The ESP8266 is a popular and cost-effective Wi-Fi microchip developed by Espressif Systems. Initially designed for IoT and embedded applications, it revolutionized the field by providing a low-cost, highly integrated solution for wireless connectivity. The chip integrates a full TCP/IP stack, offering Wi-Fi networking capabilities for microcontroller-based projects. It features GPIO pins, SPI, I2C, UART, and other interfaces, allowing seamless integration with various sensors and devices. The ESP8266 gained immense popularity due to its affordability, ease of use, and extensive community support. It facilitated the development of numerous IoT applications, ranging from smart home devices to industrial automation and beyond.
Programmable via Silicon Labs CP2102 Driver