Introducing the ESP32-C61: High-Performance Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 SoC

At Macnica ATD Europe, we support our customers by distributing solutions that combine performance, integration, and scalability.

The new ESP32-C61 from Espressif Systems embodies this philosophy. As the demand for smarter, more efficient IoT devices continues to grow, this Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 (LE) RISC-V SoC offers the performance and flexibility needed to design tomorrow’s connected applications.

With a robust wireless stack, ample peripherals, and external PSRAM support, the ESP32-C61 unlocks a new tier of functionality without compromising cost or power.

Built on a 160 MHz 32-bit RISC-V core, the ESP32-C61 delivers solid processing performance for real-time embedded workloads. Whether you're handling protocol stacks, multitasking in smart home hubs, or performing lightweight AI tasks, the chip provides the right level of responsiveness without draining power budgets.

This is particularly relevant for device makers targeting battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.

Support for Wi-Fi 6 brings a major leap in network performance. With OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Target Wake Time (TWT), the ESP32-C61 handles high user density with grace, while reducing power usage and latency.

This matters for environments like:

• Smart buildings with dozens of sensors per room
• Consumer products requiring responsive voice or cloud sync
• Commercial deployments where concurrent devices compete for bandwidth

The ESP32-C61 also supports Bluetooth 5 (LE) with all key features: 2 Mbps PHY, Coded PHY, Extended Advertising, and Bluetooth Mesh 1.1. Developers building BLE-centric ecosystems, like smart lighting or industrial beacons, will appreciate the enhanced reliability and long-range options.

The ESP32-C61 integrates a complete set of digital and analog interfaces: SPI, I2C, UART, I2S, ADC, GDMA, ETM, and an Analog Comparator. This breadth reduces the need for external components, simplifies PCB layout, and accelerates time-to-market.

Whether you're connecting sensors, displays, or control systems, this SoC provides the necessary hooks without inflating the BOM.

One of the standout features is its support for external PSRAM, enabling applications that require more memory—without having to switch to a higher-class processor.

This capability unlocks:

• Buffered audio or image processing
• Voice assistants and smart displays
• More advanced OTA firmware architecture

Instead of struggling to optimize every kilobyte, developers can focus on features.

Espressif provides first-class support through ESP-IDF (its open-source SDK), ESP-Matter SDK, and wireless co-processor modes like ESP-AT and ESP-Hosted.

Whether you're building from scratch or integrating wireless into a modular architecture, the ESP32-C61 fits your flow. At Macnica ATD Europe, we offer local technical support, guidance, and pre-integration resources to help our customers.

Interested in evaluating the ESP32-C61 for your next project?

Contact Macnica ATD Europe to discuss your technical needs and get expert support from our team.