How to Use ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N8R2 small: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N8R2 Small is a compact development board manufactured by XIITIA (Part ID: ‎B0D3C2KJVD). It is built around the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, which features dual-core Xtensa LX7 processors, integrated Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), and Bluetooth 5.0 LE capabilities. This board is designed for IoT applications, rapid prototyping, and edge computing tasks, offering a balance of performance, connectivity, and power efficiency.

• IoT devices and smart home systems
• Wearable technology
• Wireless sensor networks
• Industrial automation
• Machine learning at the edge
• Prototyping for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled devices

The following table outlines the key technical details of the ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N8R2 Small:

The ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N8R2 Small features a 2x10 pin header layout. Below is the pinout description:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to a computer or power source using a USB Type-C cable. The board operates at 3.3V internally but accepts 5V input via USB.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework) on your computer.
   • Add the ESP32-S3 board support package to your development environment.
   • Select the correct board and port in the IDE settings.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other peripherals. Refer to the pin configuration table for specific pin functions.

4. Uploading Code:

   • Write your program in the IDE and upload it to the board via the USB connection. The onboard bootloader simplifies the process.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Boot Mode: To enter bootloader mode manually, hold the IO0 button while pressing the EN button.
• Power Consumption: Use the ultra-low power modes for battery-powered applications to extend runtime.
• Antenna Placement: Avoid placing metal objects near the onboard antenna to maintain optimal wireless performance.

The following example demonstrates how to blink an LED connected to GPIO4:

// Define the GPIO pin for the LED
#define LED_PIN 4

void setup() {
  // Set the LED pin as an output
  pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Turn the LED on
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH);
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
  
  // Turn the LED off
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);
  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. Code Upload Fails:

   • Check that the correct board and port are selected in the IDE.
   • If the issue persists, manually enter bootloader mode by holding IO0 and pressing EN.

3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Not Working:

   • Ensure the antenna area is unobstructed.
   • Verify that the correct credentials or pairing settings are used in your code.

4. Overheating:

   • Avoid overloading the GPIO pins with excessive current.
   • Ensure proper ventilation if the board is used in a confined space.

Q: Can I power the board with a battery?
A: Yes, you can use a 3.7V LiPo battery with a suitable voltage regulator to provide 3.3V to the board.

Q: What is the maximum current output of the 3V3 pin?
A: The 3V3 pin can supply up to 500 mA, depending on the input power source.

Q: Does the board support OTA (Over-the-Air) updates?
A: Yes, the ESP32-S3 supports OTA updates, which can be implemented using the ESP-IDF or Arduino libraries.

Q: Can I use this board for machine learning applications?
A: Absolutely! The ESP32-S3 includes hardware acceleration for AI tasks, making it suitable for lightweight machine learning models.

This concludes the documentation for the ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1-N8R2 Small. For further assistance, refer to the official XIITIA resources or community forums.