Waveshare ESP32-S3 ETH Cam Kit (W5500 Ethernet, PoE Module, OV5640 5MP Camera)

Specifications

• Processor: ESP32-S3R8 (Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core, up to 240MHz)

• Storage: W25Q128 16MB Flash memory

• Ethernet Controller: W5500

• Ethernet Port: RJ45 (10/100M auto-negotiation) with H1102NLT transformer

• Camera Interface: Compatible with OV2640, OV5640, etc.

• Power Over Ethernet: Supported via included PoE module header and PoE Module (B)

• Storage Interface: TF card slot

• Antenna: Ceramic antenna (default) and reserved IPEX 1 connector

• USB Interface: USB Type-C

• Dimensions: 72.80mm (L) x 21.00mm (W)

Key Applications and Projects

• Industrial Monitoring: Setting up hardwired, PoE-powered cameras on assembly lines to continuously stream machine vision data back to a central server without wireless interference.

• DIY IP Security Camera: Building a robust, local-only home security camera that records footage to the TF card and streams RTSP video over Ethernet to Home Assistant or Frigate.

• Time-Lapse Photography: Using the ESP32-S3's deep sleep capabilities and the OV5640 camera to capture high-resolution images over months, saving them directly to the onboard SD card.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution) The AI-Powered Sentry Node: Maximize the capabilities of the ESP32-S3! Since you have a stable PoE connection and a 5MP camera, you can deploy Edge AI directly onto the device. Program the ESP32-S3 using ESP-WHO or Edge Impulse to perform local person-detection. Instead of streaming video 24/7 and clogging your network, the board will only encode and transmit video clips over the W5500 Ethernet connection when a human is actively detected in the frame!

PACKAGE INCLUDED

• 1 x Waveshare ESP32-S3-ETH Mainboard

• 1 x PoE Module (B)

• 1 x OV5640 5MP Camera Module

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What processor is used on this board? It utilizes the ESP32-S3R8, which features an Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core processor with an operating frequency up to 240MHz.

2. How much Flash memory does it have? It is equipped with a W25Q128 chip, providing 16MB of Flash memory for program and data storage.

3. What chip handles the Ethernet connection? The board uses the reliable W5500 Ethernet chip.

4. What speeds does the Ethernet port support? The RJ45 port supports 10/100M auto-negotiation.

5. How do I use the PoE (Power over Ethernet) feature? You must attach the included PoE Module (B) to the dedicated PoE module header located just behind the RJ45 port.

6. What cameras are compatible with this board? The camera interface is compatible with mainstream cameras like the OV2640 and the OV5640.

7. Does it support external antennas? Yes. While a ceramic antenna is used by default, there is an IPEX 1 antenna connector reserved on the board that can be enabled via resoldering an onboard resistor.

8. Can I log images and data locally? Yes, there is an onboard TF (MicroSD) card slot.

9. How do I program the board? You can flash firmware and provide 5V power via the USB Type-C port.

10. What are the exact dimensions of the mainboard? The mainboard is 72.80mm long and 21.00mm wide.

11. Which pins are used for the SD card? According to the pin definition, the TF card uses SD_MOSI (GPIO6), SD_MISO (GPIO5), SD_CLK (GPIO7), and SD_CS (GPIO4).

12. Which pins are used for the W5500 Ethernet chip? The W5500 is wired to ETH_MOSI (GPIO11), ETH_MISO (GPIO12), ETH_CLK (GPIO13), ETH_CS (GPIO14), ETH_INT (GPIO10), and ETH_RST (GPIO9).

13. What voltage regulator does the board use? The board utilizes a JW5060 voltage regulator.

14. Are there mounting holes on the board? Yes, there are four mounting holes with a 1.66mm diameter spacing along the edges of the PCB.

15. What do the LEDs near the USB port indicate? There are two indicators next to the USB port: an ACT (Activity) indicator and a LINK indicator.

16. What are the physical buttons on the board for? The board features a BOOT button and a RESET button located near the USB Type-C port for easy flashing and rebooting.

17. What components are visible on the standalone PoE module? The PoE Module (B) features a transformer and several electrolytic capacitors, including 220 16V and 22 100V variants.

18. Where are the UART pins located? UART0 TX is on GPIO43 and UART0 RX is on GPIO44.

19. How does the camera attach to the board? The OV5640 camera's ribbon cable slips into the horizontal camera interface connector located in the middle of the mainboard.

20. What is the component behind the RJ45 jack on the mainboard? That is the H1102NLT Ethernet transformer.