Olimex ESP32-P4-PC Board Offers HDMI Video Output, Ethernet, Four USB 2.0 Ports, and More

Why It Matters

The ESP32‑P4‑PC brings PC‑like connectivity to low‑cost microcontroller platforms, enabling edge devices to run video and peripheral interfaces without additional hardware. This expands the ESP32 ecosystem into industrial HMI, kiosk and AI‑edge applications.

Key Takeaways

• Dual-core 400 MHz RISC‑V CPU with AI extensions.
• HDMI and MIPI‑DSI video output on ESP32‑P4 board.
• Four USB‑A ports and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet included.
• Power via USB‑C, LiPo, or optional PoE.
• No built‑in Wi‑Fi; add via UEXT connector.

Pulse Analysis

The ESP32‑P4 series marks Espressif’s first foray into RISC‑V architecture, offering a performance boost over the traditional Xtensa cores while retaining the low‑power footprint that made the ESP32 family popular. Olimex’s ESP32‑P4‑PC capitalizes on this shift by integrating a rich set of peripherals—HDMI, MIPI‑DSI, MIPI‑CSI, and four USB‑A ports—into a compact 90 × 60 mm board. For developers targeting edge‑AI, digital signage, or human‑machine interfaces, the combination of a 400 MHz dual‑core processor, on‑board 2D pixel accelerator, and H.264/JPEG codec eliminates the need for separate video‑processing chips, reducing BOM cost and system complexity.

Beyond video, the board’s Ethernet controller and optional PoE module provide reliable wired networking, a critical requirement for industrial deployments where Wi‑Fi reliability can be a concern. The inclusion of a USB‑C power input, LiPo charging circuitry, and a UEXT expansion header means designers can tailor power and wireless connectivity to specific use cases without redesigning the core hardware. Compared with competitors such as Waveshare’s ESP32‑P4‑WIFI6‑POE‑ETH, the Olimex offering distinguishes itself by focusing on HDMI output and a full set of USB ports, positioning it as a “mini‑PC” for prototyping.

The open‑source nature of the ESP32‑P4‑PC—complete KiCAD files, schematics, and forthcoming demo code—encourages rapid community adoption and accelerates time‑to‑market for niche applications. Priced at €24.95 and slated for shipment in late February, the board arrives at a time when edge computing demand is surging, especially in smart factories and retail kiosks. As more developers leverage the RISC‑V AI extensions and the board’s multimedia capabilities, the ESP32‑P4‑PC could become a reference platform for next‑generation embedded video and sensor hubs.