Can the output current of the esp32 GPIO be reduced?

[Neuer_User]

Thanks. If it is fine for the esp32 I will use it as is for the time being. I plan to develop a second version some time later, which should have additional peripherals on an external pcb and I will add a FET there then.

[billys7]

What will happen if i set the drive strength of a pin output to 20mA and the load will be 50mA?

[eriksl]

If you're driving a MOSFET, especially at a frequency (e.g. PWM), I'd really recommend using a MOSFET gate driver. They can supply up to several amperes to charge/discharge the gate of a power MOSFET in time. They're dead cheap and can also be used for driving relays. In some cases you can leave out the power MOSFET altogether.

[MicroController]

What will happen if i set the drive strength of a pin output to 20mA and the load will be 50mA?

The impedance ("resistance") of the output (~50-100Ohms) becomes significant, causing the voltage put out on the pin to drop below the specified "high" output voltage (or rise above the specified "low" output voltage). The ESPs appear to be pretty robust however; I saw some spec (for the S3, IIRC) which reported no failure after 24 hours of running with "high" outputs short-circuited to GND. (Obviously not recommended or guaranteed as this exceeds the specified maximums.)