How to Use ESP32-S3-DevKit-C: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-S3-DevKit-C is a development board manufactured by Espressif, featuring the powerful ESP32-S3 chip. This board is designed for IoT applications and prototyping, offering integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities. It is ideal for developers looking to create connected devices, smart home solutions, wearables, and other IoT-based projects.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Wearable electronics
• Wireless sensor networks
• Industrial automation
• Prototyping for AI and machine learning applications
• Low-power Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled devices

The ESP32-S3-DevKit-C is built around the ESP32-S3 chip, which is optimized for AI and IoT applications. Below are the key technical details:

• Processor: Dual-core Xtensa LX7 CPU, up to 240 MHz
• Wireless Connectivity:
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
  • Bluetooth: BLE 5.0
• Memory:
  • 512 KB SRAM
  • 8 MB PSRAM (onboard)
• Flash Storage: 16 MB (onboard)
• GPIO Pins: 27 programmable GPIOs
• Interfaces: SPI, I2C, I2S, UART, PWM, ADC, DAC
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Power Supply: USB Type-C or external 5V
• Dimensions: 54 mm x 25.5 mm

The ESP32-S3-DevKit-C features a 2x19 pin header layout. Below is the pin configuration:

Note: Not all GPIO pins support all functions. Refer to the ESP32-S3 datasheet for detailed pin multiplexing information.

The ESP32-S3-DevKit-C is easy to use for prototyping and development. Below are the steps to get started:

1. Install the ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework):

   • Download and install the ESP-IDF from the Espressif website.
   • Alternatively, you can use the Arduino IDE with the ESP32-S3 board support package.

2. Connect the Board:

   • Use a USB Type-C cable to connect the ESP32-S3-DevKit-C to your computer.
   • Ensure the correct drivers are installed for the USB-to-serial interface.

3. Select the Board:

   • In the Arduino IDE, go to Tools > Board > ESP32 Arduino > ESP32S3 Dev Module.

4. Upload Code:

   • Write your code in the IDE and upload it to the board.

Here is an example of how to blink an LED connected to GPIO2 using the Arduino IDE:

// Define the GPIO pin for the LED
#define LED_PIN 2

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
}

• Power Supply: Ensure the board is powered with a stable 5V supply via USB or VIN.
• GPIO Voltage Levels: The GPIO pins operate at 3.3V. Avoid applying 5V directly to the pins.
• Boot Mode: To enter bootloader mode, hold the BOOT button while pressing the EN button.
• External Components: Use appropriate pull-up or pull-down resistors for GPIO pins when required.

1. Board Not Detected by Computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Install the correct USB-to-serial drivers for your operating system.

2. Code Upload Fails:

   • Check the selected board and port in the Arduino IDE.
   • Hold the BOOT button while uploading the code to force the board into bootloader mode.

3. Wi-Fi Connection Issues:

   • Verify the SSID and password in your code.
   • Ensure the Wi-Fi network operates on the 2.4 GHz band (not 5 GHz).

4. GPIO Pin Not Working:

   • Confirm the pin is not reserved for internal functions (e.g., GPIO6-11 for SPI flash).
   • Check for proper wiring and connections.

Q: Can I use the ESP32-S3-DevKit-C with MicroPython?
A: Yes, the ESP32-S3 supports MicroPython. You can flash the MicroPython firmware to the board and use it for development.

Q: What is the maximum current output of the 3.3V pin?
A: The 3.3V pin can supply up to 500 mA, depending on the input power source.

Q: Does the board support deep sleep mode?
A: Yes, the ESP32-S3 supports deep sleep mode for low-power applications.

Q: Can I use the board for AI applications?
A: Yes, the ESP32-S3 includes hardware acceleration for AI tasks such as neural network inference and signal processing.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the ESP32-S3-DevKit-C for your IoT and prototyping projects.