LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 Plus ESP32-S3 Development Board

Specifications

• Microcontroller: ESP32-S3 (Dual-core LX7, up to 240 MHz)

• Flash Memory: 16MB

• PSRAM: 8MB

• Display: 1.9-inch ST7789V IPS Color TFT LCD (170x320 resolution)

• Sub-GHz Transceiver: CC1101 (300-348 MHz, 387-464 MHz, 779-928 MHz)

• 2.4GHz Transceiver: nRF24L01

• NFC/RFID: PN532 (13.56MHz)

• Wireless (MCU): 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) & Bluetooth 5 (LE)

• Battery: Built-in 1300mAh Li-Po

• Onboard Features: Microphone, Speaker, IR TX/RX, MicroSD Slot, Rotary Encoder

• Dimensions: 97.5mm (L) x 39mm (W) x 31mm (H)

Key Applications and Projects

• RF Protocol Learning: Study Sub-GHz, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth communication using open-source examples and your own sensors and modules.

• Universal Smart Remote: Build a remote control for your own infrared devices, RF-controlled appliances and 2.4GHz smart home modules, all from a single menu.

   

• NFC Prototyping: Read and write your own NFC tags and cards for projects such as inventory tagging, smart-home triggers and learning NFC data formats.

• IoT Sensor Nodes: Combine Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Sub-GHz links to collect and send data from your own sensor networks.

Expand Your Projects

• The T-Embed CC1101 Plus runs on the open ESP32-S3 platform, so you can flash your own firmware using Arduino IDE, PlatformIO or ESP-IDF. LILYGO's GitHub repository includes example code for each radio module, which is a good starting point for learning how the CC1101, PN532 and nRF24L01 work. With the 1300mAh battery and MicroSD card slot, you can log sensor data for hours while navigating menus with the rotary encoder. Radio transmission must stay within the frequency bands permitted in your country.

PACKAGE INCLUDED

• 1 x LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 Plus Unit (Internal Antenna Version, Transparent Shell)

• (Pre-installed with a 1300mAh Li-Po Battery)

Downloads & Links

• LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 Github Link

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

• What is the difference between the standard T-Embed CC1101 and this "Plus" version?
  The "Plus" version adds the highly capable nRF24L01 transceiver module for 2.4GHz ISM applications alongside the existing CC1101 Sub-GHz and PN532 NFC modules.
• Does this specific device require external antennas?
  No, this is the Internal Antenna [K268] version. All antennas for the CC1101, nRF24L01, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are built directly onto the internal PCB, allowing for a sleek, flat-topped form factor that won't snag in your pocket.
• What microcontroller powers this device?
  It is driven by the powerful Espressif ESP32-S3 dual-core LX7 microprocessor.
• Is this a development board?
  Yes. It is an ESP32-S3-based board with onboard radios for learning and building your own wireless projects. You can program it with Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, or ESP-IDF.
• Does it have an internal battery?
  Yes, it comes with a built-in 1300mAh Li-Po battery, making it fully portable right out of the box.
• How do I navigate the menus?
  The device features a large, tactile rotary encoder wheel on the front. Turning the wheel scrolls through menus, and pressing the center of the wheel acts as a confirmation/select button.
• Can I read RFID and NFC cards?
  Yes, the onboard PN532 chip supports 13.56MHz NFC and RFID reading and writing of your own tags.
• Is there a built-in microphone and speaker?
  Yes, the board integrates a microphone and a small speaker for audio input and output.
• Can I log data locally?
  Yes, there is a MicroSD (TF) card slot integrated into the bottom/side of the device for logging sensor data or storing your own project files.
• What is the MicroSD card capacity limit?
  It is generally recommended to use a high-quality 16GB or 32GB SDHC card formatted to FAT32 for best compatibility.
• Does it have infrared (IR)?
  Yes, it includes an IR transmitter and receiver on the top edge for controlling traditional appliances like TVs or AC units.
• How do I turn the device on and off?
  Depending on the firmware, power is generally handled via software sleep modes or by holding the physical buttons on the side (RST/Boot).
• How much memory does it have?
  The ESP32-S3 is equipped with a massive 16MB of Flash and 8MB of PSRAM.
• Can I program this with the Arduino IDE?
  Yes, it is fully supported by the Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, and ESP-IDF.
• What settings should I use in the Arduino IDE?
  Select the "ESP32S3 Dev Module" (or "Lilygo T Embed Cc1101" if available in your board manager). Set "USB CDC On Boot" to Enabled, Flash Size to 16MB, Flash Mode to DIO, and PSRAM to "OPI PSRAM".
• What logic voltage do the GPIO pins use?
  All internal logic and external interfaces operate strictly on 3.3V logic. Supplying 5V to any GPIO pin will destroy the microcontroller.
• Are the GPIO pins accessible?
  Yes, there is a Grove-compatible expansion port on the edge for easily attaching external I2C sensors or additional modules.
• How do I charge it?
  Simply plug a USB Type-C cable into the port on the bottom edge.
• Will changing the transparent shell damage it?
  LILYGO strongly recommends against replacing or opening the shell unless absolutely necessary, as there is a high risk of damaging the IR components or delicate internal flex cables connecting the display and rotary encoder.