Choice of hardware

M5Stack: The M5Stack company have been producing accessible and modular microcontroller devices to simplify IoT hardware prototyping, aiming to bridge the gap between design and implementation by integrating stackable modules, displays, and sensors into a user-friendly platform. There are several families of M5Stack devices which are based on Expressif ESP32 microcontrollers, with different form factors, displays, sensors and interfaces. M5Stack was acquired by Expressif in 2024. The M5Stack devices are supported by a software development environment that allows mixed graphical and text based programming.

The Core family — The flagship line for m5Stack, built around a 5×5cm stackable form factor with an ESP32, a built-in colour touchscreen, buttons, speaker, and Grove/GPIO connectors. The controllers are designed for modularity, enabling compatibility with various expansion modules and accessories, including cameras, sensors, and voice recognition modules. The full range can be seen here at M5Stack. The potential for expansion makes them well-suited for a diverse array of uses, from rapid prototyping to actual deployment.

Tab5 — A highly expandable, portable smart IoT terminal built around the ESP32-P4 RISC-V SoC, featuring 16MB Flash, 32MB PSRAM, a 5-inch 1280×720 touchscreen, a 2MP camera, and Wi-Fi 6 via the ESP32-C6. Aimed at HMI, edge AI, and industrial use cases.

Atom Series — Ultra-compact controllers with essential hardware interfaces and wireless communication functions. Powered by ESP32, all models support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them well-suited for embedded applications, micro devices, and rapid prototyping.

Stamp Series — Characterised by a compact form factor that facilitates soldering and integration into a wide range of devices. Built on ESP32 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, meeting the requirements of industrial-grade applications.

Cardputer — A pocket-sized developer computer with a keyboard, small display, microphone, and speaker. The latest version features the StampS3A microcontroller with a 56-key keyboard, 1.14-inch TFT screen, and an infrared emitter for external control. A Linux-capable variant, the CardputerZero, is powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module Zero, bringing full Linux capability in the same compact form factor.

Nano Series — Tiny, ultra-low-cost modules targeting specific wireless protocols. For example, the NanoH2 is an ultra-compact kit powered by the ESP32-H2 with support for Zigbee, Thread, and Matter, designed for smart home and low-power wireless applications.

Industrial (PLC) — The STEM PLC is a DIN-rail-ready industrial controller with 8 inputs, built for automation tasks and programmable via Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, or UIFlow.

Building instrumentation

In this latest iteration of Biomaker training resources, we are trialling M5Stack hardware and software for development of custom bioinstrumentation. The following pages describe construction methods in more detail - framed around particular biology-related projects.

M5Stack also produce a wide range of Units, which are small, modular sensor and output devices in robust casings and plug compatible with Grove connectors. (The range of available Units can be viewed at the M5Stack website. Off-the-shelf software support is provided for these, and Units can be used to simply plug in new functions and rapidly test new prototypes.