Production Workflow
The production process for IoT products based on ESP RainMaker involves several key steps, from ordering to firmware flashing and factory production.
Below is a detailed breakdown of these steps
Production & Ordering Workflow
Typical ESP RainMaker-Based Production Workflow
- Contact Espressif’s business team to place an order for chips/modules and ESP RainMaker licenses.
- Receive modules and license files from Espressif and upload them to the ESP RainMaker Dashboard.
- Use the Admin CLI tool to generate device certificates and register them with the ESP RainMaker backend.
- Flash the device certificates onto each device.
- Flash application firmware and other required content, followed by production testing.
For production management and record-keeping, each device certificate must be flashed onto the corresponding device. Relevant information, such as the device MAC address, serial number (SN), RainMaker Node ID, and device certificate public key, should be recorded and securely stored during flashing.
Order Placement and Pre-provisioning/Pre-programming Services
Module and License Ordering
Orders should be placed via Espressif’s system or business channels, specifying the module quantity and the number of requested certificate licenses.
Module Pre-provisioning and Pre-programming (Custom Flashing) Services
Espressif offers pre-provisioning and custom flashing services at the factory level. This includes pre-flashing ESP RainMaker cloud certificates, keys, and application firmware onto the modules. As a result, devices can securely connect to the cloud and applications immediately upon deployment, streamlining the registration and production processes.
Matter pre-provisioning Services
For devices requiring Matter protocol support, Espressif provides Matter pre-provisioning services. Before module shipment, Matter device certificates (DAC) and related information can be preloaded, ensuring seamless integration with the Matter ecosystem. These certificates can also be registered in the customer’s RainMaker deployment and connected to their ESP RainMaker backend.
Firmware Flashing and Production Tools
Admin CLI Tool
The ESP RainMaker command-line tool supports device certificate registration and testing, facilitating batch production preparation.
ESP Flash Download Tool
A Windows GUI-based flashing tool officially provided by Espressif. It supports ESP32, ESP32-C3, ESP32-S3, ESP32-H2, and similar chips for batch firmware flashing, flash erasure, verification, and parameter configuration.
esptool
Espressif’s Python-based command-line tool for flashing, reading, and debugging firmware for ESP8266, ESP32, ESP32-C3, ESP32-S3, ESP32-H2, etc. Compared to GUI tools like ESP Flash Download Tool, esptool.py is better suited for automated production and can be integrated with test benches and assembly line systems for efficient mass flashing and device validation.
EFuse Programming
During mass production, EFuse programming may be required to configure specific device parameters. Espressif provides the espefuse.exe tool, which supports batch EFuse burning. Developers can customize it for large-scale production needs.
Entrust Espressif to produce pre-provisioned or pre-programmed chips/modules
Pre-provisioning and Pre-Programming
At the module production stage, Espressif can pre-flash unique device certificates, keys, and application firmware according to customer requirements. This ensures out-of-the-box connectivity to the designated ESP RainMaker private deployment.
Batch Custom Flashing and Verification
Using specialized tools, Espressif’s factory can efficiently perform batch firmware flashing and log verification, ensuring secure and effective flashing for every device.
By following these steps, enterprises can efficiently complete the entire production process for ESP RainMaker-based IoT products, ensuring rapid market deployment while meeting quality and security requirements.
For more assistance, please contact esp-rainmaker-support@espressif.com
Product Certification
Mandatory Regional Certifications
For products requiring FCC, CE, or other mandatory certifications, Espressif provides module-based certification reports to support your product’s compliance process.
Wireless Communication Protocol Certifications
Espressif has obtained Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread certifications. Developers can leverage these pre-existing certifications for wireless compliance. Refer to Espressif’s certifications page for more details.
Matter Certification Support
Customers can opt for Espressif’s Matter certification acceleration services or apply directly through CSA and designated laboratories to obtain Matter certification.
Other Certifications
For additional certifications, please consult relevant certification bodies and laboratories.
Ongoing Production Orders
- For continuous production orders, please refer to Espressif’s PCN (Product Change Notification) and ESP RainMaker version updates.
- Hardware and software updates may be required to optimize performance.
For example, (April 2025), A new ESP32-C2 chip version (v2.0) has been released. Developers should review the compatibility advisory and update ESP-IDF accordingly to maintain compatibility or leverage the improvements in the new version.