Espressif Launches ESP32-H4: Next-Generation Ultra-Low-Power Dual-Core SoC, Targeting Long Battery Life and HMI

Espressif Systems (Stock Code: 688018.SH) has officially introduced the ESP32-H4 – a next-generation ultra-low-power dual-core RISC-V SoC. This new product integrates dual wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4 (LE) and IEEE 802.15.4, accompanied by comprehensive security features and flexible memory expansion capabilities.

Designed specifically for applications requiring long battery life, low power consumption, and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), the ESP32-H4 is the ideal choice for smart wearables, LE Audio devices, healthcare equipment, as well as low-power Zigbee devices and Matter-over-Thread systems.

Maximum Power Optimization for Battery-Powered Devices

The ESP32-H4 is purpose-built for battery-operated devices. With an integrated DC-DC converter, the chip reduces the supply voltage and minimizes energy loss during voltage regulation, thereby achieving higher power efficiency. Combined with refined power domain management and various low-power operating modes, the ESP32-H4 maintains stable wireless connectivity and application performance even with small coin-cell batteries.

Through the option to reduce maximum transmit power (Tx Power), the ESP32-H4 effectively minimizes current consumption during RF transmission, optimizing energy in scenarios involving continuous or high-frequency data transfers.

Furthermore, the ESP32-H4’s Bluetooth LE subsystem is optimized for energy-sensitive environments, notably featuring the ability to perform Advertising without CPU intervention. This makes the ESP32-H4 exceptionally suitable for Bluetooth sensor applications with strict energy constraints.

Thanks to these multi-layered optimizations, the ESP32-H4 perfectly balances high energy efficiency with robust wireless connectivity, making it widely applicable in wearables, remote sensors, medical devices, and portable wireless accessories.

Integration of Advanced Bluetooth 6.0 Features

The ESP32-H4 fully supports all functions specified in the Bluetooth 5.4 (LE) core specification and is Bluetooth 6.0 certified. This marks a significant milestone in Espressif’s self-developed Bluetooth Low Energy product line, introducing several breakthrough features:

• LE Audio: Designed for the next generation of low-power Bluetooth wireless audio applications (e.g., Bluetooth speakers, TWS earbuds, hearing aids).

• LE Isochronous Channels (BIS and CIS): Supports reliable, synchronized audio broadcasting and connection-oriented audio streaming (e.g., public audio broadcasting, TVs).

• Connection Subrating: Reduces power consumption while maintaining low-latency response characteristics (e.g., medical sensors, remote controls).

• Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR): Suitable for scalable low-power sensor networks and high-density node deployments (e.g., Electronic Shelf Labels – ESL).

• Direction Finding (AoA/AoD): Enables high-precision indoor positioning (e.g., indoor navigation, asset tracking, proximity services).

Powerful Dual-Core & Flexible Memory Expansion

The ESP32-H4 is equipped with a dual-core 32-bit RISC-V MCU running at up to 96 MHz, integrating 384 KB of SRAM and 128 KB of ROM. Notably, the chip supports external PSRAM, providing ample storage space for applications requiring large buffers, complex protocol stacks, or localized data processing.

This perfect combination of hardware and software simplifies the development process. Engineers do not need to over-compress or heavily optimize memory when programming complex features, helping to shorten the time-to-market and easily scale features on the same platform.

Reliable Security at a Reasonable Cost

Inheriting Espressif’s philosophy of “Affordable Security,” the ESP32-H4 integrates a series of robust hardware security features, including Secure Boot, External Memory Encryption/Decryption, ECDSA-based Digital Signatures, Cryptographic Hardware Acceleration, and a True Random Number Generator (TRNG).

These mechanisms effectively protect device identity, firmware integrity, and sensitive data without significantly increasing power consumption or system costs, making it highly ideal for battery-powered devices.

Rich Peripherals & Strong IoT Ecosystem Support

The ESP32-H4 is fully supported by the open-source IoT development framework ESP-IDF, featuring a mature toolchain and comprehensive documentation.

On the Bluetooth LE side, the H4 seamlessly connects with Espressif’s software ecosystem, including ESP-BLE-MESH and ESP-BLE-AUDIO. In the future, with support from ESP-Matter, the development of battery-powered devices based on the Matter protocol and Thread networks will be greatly simplified, realizing seamless integration into modern smart home ecosystems.

Remarkably, the ESP32-H4 supports up to 40 GPIO pins, integrating a rich array of peripherals including I2C, I2S, SPI, UART, ADC, LED-PWM, Timers, DMA, TWAI, USB-OTG, and MCPWM. Moreover, the chip provides 15 capacitive touch GPIO pins, facilitating the design of diverse Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI).

With its highly integrated wireless connectivity and peripheral capabilities, the ESP32-H4 is ready to meet all design needs, from interactive controllers and sensor hubs to wearable terminals and low-power smart home nodes.

About Sunrich

As a trusted distributor and provider of IoT technology solutions, Sunrich is proud to bring enterprise customers the most advanced components and microcontrollers from Espressif Systems.

We not only supply genuine ESP32 chips and modules with stable inventory and competitive pricing, but also accompany your engineering team through in-depth technical support services. With Sunrich, your enterprise’s R&D process will be optimized, helping to shorten the time it takes to bring breakthrough IoT products to market.

📌 If you are interested in learning more about the technical specifications (Datasheet), ordering development boards (DevKit), or requesting a project quote for the ESP32-H4 series, please contact Sunrich directly: