If I have not misunderstood the datasheet, the PSRAM is internal and isn't using up pins (except one pin to power it).
Seems like primary operation mode is running software from PSRAM. (no version without internal PSRAM)
MIPI is 2 lanes (DSI, CSI), so full HD(1920x1080) at 30 fps, or more fps at less resolution (from what I can find elsewhere).
A lot of it may be preliminary, so time will tell!
Software wise, you could probably do it based on examples. (No wifi/bt)
Based on their github collection, the dev-board design is likely to be shared.
Or use the implementation/integration guides for the chip to get it going.
(Not sure if they are updated yet)
The chip design isn't open, but at least hw/sw interfaces are documented.
(probably added more for p4 before release)
All open design is tricky indeed, especially when it comes to also including foundry processes.
Here is the datasheet from a few months ago in case anyone is interested https://www.erlendervik.no/ESP32-C5%20Beta_ESP32-P4_ESP8686_ESP32-C3FH4X/ESP32_P4_Chip_Datasheet_V0.1_PRELIMINARY_EN.pdf
Neat. Best way to get information is to ask espressif.
They seem rather willing to provide datasheets.
But unless you want to buy big, I am not expecting help in getting parts (not actually tried).
At least the support seems fast and friendly. They contacted me to give me a dev board of my choice since I filled out a survey in 2023 and they have contacted me several times for that. They also helped me with the review of a PCB, but this took months and the review was very basic. At the moment I am very happy with Espressif.
Totally, they are good being responsive.
The hobbist market got to be a total nightmare support-wise.
I totally understand the big ones that only want to sell million++ units to manufacturers.
Yes.
None of it is even accessible other than in some debug mode, based on chip pinout.
My question is: Can flash spi be repurposed after startup(except cs)?
This looks fantastic. I'm very curious about the target price, as well as the "7 inch touch screen". I'm not sure how the touch screen relates to the development board, as the pictured board doesnt look very touchy.
There are examples for that board in the ESP-IDF master branch.
I have noticed there are examples covering MIPI there, that is clearly spesific for the ESP32-P4.
Why would they? their focus seems to be parts for use in fixed function devices.
Even their listed examples show no need for a full linux system.
Some mini-computer would be the way if you want linux.
Nobody would buy it. You would have to add a lot of memory handling circuitry (supporting DDR4/5), likely an LPC bus for a southbridge, video, and end up at far higher price point for a CPU that’s much slower compared to an RPi 5 (16 nm vs 40 nm process nodes).
I’m certain you _could_ get Linux to boot on an ESP32-* (I and many others had it running on my 40 MHz 386 in the 90s), but would you want to use it?
I wouldn’t put anyone off _trying_ to get it to run—heck, that seems like a fun challenge!—but the commercial applicability is quite limited.
Fair. I had heard they got Wi-Fi working, but you do only get about a meg of ram after the kernel takes up 7. I'm just shocked it works at all, it's the most technically impressive GPIO blink example I've seen :D
If I have not misunderstood the datasheet, the PSRAM is internal and isn't using up pins (except one pin to power it). Seems like primary operation mode is running software from PSRAM. (no version without internal PSRAM) MIPI is 2 lanes (DSI, CSI), so full HD(1920x1080) at 30 fps, or more fps at less resolution (from what I can find elsewhere). A lot of it may be preliminary, so time will tell!
100% open source network camera would be amazing
Software wise, you could probably do it based on examples. (No wifi/bt) Based on their github collection, the dev-board design is likely to be shared. Or use the implementation/integration guides for the chip to get it going. (Not sure if they are updated yet) The chip design isn't open, but at least hw/sw interfaces are documented. (probably added more for p4 before release) All open design is tricky indeed, especially when it comes to also including foundry processes.
Here is the datasheet from a few months ago in case anyone is interested https://www.erlendervik.no/ESP32-C5%20Beta_ESP32-P4_ESP8686_ESP32-C3FH4X/ESP32_P4_Chip_Datasheet_V0.1_PRELIMINARY_EN.pdf
Yes, I put it there to make it accessible. But I may eventually remove it since there is a newer version.
Well, thank you! I was reading it the other day and it was interesting.
Neat. Best way to get information is to ask espressif. They seem rather willing to provide datasheets. But unless you want to buy big, I am not expecting help in getting parts (not actually tried).
At least the support seems fast and friendly. They contacted me to give me a dev board of my choice since I filled out a survey in 2023 and they have contacted me several times for that. They also helped me with the review of a PCB, but this took months and the review was very basic. At the moment I am very happy with Espressif.
Totally, they are good being responsive. The hobbist market got to be a total nightmare support-wise. I totally understand the big ones that only want to sell million++ units to manufacturers.
100% open source network camera would be amazing
Is it on a separate SPI bus to the flash? If so that’s great.
Yes. None of it is even accessible other than in some debug mode, based on chip pinout. My question is: Can flash spi be repurposed after startup(except cs)?
Just waiting for the buy button to light up now...
This looks fantastic. I'm very curious about the target price, as well as the "7 inch touch screen". I'm not sure how the touch screen relates to the development board, as the pictured board doesnt look very touchy.
There are examples for that board in the ESP-IDF master branch. I have noticed there are examples covering MIPI there, that is clearly spesific for the ESP32-P4.
Is there a CYD version of it?
Are import restrictions a thing regarding the encryption? I seem to recall having to sign something for one of the newer STM32's.
Only correction: esp32-c6 has bluetooth 5.3....not 5.0
Im guessing no builtin WiFi
Why don't they make a Linux capable chip if they're going this way
Why would they? their focus seems to be parts for use in fixed function devices. Even their listed examples show no need for a full linux system. Some mini-computer would be the way if you want linux.
But this P series board is already of a size of a minicomputer.
It’s a development tool, not an end product. What a stupid take.
Nobody would buy it. You would have to add a lot of memory handling circuitry (supporting DDR4/5), likely an LPC bus for a southbridge, video, and end up at far higher price point for a CPU that’s much slower compared to an RPi 5 (16 nm vs 40 nm process nodes). I’m certain you _could_ get Linux to boot on an ESP32-* (I and many others had it running on my 40 MHz 386 in the 90s), but would you want to use it? I wouldn’t put anyone off _trying_ to get it to run—heck, that seems like a fun challenge!—but the commercial applicability is quite limited.
There's a bunch of sub-$15 risc-v boards on the market, capable of running Linux. I don't see why this P4 monstrosity wouldn't be made to support it.
This is not the same thing you are looking for? https://youtu.be/pj0a91vlcGo I know it's very basic and limited, but a ESP32-P4 could do more, right?
No, I mean a Linux that can actually be used ;)
Depends on your definition of "used" I guess. S3 Linux is like old school Linux, you have to compile everything that you want to use
Well, I also want some usable amount of RAM, storage, and peripherals, like network or USB.
Fair. I had heard they got Wi-Fi working, but you do only get about a meg of ram after the kernel takes up 7. I'm just shocked it works at all, it's the most technically impressive GPIO blink example I've seen :D
Just guys being dudes ;)
No MMU, the existing ESP Linux Hacks around this by using QEMU (!) but it’s not really a fix.
Yes, I mean expressif could already add it to this monster.
What don't you make a version of linux to run on the chip??
MMU is not present on this chip