micropython / micropython/micropython

ESP32-S3 PWM in lightsleep mode does not works as expected

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bug
Dominant language
C
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Description

Port, board and/or hardware

ESP32S3

MicroPython version

MicroPython v1.26.0 on 2025-08-09; Generic ESP32S3 module with ESP32S3

Reproduction
import esp32
from machine import Pin, I2C, ADC, Timer, PWM, deepsleep, lightsleep
from neopixel import NeoPixel
import time

# Internal Led
INTERNAL_LED = const(47)

PWM_PIN_NORMAL = 1
PWM_PIN_SLEEP  = 12

# Init
LED = NeoPixel(Pin(INTERNAL_LED, Pin.OUT), 1)



# Test 26 Version
#    On ESP32-S3 : the pwm_ligthsleep goes to 1 when ligthsleep


pwm1 = PWM(Pin(PWM_PIN_SLEEP), freq=5000, duty_u16=32768, lightsleep=True)
pwm0 = PWM(Pin(PWM_PIN_NORMAL), freq=5000, duty_u16=32768)


# Init : LED = Blue
LED[0] = (0,0,32)
LED.write()

time.sleep_ms(10*1000) # Wait 10 Sec

while True:
    
    LED[0] = (32,0,0) # Green
    LED.write()
    time.sleep_ms(10*1000) # Wait 10 Sec
    
    LED[0] = (0,64,0) # Red
    LED.write()
    lightsleep(10*1000)
Expected behaviour

The option set on the pwm1 instance (lightsleep=True) should keep the pwm signal on while the ESP32 is in ligthsleep.
But when performing the test we see that the pwm1 pin goes to high value when the ESP32 enter in ligthsleep.

Observed behaviour

I've worked on this subject (https://github.com/micropython/micropython/pull/10854) and (https://github.com/micropython/micropython/pull/16102). On my local repository, I reloaded an old firmware with the same machine_pwm.c (ESP port) code as in the current repository, and it is working as expected! I haven’t yet found the difference - maybe it’s related to the IDF framework version ?

Additional Information

No, I've provided everything above.

Code of Conduct

Yes, I agree

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start with the ESP port's machine_pwm.c and compare it with the version used by the working old firmware; review PRs #10854 and #16102 and check whether the IDF framework version differs. Re-run the supplied ESP32-S3 script and confirm that the PWM pin retains its signal during lightsleep.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
c, python
Domain
embedded-iot
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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