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SparkFun AzureWave Thing Plus - AW-CU488

$ 49.95 $ 28.50

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The SparkFun AzureWave Thing Plus is a Feather form-factor development board equipped with the AW-CU488. The module features the Realtek RTL8721DM integrated single-chip low-power dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless LAN communication controller. It also consists of a dual processor core: Real-M300 CPU (ARMv8-M, Cortex-M33) and Real-M200 CPU (ARMv8-M, Cortex-M23). Connect the SparkFun AzureWave Thing Plus to the cloud to grab current weather conditions in your area, post sensor data to a server, control the lights in your next home automation project, or even calculate the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of an input audio signal!

Why the name? We lovingly call it the “Thing” because it's perfect for your Internet of Things project. The Thing does everything from turning on an LED to posting data with your chosen platform and can be programmed just like any microcontroller. You can even program the Thing through the Arduino IDE by installing the Realtek Arduino core.

The board includes a USB-C connector for programming and power. Two buttons for reset and boot are also populated on the board. For those that need to go remote with their application, the board includes a 2-pin JST connector and the MCP73831 single cell, LiPo charge IC (set to a default rate of 500mA). Voltage is regulated down for the AW-CU488 with the XC6222 3.3V/700mA voltage regulator. Three status LEDs are available for power, charging, and status. Due to the size of the module, the board is slightly longer than the standard Thing Plus footprint. With the added length, we were able to break out a few more PTHs on the edge of the board for a total of 30 GPIO pins (30 Interrupts, seven Analog, 11 PWM, two UARTs, two SPI, and a single I2C). The board also includes a built-in audio CODEC with two channel analog inputs and outputs at various sample rates (8/12/16/24/32/48/.../176.4 kHz). On the back of the board are five jumpers for the LiPo charge rate, LED, auto boot circuit, and USB shielding. Finally, one Qwiic connector is populated on the board to easily add Qwiic-enabled I2C devices to your projects!

Note: Additional items found in our photos are not included with the SparkFun AzureWave Thing Plus. You will need to purchase these components separately. Check the Hookup Accessories section below for options.


The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I2C sensors, actuators, shields and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong.


  • AzureWave AW-CU488 Module
    • up to 200MHz operating frequency
    • 512KB SRAM and 4MB PSRAM
    • 32Mbit SPI Flash
    • Realtek RTL8721DM Dual Processor Core
      • Real-M300 CPU (Armv8-M, Cortex-M33)
      • Real-M200 CPU (Armv8-M, Cortex-M23)
    • 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n 1T1R WLAN
    • Built-in Antenna w/ Internal Shielding Antenna
    • 2-Channel Audio CODEC (8/12/16/24/32/48/.../176.4 KHz)
  • Thing Plus (or Feather) Form-Factor
    • Breadboard-compatible 0.1" (2.54 mm) pitch headers
    • Dimensions: 3.05" x 0.90" (77.47 mm x 22.86 mm)
    • 30x Available GPIO
      • Up to 30x INT
      • Up to 7x 12-bit ADC
      • Up to 11x PWM
      • Up to 2x UARTs
      • Up to 2x SPI
      • Up to 1x I2C
    • Two Mounting Holes
      • 4-40 screw compatible
    • 38x PTH Pins
    • 1x USB Type C Connector
    • 1x 2-pin JST Connector for a LiPo Battery (not included)
    • 1x 4-pin Qwiic Connector
  • CP210X USB-to-Serial Converter
  • MCP73831 Single Cell, LiPo Charge IC
    • Charge Rate Set to 500mA (default)
  • Buttons
    • Boot
    • Reset
  • LEDs
    • Power
    • Charge
    • Status
  • Jumpers
    • Power LED
    • LiPo Charge Rate (500mA/100mA)
    • Auto Reset Circuit
    • USB Shielding

SparkFun AzureWave Thing Plus - AW-CU488 Product Help and Resources

AzureWave Thing Plus (AW-CU488) Hookup Guide

September 22, 2022

The SparkFun AzureWave Thing Plus is a Feather form-factor development board equipped with the AW-CU488. We'll highlight key features of the board and show you to get started with the development board. A few Arduino examples will be highlighted to connect to a WiFi router, calculate the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) from an input microphone, output an analog signal to a speaker, and connect an Qwiic-enabled device.

Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

3 Programming

Skill Level: Competent - The toolchain for programming is a bit more complex and will examples may not be explicitly provided for you. You will be required to have a fundamental knowledge of programming and be required to provide your own code. You may need to modify existing libraries or code to work with your specific hardware. Sensor and hardware interfaces will be SPI or I2C.
See all skill levels


Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

2 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
See all skill levels


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  • Member #1739876 / about 2 years ago / 1

    Any chance you offer this in the MicroMod form factor? Sort of answering my own question: it looks a bit big for a M.M. processor board...

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