ProS3[D] ESP32-S3 by Unexpected Maker

Overview

The ProS3[D] is Unexpected Maker's most powerful ESP32-S3 board, designed as a professional-grade platform for advanced IoT and embedded applications. The "[D]" designation marks this as the enhanced dual-antenna variant: the board carries both a 3D high-gain onboard antenna and a u.FL connector for an external antenna, with a software-controlled RF switch that lets developers toggle between them at runtime. The onboard antenna is selected by default, protecting the radio from damage if no external antenna is attached.

Internally, the ProS3[D] pairs the ESP32-S3's dual-core Xtensa LX7 at 240MHz with 16MB of QSPI flash and 8MB of PSRAM, providing ample storage and dynamic memory for demanding applications including large CircuitPython libraries, local machine learning inference, and complex data pipelines. Two 700mA 3.3V LDO regulators in parallel supply clean power to peripherals, and a dedicated I2C battery fuel gauge enables accurate state-of-charge monitoring for LiPo-powered designs. The MicroBlade-standard battery connector provides secure polarity-protected battery attachment.

With 27 GPIO pins broken out on castellated headers, the ProS3[D] can be embedded directly into custom PCBs as a stamp-style module. A STEMMA QT / Qwiic connector enables daisy-chaining of I2C sensors without soldering. The board includes a USB-C connector with ESD and reverse back-feed protection, hardware USB Serial JTAG for debugging, and a built-in RGB LED for status indication. Power options include USB-C, LiPo battery, or an external regulated supply via the 3V3 or VSYS pins.

The ProS3[D] ships with CircuitPython and supports Arduino (2.0.3+), ESP-IDF, and MicroPython. Unexpected Maker provides open-source schematics and PCB files on GitHub, and comprehensive getting-started documentation at esp32s3.com.