases

- iot-prototyping
- smart-home-dashboard
- voice-assistant
- embedded-ui

## Components

- **ESP32-D0WDQ6** (MCU): Espressif ESP32-D0WDQ6 dual-core Xtensa LX6 microcontroller running at 240 MHz with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espressif.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdocumentation%2Fesp32_datasheet_en.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)
- **ILI9342C 2.0" IPS LCD** (Display): 320x240 pixel IPS LCD with capacitive touch panel driven by the ILI9342C controller, providing vibrant colors and responsive touch input. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buydisplay.com%2Fdownload%2Fic%2FILI9342C.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)
- **MPU6886** (IMU): TDK InvenSense MPU6886 6-axis IMU combining a 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope for motion tracking and orientation sensing. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Finvensense.tdk.com%2Fproducts%2Fmotion-tracking%2F6-axis%2Fmpu-6886%2F&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)
- **SPM1423 PDM** (Microphone): Knowles SPM1423 MEMS PDM microphone for voice capture and audio input, connected via the I2S interface. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.knowles.com%2Fdocs%2Fdefault-source%2Fdefault-document-library%2Fspm1423hm4h-b-datasheet.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)
- **NS4168 I2S Amplifier** (Speaker): NS4168 Class-D I2S audio amplifier driving the built-in 1W speaker for audio output, alerts, and voice feedback. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fdatasheet.lcsc.com%2Fszlcsc%2FNsiway-Tech-NS4168_C173902.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)
- **AXP192** (PMIC): X-Powers AXP192 multi-channel power management IC handling battery charging, voltage regulation, and power path management for the device. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fm5stack%2FM5-Schematic%2Fblob%2Fmaster%2FCore%2FAXP192%2520Datasheet%2520v1.13_cn.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)
- **Vibration Motor** (Motor): Coin-type vibration motor providing tactile/haptic feedback for touch interactions and notifications. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.precisionmicrodrives.com%2Fvibration-motors&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)

## Protocols

- **I2C**
- **SPI**
- **UART**
- **I2S**
- **ADC**
- **GPIO**

## Description

## Overview

The M5Stack Core2 is the next-generation ESP32-based IoT development kit from M5Stack, building on the original M5Stack Core with significant upgrades. It features a 2.0" IPS capacitive touch LCD (320x240), replacing the resistive screen of its predecessor, and packs a rich set of onboard peripherals into a compact, stackable form factor.

## Key Features

- **ESP32-D0WDQ6** dual-core processor at 240 MHz with 16MB flash and 8MB PSRAM
- **2.0" IPS capacitive touch display** (320x240) powered by ILI9342C controller
- **Audio I/O**: SPM1423 PDM microphone + NS4168 I2S amplifier/speaker
- **6-axis IMU** (MPU6886) for motion sensing — accelerometer + gyroscope
- **AXP192 power management IC** with intelligent charging for the built-in 390mAh LiPo battery
- **Vibration motor** for haptic feedback
- **MicroSD card slot** (up to 16GB) for data logging and storage
- **Stackable design** with M-Bus connector for modular expansion (Base, Hat, Unit ecosystem)
- **3 capacitive touch buttons** on the front panel
- **LED power indicator** and reset button

## Connectivity

- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
- Bluetooth Classic + BLE 4.2
- USB Type-C for programming and power

## Development Platforms

The Core2 supports multiple development environments:

- **Arduino IDE** — full ESP32 Arduino core support
- **ESP-IDF** — Espressif's official IoT Development Framework
- **UIFlow** — M5Stack's visual/block-based programming platform
- **MicroPython** — Python for microcontrollers

## Expansion

The M-Bus connector on the bottom exposes GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART, and ADC pins, making it compatible with the full M5Stack ecosystem of Bases (bottom modules), Hats (top modules), and Units (Grove-based external modules).

## Resources

- [M5Stack Core2 Documentation](https://docs.m5stack.com/en/core/core2)
- [M5Stack GitHub](https://github.com/m5stack)
- [Arduino Library](https://github.com/m5stack/M5Core2)
- [Schematic (PDF)](https://m5stack.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com/resource/docs/schematic/Core/CORE2_V1.0_SCH.pdf)


## Where to Buy

- [OpenELab](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fopenelab.io%2Fproducts%2Fm5stack-core2-esp32&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export) — $56.95
- [M5Stack Official](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.m5stack.com%2Fproducts%2Fm5stack-core2-esp32-iot-development-kit&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export) — $49.90

## Resources

- [product](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.m5stack.com%2Fen%2Fcore%2Fcore2&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)
- [github](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fm5stack%2FM5Core2&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)
- [schematics](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fm5stack.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com%2Fresource%2Fdocs%2Fschematic%2FCore%2FCORE2_V1.0_SCH.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)
- [datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espressif.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdocumentation%2Fesp32_datasheet_en.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=m5stack-core2&source=md-export)

## Tags

`esp32`, `m5stack`, `iot`, `touch-display`, `dev-board`, `arduino`, `micropython`, `stackable`

## Images

![M5Stack Core2](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/m5stack-core2/95d36ae7c46e.webp)

> **Battery Powered:** Li-Po

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