LILYGO is a well-known brand in the embedded development board market, offering powerful and flexible solutions for a wide range of IoT applications. Popular LILYGO products include the LILYGO T-Embed , the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 , and the advanced LILYGO CC1101 Plus, each designed to meet different development needs in wireless communication, embedded control, and low-power IoT systems. The LILYGO T-Embed series is known for its compact design and integrated display, making it ideal for user-facing IoT interfaces. The LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 adds long-range RF capabilities via the CC1101 transceiver, while the LILYGO CC1101 Plus offers enhanced performance and extended protocol support for more demanding applications. In this article, we will compare the LILYGO T-Embed, LILYGO T-Embed CC1101, and LILYGO CC1101 Plus, highlighting their key differences, technical specifications, and suitable use cases. Whether you're building a sensor node, a wireless gateway, or a portable controller, understanding which LILYGO board fits your project will help you make the right choice.
What is LILYGO T-Embed?
The LILYGO T-Embed is a compact, multifunctional embedded development board designed for a wide range of IoT applications. Powered by the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, the LILYGO T-Embed offers robust Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 connectivity, making it ideal for wireless communication and smart device integration.
With its integrated display and versatile GPIO options, the LILYGO T-Embed is well-suited for projects involving smart home systems, wearables, and low-power embedded systems. Whether you're building a sensor interface, a portable controller, or a connected node in a Meshtastic mesh, the LILYGO T-Embed provides a reliable and flexible foundation.
For developers requiring extended RF capabilities, the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 adds long-range communication via the CC1101 transceiver, while the enhanced LILYGO CC1101 Plus offers improved performance for more demanding wireless protocols. Together, these boards form a powerful lineup for scalable LILYGO-based IoT solutions.
LILYGO T-Embed
What are the Advantages of LILYGO T-Embed?
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LILYGO T-Embed Microcontroller: The LILYGO T-Embed is powered by the ESP32-S3, a high-performance dual-core processor that supports Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5, making it ideal for wireless IoT development. This microcontroller enables seamless connectivity for smart devices, wearable tech, and LILYGO CC1101-based mesh networks.
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LILYGO T-Embed Display: Featuring a 1.9-inch IPS color TFT LCD with a resolution of 170×320, the LILYGO T-Embed provides a clear and responsive interface for user interaction. This makes it suitable for applications requiring visual feedback, such as portable controllers or embedded dashboards.
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Wireless Communication: With integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5, the LILYGO T-Embed supports a wide range of IoT applications, from smart home automation to remote sensor nodes. For extended RF capabilities, developers can pair it with the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 or upgrade to the LILYGO CC1101 Plus for enhanced range and protocol support.
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User Interface: The LILYGO T-Embed includes a rotary encoder, tactile buttons, microphone, and speaker, offering rich I/O interaction options. These features make it ideal for interactive IoT devices, voice-controlled systems, and user-facing embedded solutions.
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Input/Output Options: Equipped with multiple GPIO pins, the LILYGO T-Embed offers flexible expansion for custom projects. Whether you're integrating sensors, actuators, or external modules, this board supports scalable LILYGO-based development.
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Battery Protection: The LILYGO T-Embed includes built-in battery charge and discharge protection via a 1.25mm battery interface, ensuring safe and reliable power management for mobile or off-grid IoT systems.
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The LILYGO T-Embed is an excellent choice for building smart devices, wearable technology, and embedded systems that require both Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi connectivity. For developers seeking long-range communication, the LILYGO CC1101 and LILYGO CC1101 Plus variants offer powerful alternatives within the same ecosystem.
What is LILYGO T-Embed CC1101?
The LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 builds upon the proven foundation of the LILYGO T-Embed, enhancing its capabilities with integrated Sub-GHz communication for long-range, low-power wireless connectivity. This advanced LILYGO development board features a built-in CC1101 transceiver and antenna, supporting multiple frequency bands including 300–348 MHz, 387–464 MHz, and 779–928 MHz. These bands make the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 highly suitable for IoT sensor networks, remote control systems, and other embedded applications that require reliable communication over extended distances.
With its compact form factor and support for ESP32-S3, Bluetooth 5, and Wi-Fi, the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 offers a versatile platform for developers building low-power IoT devices. For projects demanding even greater RF performance and protocol flexibility, the LILYGO CC1101 Plus provides an upgraded alternative within the same ecosystem, ensuring compatibility and scalability across LILYGO-based solutions.
Whether you're designing a smart agriculture node, a remote telemetry unit, or a wireless mesh gateway, the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 delivers the essential features needed for robust, long-range Sub-GHz IoT communication.
LILYGO T-Embed CC1101
LILYGO T‑Embed CC1101 Plus
What are the advantages of LILYGO T-Embed CC1101？
- Microcontroller: Also powered by the ESP32-S3, providing dual-core processing and support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Wireless Communication: Features Sub-GHz communication with CC1101 for long-range (up to 50 meters) low-power IoT solutions.
- NFC/RFID Support: Built-in PN532 NFC/RFID module that supports 125/134KHz and 13.56MHz frequencies for IoT applications involving RFID or NFC.
- Display: Same 1.9-inch IPS color TFT LCD as the T-Embed, with 170x320 resolution.
- Additional Features: Includes a rotary encoder, speaker, and GPIO pins, along with an IR transmitter/receiver and a battery voltage detection function.
LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 is tailored for use in low-power IoT sensor networks and remote control applications, where longer communication ranges and minimal power consumption are essential.
Comparison of LILYGO T-Embed and T-Embed CC1101
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Feature |
LILYGO T-Embed |
LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 |
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MCU (Microcontroller) |
ESP32-S3 Dual-core LX7 |
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Display |
1.9-inch IPS TFT LCD (170x320) |
1.9-inch IPS TFT LCD (170x320) |
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Wireless Communication |
Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth 5 |
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, Sub-GHz (CC1101) |
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NFC/RFID Support |
N/A |
PN532 NFC/RFID module (125/134KHz and 13.56MHz) |
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Maximum Range |
Limited by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range |
Up to 50 meters with Sub-GHz communication |
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Input/Output |
GPIO pins, rotary encoder, buttons |
GPIO pins, rotary encoder, buttons, SPI |
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Battery Support |
Battery charge and discharge protection |
Battery voltage detection, charge/discharge protection |
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Interface |
USB Type-C, TF card holder, 2.54 x 8pin GPIO |
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Audio |
Speaker (8Ω, 1W) |
Speaker (8Ω, 1W), IR Transmit & Receive |
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Programming Platform |
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Applications |
General-purpose IoT, smart homes, wearables |
IoT, sensor networks, remote control, long-range communication |
Which product is right for you?
Both the LILYGO T-Embed and the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 are excellent choices for embedded development, each tailored to different IoT project requirements. The LILYGO T-Embed is ideal for general-purpose IoT applications that rely on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 connectivity, making it a versatile solution for smart home systems, wearable devices, and mobile controllers.
In contrast, the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 is specifically designed for long-range, low-power wireless communication. It integrates a CC1101 Sub-GHz transceiver and supports multiple frequency bands, enabling reliable connectivity in remote environments. With added NFC/RFID functionality, the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 is perfect for IoT sensor networks, industrial telemetry, and wireless control systems where extended range and minimal power consumption are critical.
When choosing between the LILYGO T-Embed and the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101, consider the specific needs of your application. If your project demands Sub-GHz communication, battery efficiency, and RF robustness, the LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 will deliver superior performance. For developers focused on Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-based IoT systems, the LILYGO T-Embed offers a more feature-rich, user-friendly, and display-integrated platform.
For even more advanced RF capabilities, the LILYGO CC1101 Plus provides extended protocol support and enhanced performance, making it a powerful upgrade path within the LILYGO ecosystem.
FAQs
What is LILYGO？
LILYGO is a leading technology company specializing in Internet of Things (IoT) innovation. It offers a wide range of open-source hardware products, including LILYGO development boards, IoT modules, and STEM education kits. By integrating research and development (R&D), production, and global sales, LILYGO focuses on customization, rapid prototyping, and developer-friendly tools to accelerate IoT product development
What is LILYGO T-Embed?
LILYGO T-Embed is a compact and versatile IoT embedded panel designed for programmable development. Built with a sleek black ABS and PC enclosure and tactile black keys, the LILYGO T-Embed offers a professional look and feel. A translucent variant is also available for enhanced visibility of internal components. Its integrated design combines the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, display, and I/O interface into a single unit, making the LILYGO T-Embed ideal for smart devices, wearables, home automation, and other embedded IoT applications.
What does LILYGO do?
What is LILYGO T-Embed CC1101?
LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 is a powerful IoT development board that extends the capabilities of the original LILYGO T-Embed by integrating a CC1101 Sub-GHz RF transceiver. Built on the ESP32 platform, this board supports wireless communication across multiple sub-1 GHz frequency bands (300–348 MHz, 387–464 MHz, 779–928 MHz), making it ideal for long-range, low-power IoT applications such as sensor networks, remote monitoring, and industrial telemetry. The LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 also supports NFC/RFID functionality, offering developers a robust and flexible solution for embedded wireless systems. For enhanced performance, the LILYGO CC1101 Plus variant provides extended protocol support and improved RF capabilities.
