How to Use ESP32-C3 Mini With DEV Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-C3 Mini With DEV Board is a compact development board based on the ESP32-C3 chip. It features integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities, making it an excellent choice for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, smart devices, and rapid prototyping. Its small form factor and low power consumption make it ideal for battery-powered projects and space-constrained designs.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Wearable technology
• Wireless sensor networks
• Prototyping for Wi-Fi and BLE-enabled devices
• Low-power, battery-operated systems

The ESP32-C3 Mini With DEV Board is designed to provide robust performance while maintaining a compact size. Below are its key technical specifications:

The ESP32-C3 Mini With DEV Board features a standard pinout for easy integration into projects. Below is the pin configuration:

The ESP32-C3 Mini With DEV Board is easy to use and can be programmed using the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework). Below are the steps to get started:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to your computer or a USB power source using a micro-USB cable.
   • Ensure the input voltage is 5V via USB or 3.3V via the 3V3 pin.

2. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other peripherals.
   • Ensure the peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.

3. Programming the Board:

   • Install the necessary drivers for the ESP32-C3 on your computer.
   • Use the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF to write and upload code to the board.

• Voltage Levels: The GPIO pins operate at 3.3V. Avoid applying 5V to any GPIO pin.
• Boot Mode: To enter boot mode for flashing firmware, hold the GPIO0 pin low during reset.
• Power Consumption: Use deep sleep mode to minimize power consumption in battery-powered applications.
• Antenna Placement: Ensure the onboard antenna is not obstructed by metal objects to maintain optimal wireless performance.

Below is an example code to blink an LED connected to GPIO4:

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

void setup() {
  // Initialize 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.
   • Install the correct USB-to-serial drivers for the ESP32-C3.

2. Code Upload Fails:

   • Check that the board is in boot mode (hold GPIO0 low during reset).
   • Verify the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.

3. Wi-Fi Connection Issues:

   • Ensure the Wi-Fi credentials in your code are correct.
   • Check for interference or weak signal strength near the board.

4. Overheating:

   • Avoid overloading the GPIO pins with excessive current.
   • Ensure proper ventilation around the board.

• Reset the Board: Press the RST button to reset the board if it becomes unresponsive.
• Check Power Supply: Ensure the board is receiving a stable 5V input via USB or 3.3V via the 3V3 pin.
• Update Firmware: Use the latest ESP32-C3 firmware to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Debugging: Use the serial monitor in the Arduino IDE to debug and view error messages.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the ESP32-C3 Mini With DEV Board into your projects and troubleshoot common issues.