> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.protonverse.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Proton AI Core Hardware Overview: Components & Layout
> Tour the Proton AI Core hardware: ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module, USB-C programming port, FPC camera connector, GPIO headers, and 3.3 V power regulation.
Proton AI Core is built around the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module — a capable, low-power system-on-module that combines a dual-core processor, integrated Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth with dedicated support for AI acceleration and high-speed camera interfaces. This page gives you a tour of the board's main hardware components, physical layout, and power characteristics so you know exactly what you're working with before you start building.
## Main Components
The table below covers the primary hardware features of Proton AI Core:
| Component | Details |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Microcontroller** | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 |
| **USB Interface** | USB-C (power + programming) |
| **Camera Connector** | FPC connector for OV2640 / OV3660 |
| **Wi-Fi** | 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz |
| **Bluetooth** | 5.0 / BLE |
| **Flash** | 8 MB (To be confirmed) |
| **PSRAM** | 8 MB (To be confirmed) |
| **GPIO** | Multiple GPIOs exposed on headers — see [Pinout](/hardware/pinout) for full assignments |
## Board Layout
The Proton AI Core board is arranged to keep common interfaces accessible and to minimise signal interference around the antenna area. The USB-C port sits at one end of the board and serves as the primary connection point for both power and programming. Directly adjacent to it is the USB-to-serial chip that bridges communication between your computer and the ESP32-S3 module.
The camera FPC connector is positioned to allow a short, direct cable run to the OV2640 or OV3660 module, reducing noise on the high-speed parallel camera bus. GPIO headers run along both long edges of the board, exposing the ESP32-S3's I/O pins for connection to sensors, displays, actuators, and other peripherals.
The ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module occupies the centre of the board, with its PCB antenna extending toward the end opposite the USB-C port. Keep this area clear of metal enclosures or other conductors to maintain good wireless performance.
For detailed pin assignments, see the [Pinout](/hardware/pinout) page.
## Power
Proton AI Core accepts power through its USB-C port at **5 V**. An onboard linear voltage regulator steps this down to **3.3 V** to supply the ESP32-S3 module and peripherals. You should ensure your USB-C power source can supply adequate current for your application, particularly when Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the camera are all active simultaneously.
* **Input voltage:** 5 V via USB-C
* **Logic voltage:** 3.3 V (all GPIO pins are 3.3 V logic)
* **Maximum current draw at full operation:** To be confirmed
All GPIO pins on Proton AI Core operate at 3.3 V. Applying 5 V signals directly to GPIO pins may damage the ESP32-S3. Use a level shifter when interfacing with 5 V peripherals.
View the complete technical specifications for Proton AI Core.
See the full GPIO pinout with labels, alternate functions, and recommended uses.
Learn about the supported OV2640 and OV3660 camera modules and how to connect them.
Download schematics, CAD files, datasheets, and other hardware resources.