M5Stack Cardputer-Adv ESP32-S3 computer gains improved antenna, larger 1,750 mAh battery, ES8311 audio codec

In 2023, M5Stack introduced the Cardputer, a mini portable computer based on an ESP32-S3 module and equipped with a display and a keyboard. The Cardputer-Adv is an update based on the Stamp-S3A core module, with the same 1.14-inch LCD and 56-key keyboard, but featuring a range of upgrades.

These include enhanced audio with an ES8311 audio codec, a high‑SNR MEMS microphone, an NS4150B amplifier, a 1W speaker, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, an improved antenna design, a larger 1,750 mAh battery, and a built-in BMI270 6-axis IMU.

M5Stack Cardputer-Adv specifications: (bold highlights show improvements/changes over the original Cardputer)

Wireless MCU module – M5Stack M5Stamp S3A with
- SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3FN8
  - CPU
    - Dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX7 microcontroller with AI vector instructions up to 240MHz
    - RISC-V ULP co-processor
  - Memory – 512KB SRAM
  - Storage – 8MB flash
  - Wireless – 2.4GHz WiFi 4 (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth 5.0 BLE + Mesh
- 2.4GHz 3D antenna
- USB – 1x USB Type-C port
- Expansion connectors for I/Os such as SPI, I2C, UART, ADC, and more
Storage – MicroSD card socket
Display – 1.14-inch IPS LCD with 240×135 resolution using ST7789V2 driver
Audio
- 1W speaker with NS4150B amplifier
- High SNR (65dB) MEMS microphone
- 3.5mm audio output jack
User input – 56-key keyboard (4x 14-key matrix); note: key actuation force reduced from 260 gf to 160 gf
Sensor – BMI270 6-axis motion sensor
Expansion
- 4-pin Grove connector with I2C (5V)
- 14-pin 2.54mm pitch expansion bus
Misc
- Reset button, user button
- On/Off switch
- IR transmitter
- Built-in magnet used for mounting, e.g. attached to a fridge or whiteboard
- Compatible with LEGO hole extensions
- Lanyard hole
Power Supply
- Built-in 1750mAh Li-ion battery (instead of 1,400 mAh battery + 120 mAh battery)
- Built-in battery charging and voltage regulation
- Charging via USB-C port on the M5Stamp S3A module
Power Consumption – Numbers not provided for the Cardputer-Adv kit
Dimensions – 84 x 54 x 20mm (slightly thicker than the original Cardputer)
Weight – 81.0 grams (lighter than the original Cardputer)

Like its predecessor, the Cardputer-Adv computer can be programmed with the Arduino IDE, platformIO, the ESP-IDF framework, or the company’s UiFlow2 visual programming editor. You’ll find some code samples for all four, including the ESP-IDF-based factory firmware, on the documentation website, along with schematics, pinout diagrams, and other technical information.

The Cardputer-Adv ESP32-S3 computer is available for $29.99 on AliExpress and the M5Stack store. However, it’s not listed on the M5Stack’s Amazon store just yet, with only the previous generation Cardputer listed there.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.