How to Use Waveshare ESP32-S3 Mini Development Board, Based on ESP32-S3FH4R2 Dual-Core Processor, 240MHz Running Frequency, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Waveshare ESP32-S3 Mini Development Board is a compact and versatile development platform based on the ESP32-S3FH4R2 dual-core processor. With a maximum clock speed of 240MHz, this board is designed for high-performance IoT applications. It supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5, enabling seamless wireless communication. Its small form factor and robust features make it ideal for smart home devices, wearable electronics, industrial automation, and other IoT projects.

• Smart home automation systems
• Wearable devices
• Industrial IoT (IIoT) applications
• Wireless sensor networks
• Prototyping for AI and machine learning at the edge
• Bluetooth-enabled devices

• Processor: ESP32-S3FH4R2 dual-core processor
• Clock Speed: Up to 240MHz
• Wireless Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5
• Flash Memory: 4MB
• SRAM: 512KB
• GPIO Pins: 27 (multipurpose)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Power Supply: USB Type-C (5V input)
• Dimensions: 51mm x 25.4mm
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C

The Waveshare ESP32-S3 Mini Development Board features a 2x15 pin header layout. Below is the pin configuration:

1. Powering the Board: Connect the board to a USB Type-C cable for power and programming. Ensure the power source provides 5V.
2. Programming: Use the Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, or other compatible development environments to program the board. Install the necessary ESP32-S3 board support package.
3. Connecting Peripherals: Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other peripherals. Ensure the voltage levels are compatible (3.3V logic).
4. Wireless Communication: Configure the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings in your code to enable wireless communication.

• Voltage Levels: The GPIO pins operate at 3.3V. Avoid connecting 5V signals directly to the pins to prevent damage.
• Boot Mode: To enter boot mode, hold the IO0 pin low while resetting the board.
• Power Supply: If using an external power supply, ensure it provides a stable 5V input to the VIN pin.
• Heat Management: While the board is designed to operate in a wide temperature range, ensure proper ventilation for high-performance applications.

Below is an example of how to use the Waveshare ESP32-S3 Mini Development Board to connect to a Wi-Fi network and blink an LED:

#include <WiFi.h> // Include the Wi-Fi library

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "Your_SSID";
const char* password = "Your_PASSWORD";

const int ledPin = 2; // GPIO2 is connected to the onboard LED

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // Set the LED pin as an output
  Serial.begin(115200);    // Start the serial communication

  // Connect to Wi-Fi
  Serial.print("Connecting to Wi-Fi");
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println("\nWi-Fi connected!");
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);                // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);                // Wait for 1 second
}

1. Board Not Detected by Computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Verify that the correct drivers for the ESP32-S3 are installed on your computer.

2. Wi-Fi Connection Fails:

   • Double-check the SSID and password in your code.
   • Ensure the Wi-Fi network is within range and operational.

3. GPIO Pin Not Responding:

   • Confirm that the pin is not being used for another function (e.g., boot mode).
   • Check for loose or incorrect connections in your circuit.

4. Board Not Entering Boot Mode:

   • Ensure the IO0 pin is held low while resetting the board.

• Use a multimeter to verify power supply voltages.
• Check the serial monitor for error messages during programming.
• Update the ESP32-S3 board support package in your development environment to the latest version.
• Refer to the Waveshare documentation for additional technical details and support.