--- title: "NORVI X CPU Types: X1 vs X2 vs X3" description: "## What Is the NORVI X CPU Series? The NORVI X CPU series is the processing core of NORVI's modular industrial controller platform. Every CPU module is DIN-rail mounted, built around the ESP32-S3, and pairs with a wide range of…" url: "https://norvi.io/docs/norvi-x-cpu-types-x1-vs-x2-vs-x3/" updated: "2026-11-02" category: NORVI X / NORVI X TUTORIALS --- # NORVI X CPU Types: X1 vs X2 vs X3 ## What Is the NORVI X CPU Series? The NORVI X CPU series is the processing core of NORVI's modular industrial controller platform. Every CPU module is DIN-rail mounted, built around the ESP32-S3, and pairs with a wide range of plug-in expansion modules (digital I/O, analog I/O, relays, transistor outputs, thermocouple/RTD inputs, and more) to scale from a small standalone device up to 200 I/O points. There are three CPU variants - X1, X2 and X3. All three share the same core hardware and mechanical design. The single difference that defines them is how they connect to the outside world: - X1 - Wi-Fi + Ethernet (wired/local network connectivity) - X2 - Wi-Fi + Ethernet + 2G/4G Cellular via SIMCOM A7672X - X3 - Wi-Fi + Ethernet + 4G Cellular via Quectel EC25 Choosing between them comes down to one question: how will this controller reach your network or the cloud at its install location? ## Quick Comparison | Feature | X1 | X2 | X3 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Primary connectivity | Wi-Fi + Ethernet | 2G/4G Cellular (SIMCOM A7672X) | 4G Cellular (Quectel EC25) | | Cellular standard | - | LTE Cat 1 + 2G fallback | LTE Cat 4 / UMTS / GSM fallback | | Best network fit | Site has LAN / Wi-Fi | Areas with patchy 4G, needs 2G fallback | Strong 4G coverage, needs location data | | Ethernet | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | | RS-485 | Yes (SN65HVD72DGKR) | Yes (SN65HVD72DGKR) | Yes (SN65HVD72DGKR) | | RTC | DS3231 | DS3231 | DS3231 | | Display | 2.0" TFT LCD, touch | 2.0" TFT LCD, touch | 2.0" TFT LCD, touch | | MCU | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 | | SIM slot required | No | Yes | Yes | | Recurring data cost | None (uses site network) | SIM data plan required | SIM data plan required | | Typical use case | Factories, warehouses with existing network | Remote/mobile assets, vending, fleet with mixed coverage | Remote sites needing high-speed data + location tracking | For a broader hardware comparison, [compare NORVI ESP32 PLC controllers](https://norvi.io/esp32-plc-norvi/) across the X, IIOT, ENET, and GSM series to select the appropriate I/O configuration and connectivity. ## Features Common to All Three Models Regardless of which variant you choose, every NORVI X CPU module gives you the same industrial-grade foundation: | Spec | All three CPU modules (X1 / X2 / X3) | | --- | --- | | MCU | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 (16MB Flash, 512KB SRAM, 2MB PSRAM) | | Display | 2.0" TFT LCD (ST7789), 240 x 320, touch input | | RS-485 | Built-in, half-duplex, automatic direction control | | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (ESP32-S3 radio) | | RTC | DS3231 (battery-backed real-time clock) | | Storage | microSD card slot (SPI) | | Mounting | DIN-rail | | Power input | 24V DC, ~400mA | | Operating temperature | -40°C to +85°C | | Protection rating | IP20 | | Certifications | EN 61131-2, EN 61010-1, EN IEC 61010-2-201, EMC 2014/30/EU | | Expansion | Plug-in I/O modules - up to 200 I/O points across the range | ## Model-by-Model Breakdown ![NORVI X MODULAR INDUSTRIAL CONTROLLER](https://norvi.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/NORVI-X-MODULAR-INDUSTRIAL-CONTROLLER-1024x576.png) ### NORVI X-CPU-ESPS3-X1 - Wi-Fi & Ethernet The X1 is the right starting point for any installation where the controller sits within reach of an existing network: a factory floor with Ethernet drops, a warehouse with reliable Wi-Fi, or an office/building-automation environment. It connects over Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) or wired Ethernet, plus Bluetooth for local commissioning. - No SIM card, no recurring data/airtime cost - Simplest to commission - connect to your existing LAN or Wi-Fi - Ideal for: factories, warehouses, plant rooms, and any site with existing network infrastructure ### NORVI X-CPU-ESPS3-X2 - 2G/4G Cellular (SIMCOM A7672) The X2 adds a SIMCOM A7672X cellular modem on top of the same Wi-Fi/Ethernet/Bluetooth connectivity as the X1. The A7672X is an LTE Cat 1 modem with 2G (GSM/GPRS) fallback, giving it a practical advantage in regions where 4G coverage is inconsistent; the module can drop back to 2G rather than lose connectivity entirely. - LTE Cat 1 with 2G fallback (GSM 900/1800MHz) - good resilience in mixed-coverage areas - Supports TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, MQTT, FTP/FTPS - standard IoT protocols out of the box - Ideal for: remote or mobile assets in regions with patchy or older cellular infrastructure, where fallback connectivity matters more than raw speed ### NORVI X-CPU-ESPS3-X3 - 4G Cellular (Quectel EC25) The X3 uses a Quectel EC25 LTE Cat 4 modem, supporting LTE, UMTS/HSPA+, and GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks for reliable cellular connectivity and broad network coverage. It provides high-speed 4G LTE communication for industrial IoT applications. - LTE Cat 4 - higher throughput than the X2's Cat 1 link - Supports DFOTA (remote firmware updates over the air) - Ideal for: Remote monitoring, industrial IoT, and applications requiring reliable 4G connectivity and higher data throughput > *Note: Both the X2 and X3 require an active SIM card and data plan from a local carrier. Confirm LTE band compatibility with your carrier for your country before ordering, since supported bands differ between the A7672X (X2) and EC25 (X3) modems.* ## How to Choose - Decision Guide Work through the table below. Match your deployment situation to the recommended model: | If this describes your situation… | Recommended model | | --- | --- | | My site already has Wi-Fi or a LAN cable I can run to the controller | X1 | | I need wireless connectivity but have no fixed network at the install site | X2 or X3 | | My coverage area has weak or inconsistent 4G, and I need a 2G fallback for reliability | X2 (SIMCOM A7672X supports LTE Cat 1 + 2G fallback) | | I need the fastest, most robust 4G data link and strong global band coverage | X3 (Quectel EC25, LTE Cat 4) | | I want to avoid recurring SIM data costs entirely | X1 | | I'm deploying on mobile or remote assets (vehicles, tanks, pumps, agriculture) | X2 or X3, depending on cellular coverage and data throughput requirements | ## Still Need Both Wi-Fi and Cellular? All three CPU modules include Wi-Fi and Ethernet as standard - the X2 and X3 do not trade away that connectivity, they add cellular on top of it. This means an X2 or X3 unit can be commissioned over Wi-Fi initially and then rely on cellular in the field, or use cellular as a backup path if the primary network drops. If your deployment truly never needs cellular, the X1 is the simpler choice. When selecting a controller for remote installations, consider how [cellular OTA updates for industrial ESP32 controllers](https://norvi.io/solutions/esp32-ota-updates-over-cellular/) can simplify firmware maintenance, reduce service visits, and support controlled software releases. ## Resources Full datasheets, GPIO maps, and firmware/hardware files for each model: ### NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X1 - Datasheet: [NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X1 - Datasheet](https://norvi.io/docs/norvi-x-cpu-esps3-x1-datasheet/) - GitHub: [NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X1 - GitHub](https://github.com/NORVIControllers/NORVI-X-Version-02/tree/main/CPU/NORVI-X-CPU-ESPS3-X1) ### NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X2 - Datasheet: [NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X2 - Datasheet](https://norvi.io/docs/norvi-cpu-esps3-x2-datasheet/) - GitHub: [NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X2 - GitHub](https://github.com/NORVIControllers/NORVI-X-Version-02/tree/main/CPU/NORVI-X-CPU-ESPS3-X2/NORVI_X-CPU-ESPS3-X2_Test_Code) ### NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X3 - Datasheet: [NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X3 - Datasheet](https://norvi.io/docs/norvi-cpu-esps3-x3-datasheet/) - GitHub: [NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X3 - GitHub](https://github.com/NORVIControllers/NORVI-X-Version-02/tree/main/CPU/NORVI-X-CPU-ESPS3-X3)