M5Stack Unit Step16 16Bit Rotary Encoder GSMR-16

The M5Stack Unit Step16 is a compact control unit with a 16-position rotary encoder (GSMR-16) and an integrated 7-segment display for direct hexadecimal display from 0 to F. The built-in STM32G031 microcontroller captures the encoder's BCD value in real-time and displays it immediately. Via I2C, you can quickly connect the unit to core controllers or your own microcontroller projects. The rotation direction of increments, the display mode, the brightness, and the color of the RGB LED can be flexibly configured. The adjustable I2C address allows the parallel use of multiple Step16 units on the same bus. Due to the short update time, the display promptly responds to any rotary movement. The clear front layout offers excellent readability even in prototype setups. With just a few lines of code, you can integrate the unit into Arduino or UiFlow projects. Thanks to its minimal dimensions, it fits into control panels, learning setups, or compact control boxes. The real-time feedback via display and RGB LED facilitates debugging and user guidance. The robust encoder mechanics ensure reliable inputs in interactive applications. Thus, Step16 is ideal for smart control elements, training, and rapid prototypes.

Features:

Microcontroller: STM32G031 (32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+) processes encoder signals precisely and controls the display and LED.
Encoder concept: 16 positions with 8421-BCD coding directly deliver a hex value from 0 to F.
Display: Integrated 7-segment display shows the current encoder value clearly and legibly.
LED feedback: A programmable RGB LED (WS2812) visualizes status, modes, or thresholds.
I2C integration: Communication via I2C with a standard address of 0x48 and freely configurable address range.
Configurability: Adjustable rotation direction, display mode, brightness, and LED color for flexible workflows.
Response time: Short update cycle ensures immediate feedback on rotary movements.
Multiple use: Freely selectable I2C address allows multiple Step16 units on the same bus without conflicts.
Power consumption: Low quiescent current and scalable consumption depending on display and LED brightness.
Form factor: Very compact design and low weight facilitate installation in panels and mobile devices.

Application Examples

Hex value input and menu selection in compact control panels.
Volume, brightness, or speed control with visual immediate feedback.
Didactic STEAM experiments on BCD/hex coding and user interfaces.
Rapid prototypes for smart home controllers or device test setups.
Status and parameter setting in small lab or workshop tools.

Documentation:

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: M5Stack
Manufacturer SKU: U198
MCU: STM32G031G8U6, 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+, 64 MHz
Rotary encoder: 16 positions, 8421-BCD
Display: 7-segment LED
RGB LED: 1× WS2812, color and brightness configurable
Update: Encoder update cycle approx. 100 ms
Interface: I2C, standard address 0x48, address range 0x08-0x77, address stored non-volatile
Power consumption: Quiescent current approx. 5.85 mA @ 5 V; Display 60% approx. 14.76 mA; Display 100% approx. 24.13 mA; RGB 100% approx. 18.9 mA; Display+RGB full approx. 29.91 mA
Development environments: Arduino, UiFlow1, UiFlow2
Dimensions: 32.0 × 24.0 × 16.9 mm
Weight: 11g