The world needs more Power over Ethernet

PoE is a fantastic technology. With a single standardized cable and a not-so-special network switch, one can power applications requiring up to 100 Watts and 100 mbps of bandwidth at a distance of 100 meters, or cheat its way to 250 meters with lower requirements. PoE removes the need for batteries, solar panels, extension cords, power adapters, wireless hubs and extenders, and professional installation. Its wired nature also makes it de-facto more reliable and secure than wireless, a true "set and forget" technology.

The Internet of Things need more standardized devices

No more getting locked up within a single company’s ecosystem. Espoir’s hardware is compatible with any Ethernet and Power over Ethernet (802.3 af/at) switch or router, plugs into any computer with a USB-C cable, and its 16 IOs are arranged following the mikroBUS™ socket specification, which makes it protoboard-friendly and compatible with over 1,300 existing add-on boards.

On the software side of things, Espoir can be programmed or configured using several tools. ESP-IDF, Arduino-ESP32, MicroPython, and Tasmota are officially supported.

Developers need more open source building blocks

Every project is unique, but most electronic devices start with the same components: a power supply, a microcontroller, a programming / debugging interface, and connectors. Espoir provides just that within 2/3 of the size of a credit card. Its OSHWA Certification guarantees the security and flexibility that comes with having access to schematics, layout and gerber files.

Grow with us

Espoir is the tool we couldn’t find when we wanted to automate a small organic vegetable farm. The IO One mikroShield provides connectors for temperature sensors, servomotors, switches, and analog and I²C sensors. These in turn allow one to quickly create smart irrigation valves, automatic vents, ambient temperature and humidity sensors, doors and windows sensors, water level monitors, and even walk-in coolers.

Most importantly, these can be monitored and controlled from a single dashboard, from anywhere, so you can sleep soundly knowing that you will be alerted if anything happens.

The Pmod™ Compatible mikroShield adds compatibility with another extensive set of 80+ add-on boards, so whatever your next project is, there is a good chance it can be done quickly with Espoir.

Features & Specifications

Espoir

• ESP32-MINI-1 Processor
  • Dual core 240 MHz
  • 520 KB SRAM
  • 4 MB flash
• Power
  • Input: PoE+ 37 V - 57 V through the Ethernet connector, with 2,250 V isolation
  • Input: 5 V through the USB-C connector (4.6 V available through a protection diode)
  • Output: 5 V at 3 A (15 W) from PoE
  • Output: 3.3 V at 0.7 A (2.3 W) (Linear, derived from the 5 V power rail)
  • Jumper-selectable PoE Class 2, 3, and 4
  • Pi-filtered PoE input and output
  • Overload and thermal protections
• Connectivity
  • Wifi 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n & integrated antenna
  • Bluetooth 4.2 BLE
  • Ethernet 10/100-BaseT (80+ mbps UDP throughput)
  • USB 2.0 via USB-C connector (tested at 2 MBaud)
  • Full mikroBUS™ socket with two grounds, 5 V, 3.3 V and 12 IOs
  • Extension header with two grounds, four additional input only pins, and the ESP32 reset signal (unsoldered socket header included)
• Mechanical
  • Weight: 31 g
  • Size: 50.8 x 61.0 mm²
  • PCB thickness: 1.6 mm
  • Four copper layers provide augmented thermal dissipation and electromagnetic compatibility
  • Mounting holes: 4x M2.5 / 4-40. The bottom-left hole is plated and connected to local ground.
• Operating temperature range
  • Industrial (-40 °C to +85 °C)

IO One mikroShield

• 9x Signal-Voltage-Ground (SVG) Connectors
  • 3x input-only signals
    • Analog or digital inputs
    • Voltage pins 3.3 V or 5 V selection via jumper for the whole group
    • Voltage pins PMOS on/off switch for the whole group
    • 16 Hz RC low-pass filter for each signal that can be removed by removing the corresponding capacitor connection
    • 2 signals require the extension I/Os to work, but can otherwise be used for on/off control through the Voltage pin
  • 3x input-output signals
    • Analog or digital inputs
    • Digital outputs
    • Voltage pins 3.3 V or 5 V selection via jumper for the whole group
    • Voltage pins PMOS on/off switch for the whole group
  • 3x 1-wire signals
    • Fixed 3.3 V supply pin
    • Single 1-wire bus for all three connectors
    • Controllable via UART or bit-banging
• SHTC3 I²C Temperature & Humidity Sensor
  • 0.2 °C temperature accuracy
  • 2 % humidity accuracy
• Digilent Pmod™ Compatible I²C Connector
  • Complies with the Digilent Pmod™ Interface Specification version 1.3.1
  • Includes the optional INT and RESET signals
  • Voltage pins 3.3 V or 5 V selection via jumper
  • Works with most I²C devices, not just Pmod™ Compatible modules
• mikroBUS™ "L" size format

Pmod™ Compatible mikroShield

• Compatible with all 6- 12-pins connectors of the Digilent Pmod™ Interface Specification
• Jumper-selectable I²C resistors and 3.3 V / 5 V supply.
• mikroBUS™ "S" size format

Comparisons

Support and documentation

You can find the full hardware and software documentation on Connaxio’s Wiki, or quickly look-up Espoir’s schematics in PDF format, or find the KiCad 6 sources on GitHub.

Manufacturing Plan

We have secured the parts for the first batch of 100 Espoir modules. Connaxio’s small-scale fab lab has been used to assemble all prototypes over the last year, with a production capacity far exceeding the requirements to complete the first production batch within a month. All modules are individually tested for full functionality before they are packaged in their individual antistatic bags.

Fulfillment and logistics

After testing and packaging the production batch of Espoir products, we will send them on to Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, Mouser Electronics, who will distribute them to backers worldwide. You can learn more about Crowd Supply’s fulfillment service under Ordering, Paying, and Shipping in their guide.

Risks & Challenges

Connaxio, like every other electronics manufacturer, feels the effects of the global parts shortage. Part availability varies month by month, and we are monitoring the situation closely. We have parts secured for the first 100 units of Espoir and accessory boards, and will begin production as soon as the campaign begins. If any parts delay exceeds 4 months for orders beyond the original 100 Espoir units, we will work to reduce fulfillment time by using alternative components where necessary. Backers may receive modified versions of Espoir, which will maintain software compatibility with the officially supported software, with equal or better hardware specifications. We will identify these modified versions with a new revision number on the PCB silkscreen, such as "Rev 1.0.1".

Parts for which these modifications are currently considered are:

• Ethernet PHY KSZ8091: Replacements will maintain 100 mbps capability and compatibility with currently supported software
• PoE PD Controller NCP109x: Replacements will maintain PoE 802.3af/at standard compatibility