LILYGO T-Connect Pro
Support 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5 (LE) and LoRa
LILYGO T-Connect Pro is not just another development board. Built around the ESP32-S3R8 dual-core MCU, it integrates all major communication interfaces required for modern industrial IoT — Ethernet, CAN, RS232, RS485, LoRa, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth — into a single board. With DIN rail mounting and 12–24 V DC input support, it can be directly installed in control panels or industrial equipment environments.
Key Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | ESP32-S3R8 (240 MHz, Dual-Core LX7) |
| Memory | 16 MB Flash / 8 MB PSRAM |
| Display | 2.2″ TFT LCD (222×480) + Capacitive Touch |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 4 / Bluetooth 5.0 LE / LoRa (SX1262 – 433·868·915·920 MHz options) |
| Wired Communication | Ethernet (W5500), RS232, RS485, CAN-FD (2.5 kV isolation) |
| I/O and Expansion | One 10 A relay output, Qwiic / STEMMA QT I²C expansion port |
| Power | 12–24 V DC input, USB-C 5 V (for programming) |
| Development Environment | Arduino IDE / PlatformIO / ESP-IDF compatible |
Strengths of the Integrated Design
1️⃣ Fully Unified Industrial and IoT Interfaces
Unlike typical IoT boards limited to Wi-Fi or BLE, the T-Connect Pro comes with RS232, RS485, CAN, Ethernet, and LoRa as standard. This allows direct communication with industrial devices and sensors without external modules or complex wiring.
2️⃣ Built-In On-Site UI
Featuring a 2.2″ color touchscreen, the board can serve as a simple HMI (Human-Machine Interface). Users can display sensor data, monitor relay states, or control equipment directly from the onboard display.
3️⃣ Industrial Power and Form-Factor Compatibility
With a 12–24 V DC input and DIN-rail mountable design, it fits seamlessly into existing industrial setups. Both the CAN and RS485 modules use 2.5 kV isolated transceivers, ensuring noise resistance and surge protection in harsh environments.
External Reviews and Media Coverage
🔹 CNX Software (March 5, 2025)
CNX Software describes the T-Connect Pro as an “ESP32-S3-based industrial IoT controller that unifies all key wired and wireless communication interfaces on one board.” The article highlights its compact gateway potential with LoRa, Ethernet, CAN, and RS485 integration, and its suitability for edge devices and IoT hubs.
It also notes that the board’s DIN rail mount, industrial power input, and single 10A relay make it ideal for field deployment, while limited analog and digital I/O remain a drawback. Priced around $70–$90, CNX calls it “an accessible and practical platform for industrial IoT developers.”
🔹 Hackster.io – Author: Gareth Halfacree
In his review, Gareth Halfacree of Hackster.io introduces the board as a “DIN-rail-mountable ESP32-S3 platform targeting industrial automation applications.” He emphasizes its three-layer stacked PCB design, isolated RS232/RS485/CAN modules, and built-in Ethernet and LoRa capabilities — all of which enable compact, single-board automation and communication solutions.
Halfacree also praises the integrated touchscreen LCD as a simple and intuitive HMI option for on-site control. However, he points out that due to limited digital I/O and the absence of PLC language support, the board is better suited as a prototype or test platform for engineers rather than a full industrial PLC replacement.
Example Applications
| Field | Use Case |
|---|---|
| IoT Gateway | LoRa sensor network → Ethernet/Wi-Fi MQTT uplink |
| Industrial Monitoring | RS485 (Modbus) data acquisition and display on LCD |
| Protocol Bridge | CAN↔Ethernet or RS485↔MQTT data conversion |
| Edge Computing Node | On-device anomaly detection using ESP32-S3 AI acceleration |
| Test Controller | Functional testing or data logging for industrial devices |
Technical Limitations
Both CNX Software and Hackster.io highlight the limited I/O expandability as the main constraint. The board lacks multiple analog inputs and digital outputs, and provides only a single 10A relay channel. It also doesn’t offer PLC-level IEC-61131-3 language support or full industrial-grade certification (EMC, temperature, humidity).
Consequently, the T-Connect Pro excels in prototyping, testing, and proof-of-concept (PoC) use cases, but additional validation would be required before adopting it as a mass-production industrial controller.
Engineering Evaluation
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Communication Interface Diversity | ★★★★★ |
| UI Integration | ★★★★☆ |
| Power and Installation Convenience | ★★★★★ |
| I/O Expandability | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Development Accessibility (Arduino / ESP-IDF) | ★★★★★ |
| Industrial Reliability | ★★★☆☆ |
Conclusion
The LILYGO T-Connect Pro is best described as “a unified platform capable of handling all major industrial communication protocols on a single board.” With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, Ethernet, RS-232/485, and CAN built-in, it serves effectively as an industrial IoT gateway, protocol bridge, or edge computing controller.
CNX Software calls it “a well-balanced and affordable industrial IoT controller,” while Gareth Halfacree (Hackster.io) concludes it’s “a practical ESP32-S3-based board designed for automation developers and prototyping in real-world industrial contexts.”
Rather than a full PLC replacement, the T-Connect Pro is best positioned as an engineer’s integrated prototyping and field-testing platform,
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