Step 1: Learn about the Development Kit Components

Follow these instructions to set up the Espressif development kit with the Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) Module solution. If you don't have a development kit, see Get the ACK Development Kit.

Note: The getting started guide uses an Arduino Zero development board to represent an Host Microcontroller Unit (HMCU). If your ACK development kit doesn't come with an Arduino Zero development board, and you want to complete the getting started examples, purchase an Arduino Zero development board. You can also use one of the HMCUs listed on Development Kits for ACK instead of the Arduino Zero.

Espressif development kit

The Espressif development kit for ACK comes with a development board fitted with an integrated ACK module. In the following sections, you learn what's in the box, and get an overview of the development board components.

What's in the box

The following are the items included in the Espressif development kit box:

A development board fitted with an integrated ACK module.
A barcode that you use to register your device.

To complete the getting started guide, you also need the following components, which aren't included in the Espressif development kit:

An LED with internal resistor to prototype a smart light device.
A micro-USB cable.
A USB 3.1 port. If your computer has only USB Type-C ports, you can use a USB Type-C to USB 3.1 female adaptor cable.

Espressif development board components

The following table lists the development board components and their location on the board, illustrated following.

Label	Component	Description
A	Debug port	A micro-USB port used to connect the development board to your computer in order to debug, provision, and update the module firmware.
B, C	Pass-through headers	Use the pass-through headers to connect hardware peripherals, such as an LED or a fan. The header pins connect the development board to the Arduino Zero, and are pass-through connections.
D	ACK module	The ACK module is the central component of the development board, and connects to the device's HMCU and to Alexa and ACK managed services.
E	Power LED	Red if the module has power.
F	Status LED	Indicates the status of the device: • Green — The ACK module is connected to Wi-Fi and the device is registered with the ACK managed service. • White — The ACK module has power and the device is product provisioned, but the device isn't registered with the ACK service. • Red — The ACK module is in the module provisioned state or there is an error.
G	Reset button	Resets the ACK module. Can also reset the Arduino Zero if it'S connected.
H	Development board jumpers	The development board comes with jumper caps on the TX, RX, INT_B, and RES_B connectors. When a jumper cap is in place, it routes the signal to the board pin headers.
I	Device Serial Number (DSN)	Each development board has a unique DSN. You use the DSN to register and identify your device with Alexa and ACK managed services.

Arduino Zero board components

The following table lists the Arduino Zero board components and their location on the board.

Label	Component	Description
A	Reset button	Resets the Arduino Zero.
B, C	Pin headers	Pass-through connectors to the ACK Development Board used to connect the two boards.
D	Status LED	For details about the Arduino Zero status LED, see the Arduino Zero documentation.
E	Programming Port	Provides power to the development board, and is used to program and debug the Arduino Zero.
F	Native USB Port	You don't use this port.

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Last updated: Jul 03, 2025