Rapid classification M5StickC, M5StickC PLUS, M5StickC PLUS2
M5StickC
Note： This product is EOL now.
M5StickC PLUS
Schematics
PinMap
| ESP32 Chip | GPIO10 | GPIO9 | GPIO37 | GPIO39 | GPIO2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red LED | LED Pin | ||||
| IR Transmitter | IR Pin | ||||
| Button A | Button Pin | ||||
| Button B | Button Pin | ||||
| Passive Buzzer | Buzzer Pin |
Color TFT Screen
Driver Chip: ST7789v2
Resolution: 135 x 240
| ESP32 Chip | GPIO15 | GPIO13 | GPIO23 | GPIO18 | GPIO5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TFT Screen | TFT_MOSI | TFT_CLK | TFT_DC | TFT_RST | TFT_CS |
Microphone MIC (SPM1423)
| ESP32 Chip | GPIO0 | GPIO34 |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone MIC | CLK | DATA |
6-Axis IMU (MPU6886) & Power Management Chip (AXP192)
| ESP32 Chip | GPIO22 | GPIO21 |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Axis IMU | SCL | SDA |
| Power Management Chip | SCL | SDA |
Power Management Chip (AXP192)
| Microphone | RTC | TFT Backlight | TFT IC | ESP32/3.3V MPU6886 | 5V GROVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDOio0 | LDO1 | LDO2 | LDO3 | DC-DC1 | IPSOUT |
HY2.0-4P
| HY2.0-4P | Black | Red | Yellow | White |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PORT.CUSTOM | GND | 5V | G32 | G33 |
Datasheets
M5StickC PLUS2
The M5StickC PLUS2 is an enhanced version of the M5StickC PLUS. It is powered by the ESP32-PICO-V3-02 chip with built-in WIFI functionality. This compact device is equipped with various hardware resources such as infrared, RTC, microphone, LED, and IMU. The buttons and buzzer are controlled by the ST7789V2, which also drives the 1.14-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 135*240. The battery capacity has been increased to 200mAh, and the interface supports HAT and Unit series products. This small and compact development tool is designed to inspire creativity.
Tip: When using USB-C to USB-C cables, ensure that your cable supports data transfer and not just charging. Some low-cost USB-C cables only support power delivery, which may cause recognition issues with development boards like the M5StickC PLUS2.
Schematics
PinMap of the M5StickC PLUS2
| ESP32 Chip | GPIO19 | GPIO37 | GPIO39 | GPIO35 | GPIO2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IR Emitter & Red LED | IR Emitter and Red LED pin | ||||
| Button A | Button A pin | ||||
| Button B | Button B pin | ||||
| Button C | Button C pin | ||||
| Passive Buzzer | Buzzer pin |
Color TFT Screen
Driver Chip: ST7789v2
Resolution: 135 x 240
| ESP32 Chip | G15 | G13 | G14 | G12 | G5 | G27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TFT Screen | TFT_MOSI | TFT_CLK | TFT_DC | TFT_RST | TFT_CS | TFT_BL |
Microphone MIC (SPM1423)
| ESP32 Chip | G0 | G34 |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone MIC SPM1423 | CLK | DATA |
6-axis IMU (MPU6886) & RTC BM8563
| ESP32 Chip | G22 | G21 | G19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-axis IMU | SCL | SDA | |
| BM8563 | SCL | SDA | |
| IR Emitter | TX | ||
| Red LED | TX |
HY2.0-4P
| HY2.0-4P | Black | Red | Yellow | White |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PORT.CUSTOM | GND | 5V | G32 | G33 |
Datasheets
Softwares
Arduino
UiFlow1
UiFlow2
USB Driver
| Driver Name | Compatible Driver Chip | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| CH9102_VCP_SER_Windows | CH9102 | Download |
| CH9102_VCP_SER_MacOS v1.7 | CH9102 | Download |
Easyloader
EasyLoader is a simple and fast program burner. It comes with a product-related example program. By following simple steps, you can burn it to the main control and perform a series of functional verifications.
| Easyloader | Download Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FactoryTest for Windows | download | / |
M5StickC PLUS VS M5StickC PLUS2
-
The adoption of a more powerful ESP32-PICO-V3-02 chip with 2MB PSRAM and larger 8MB Flash memory enhances overall performance and scalability, enabling the PLUS2 to handle more complex applications, especially those requiring additional memory, such as real-time data processing or image buffering.
-
The M5Stack PLUS2 has been upgraded with the CH9102 USB-to-serial converter to provide more reliable USB serial communication, especially in scenarios where high-speed data transfer and low-latency communication are in high demand.
-
The device's battery capacity has been enhanced to 200mAh, effectively prolonging the operational lifespan of the device.
-
In addition, the power management unit and LED indicators have been improved for a more rational overall layout and a better operating experience. These upgrades make PLUS2 more suitable for handling complex tasks and demanding application scenarios.
| Resources | M5StickC Plus | M5StickC PLUS2 |
| ESP32 | ESP32-PICO-D4, 240MHz dual core | ESP32-PICO-V3-02, 240MHz dual core |
| 600 DMIPS, 520KB SRAM, Wi-Fi | support wifi, 2 MB SPI PSRAM, 8 MB SPI flash | |
| PSRAM | - | 2 MB |
| Flash Memory | 4MB | 8MB |
| Power Input | 5V @ 500mA | |
| Port | TypeC x 1, GROVE(I2C+I/O+UART) x 1 | TypeC x 1, GROVE(I2C+I/O+UART) x 1 |
| LCD screen | 1.14 inch, 135*240 Colorful TFT LCD, ST7789v2 | |
| Button | Custom button x 2 | Custom button x 3 |
| LED | RED LED | GREEN LED |
| MEMS | MPU6886 | |
| Buzzer | built-in buzzer | |
| IR | Infrared transmission | |
| MIC | SPM1423 | |
| RTC | BM8563 | |
| PMU | AXP192 | TIMER POWER |
| Battery | 120 mAh @ 3.7V | 200mAh @ 3.7V |
| Antenna | 2.4G 3D Antenna | |
| PIN port | G0, G25/G36, G26, G32, G33 | G0, G25/G26, G36, G32, G33 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C | 0°C to 40°C |
| Case Material | Plastic ( PC ) | |
Basic Function Comparison
| Feature | M5StickC PLUS2 (Yellow) | M5StickC PLUS (Red) |
|---|---|---|
| LED Pin | G19 (shared with IR) | G10 (dedicated) |
| IR Pin | G19 (shared with LED) | G9 (dedicated) |
| LED & IR Setup | Shared pin (G19) for both LED and IR, saves I/O | Separate pins (G10 for LED, G9 for IR), more flexible for development |
| Battery Capacity | 200mAh (upgraded) | 120mAh (standard capacity) |
| Main Chip | ESP32-PICO-V3-02 (compact, low-power SoC) | ESP32-PICO-D4 (standard 4MB flash variant) |
Key Improvements in M5StickC PLUS2
- Battery upgraded to 200mAh, extending battery life significantly for portable or untethered projects.
- New ESP32-PICO-V3-02 SoC, offering smaller footprint and reduced power consumption—ideal for embedded scenarios.
- Shared G19 pin for LED and IR allows for more available GPIOs, but may require extra care in software handling to avoid conflict.
Recommendation Summary
- Choose M5StickC PLUS2 → for better battery life, compact design, and efficient GPIO usage.
- Choose M5StickC PLUS (1.1) → for separate IR/LED control, making it easier for beginners or developers needing simpler hardware interaction.
LED Difference
While the core functionality of the M5StickC series remains consistent, one subtle yet impactful hardware difference lies in the placement of the LED indicator. This change affects visibility during usage—especially in debugging or status monitoring scenarios.
M5StickC PLUS – Front-Facing LED (Top Left Corner)
The M5StickC PLUS features an LED indicator positioned on the top-left corner of the front panel, near the display. This makes it highly visible during operation. Whether you're powering on the device, flashing firmware, or monitoring runtime states, the LED status can be seen at a glance—ideal for developers and testers.
M5StickC PLUS2 – Side-Facing LED (Left Edge)
On the other hand, the M5StickC PLUS2 relocates the LED to the left side edge of the device. This creates a cleaner and more modern exterior, particularly suited for compact enclosures or integrated applications. However, it also means that LED visibility is reduced when viewed from the front, and users may need to slightly tilt or rotate the device to see the indicator.
Usage Recommendations
-
For development, debugging, or frequent status monitoring, we recommend the M5StickC PLUS for its front-facing LED visibility.
-
For aesthetic integration or applications where LED visibility is less critical, the M5StickC PLUS2 offers a more streamlined and professional look.
💡 Tip: Both models share similar core specs—the LED placement is primarily a usability and design choice, not a performance difference.
The difference between turning on and off
| Product Name | Power on | Power off |
| M5STICKC PLUS | Press the reset BUTTON (BUTTON C) for at least 2 seconds |
Press the reset BUTTON (BUTTON C) for at least 6 seconds |
| M5STICKC PLUS2 |
It can be started by pressing 'BUTTON C' for |
When no USB external power supply is available, press BUTTON C for more than 6 seconds. Or when there is no USB external power supply, set HOLD(GPIO4)=0 in the program operation, that is, to achieve power off. When the USB is connected, press the 'BUTTON C' button for more than 6 seconds to turn off the screen and enter the hibernation state, but not power off. |
Steps to Reconnect and Power On the M5StickC PLUS2:
- Disconnect the M5StickC PLUS2 from the USB-C cable.
-
Power off the device:
Press and hold the power button until the green LED turns on, indicating the device has been shut down. - Reconnect the USB-C cable to the M5Stack M5StickC PLUS2.
-
The device should now automatically power on and be detected by your system.
This process helps ensure the ESP32-based development board resets properly and is correctly recognized by your PC or development environment. It’s a common fix when using C-to-C cables with devices like the M5Stack M5StickC PLUS2.
Software support and ecosystem
Advantages of M5StickC PLUS2 over M5StickC Plus
| Category | M5StickC PLUS2 | M5StickC Plus |
| Microcontroller | Upgraded microcontroller with improved performance | Standard performance with ESP32 core |
| USB-to-Serial Converter | CH9102 (More stable and faster data transfer) | CP2104 |
| Programming Support | Supports MicroPython and ESP-IDF | Limited to Arduino IDE |
| Power Management | Simplified design without AXP192 PMIC | Uses AXP192 PMIC for power management |
| Wi-Fi Signal | Stronger Wi-Fi signal for better connectivity | Standard Wi-Fi performance |
| Infrared Signal | Enhanced infrared signal strength | Standard infrared performance |
| Flexibility for Developers | Offers more control with ESP-IDF and MicroPython | Arduino-based development only |
| Ease of Use for Beginners | MicroPython lowers the entry barrier for new developers | Requires more C/C++ knowledge for Arduino programming |
| Library and Ecosystem | Inherits M5StickC Plus ecosystem with added MicroPython libraries | Standard library support for Arduino IDE |
| Power Consumption | Lower overall power consumption | Higher power consumption with AXP192 PMIC |
FAQ
Comparison of ESP32-PICO-D4 vs. ESP32-PICO-V3
| Category | ESP32-PICO-D4 | ESP32-PICO-V3 |
| Microcontroller Core | Dual-core Xtensa LX6 | Dual-core Xtensa LX6 |
| Clock Speed | Up to 240 MHz | Up to 240 MHz |
| RAM | 520 KB SRAM | 520 KB SRAM |
| Flash Memory | 4 MB embedded flash | 4 MB embedded flash |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 BR/EDR and BLE | Bluetooth 4.2 BR/EDR and BLE |
| Integrated Components | RF balun, power amplifier, filters, crystal oscillators | Same components, with improved performance |
| Key Improvement | Initial version | Improved power management and RF performance |
| Chip Revision | ESP32 (original) | ESP32 ECO V3 (improved silicon revision) |
| Power Consumption | Higher than ESP32-PICO-V3 | Lower power consumption, especially in deep sleep |
| Security Features | Basic security features | Enhanced security with improved hardware encryption |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 85°C | -40°C to 85°C |
| Target Use Case | General IoT applications | Optimized for IoT with better efficiency and performance |
What is the difference between PRAM and SRAM?
| Category | PRAM (Phase-Change RAM) | SRAM (Static RAM) |
| Working Principle | Uses phase-change materials (e.g., GST - Germanium-Antimony-Tellurium) to switch between crystalline and amorphous states to store data |
Utilizes flip-flop circuits (6 transistors) to maintain data stability |
| Storage Type | Non-volatile (Data is retained after power loss) | Volatile (Data is lost when power is off) |
| Read/Write Speed | Moderate speed, faster than NAND Flash | High-speed read/write, ideal for real-time access |
| Power Consumption | Low power consumption, suitable for long-term operation | High power consumption, requires continuous power to retain data |
| Storage Capacity | Higher capacity, suitable for large data storage | Lower capacity, mainly used for caching |
| Latency | Low latency but not as fast as SRAM | Ultra-low latency, fast response time |
| Durability | Limited write cycles but more stable than NAND Flash | Highly reliable, suitable for critical tasks |
| Typical Applications | Embedded systems, IoT devices, smart devices | CPU/GPU caches, networking equipment, real-time data processing |
| Cost | Moderate cost, cheaper than SRAM but more expensive than DRAM | High cost, more expensive than PRAM and DRAM |
Benefits of PRAM and SRAM
|
Category
|
PRAM (Phase-Change RAM)
|
SRAM (Static RAM)
|
|
Non-Volatile
|
Retains data after power loss
|
Data is lost when power is off
|
|
High Speed
|
Moderate speed, faster than NAND Flash
|
Extremely fast, ideal for CPU/GPU caches
|
|
Power Consumption
|
Low power consumption, suitable for long-term operation
|
High power consumption, requires constant power
|
|
Storage Density
|
Higher capacity, suitable for large data storage
|
Lower capacity, mainly used for caching
|
|
Write Speed
|
Faster write speed than NAND Flash
|
N/A
|
|
Reliability
|
More stable with better write endurance
|
Highly reliable, suitable for critical systems
|
|
Circuit Design
|
N/A
|
Simple design with flip-flop circuits
|
|
Latency
|
Low latency, but not as fast as SRAM
|
Ultra-low latency, perfect for real-time processing
|
PLUS2 Driver Installation
Click the link below to download the driver that matches the operating system. There are currently two driver chip versions, CP34X (for CH9102) driver compressed package. After decompressing the compressed package, select the installation package corresponding to the number of operating systems to install. If the program cannot be downloaded normally (the prompt is overtime or Failed to write to target RAM), you can try to reinstall the device driver.
| Driver name | Applicable driver chip | Download link |
| CH9102_VCP_SER_Windows | CH9102 | |
| CH9102_VCP_SER_MacOS v1.7 | CH9102 |
- More Program Storage: Larger flash memory allows the storage of more complex programs, libraries, and multiple firmware versions, enabling the device to run sophisticated applications.
- Data Logging and Buffering: Devices with larger flash memory can store more data logs locally, which is useful for IoT applications that collect data over time without needing constant network access.
- Firmware Updates and Over-the-Air (OTA) Support: Larger flash allows for OTA firmware updates, where multiple versions of firmware can be stored simultaneously, reducing downtime during updates.
- Multiple Libraries and Frameworks: Developers can store and use multiple libraries and frameworks (e.g., MicroPython, ESP-IDF) without running out of space, improving flexibility and compatibility.
- Media Storage: Enables the storage of images, audio, and other media files, which is useful for multimedia projects like IoT displays or interactive devices.
- Bootloader and Redundancy: Supports more advanced bootloaders and redundant firmware storage, ensuring safer firmware upgrades and reducing the risk of system crashes.
- Secure Data Storage: Larger flash allows for the storage of encryption keys, certificates, and sensitive data, improving security, especially in IoT and industrial applications.
- Extended Application Features: Developers can build applications with more features and larger codebases that require significant memory, avoiding compromises in functionality.
Related articles
M5StickC Plus
M5StickC PLUS2
