How to Use Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C5: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C5 is a compact and powerful microcontroller board based on the ESP32-C5 chip. It is specifically designed for IoT (Internet of Things) applications, offering built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities. With its small form factor and robust wireless connectivity, the XIAO ESP32-C5 is ideal for projects requiring efficient communication, low power consumption, and high performance.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Wireless sensor networks
• Wearable technology
• Robotics and drones
• Prototyping and educational projects
• Low-power data logging and monitoring systems

The following table outlines the key technical details of the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C5:

The XIAO ESP32-C5 features a total of 11 GPIO pins, which are multifunctional and can be configured for various purposes. Below is the pinout description:

1. Powering the Board: Connect the XIAO ESP32-C5 to a 5V power source using the USB-C port. The onboard voltage regulator will step down the voltage to 3.3V.
2. Programming: Use the Arduino IDE or other compatible development environments to program the board. Install the necessary ESP32 board support package in the IDE.
3. Connecting Peripherals: Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other peripherals. Ensure that the voltage levels of connected devices are compatible with the 3.3V logic of the board.
4. Wireless Communication: Configure the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings in your code to enable wireless communication.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure that all connected peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Deep Sleep Mode: Utilize the deep sleep mode for battery-powered applications to minimize power consumption.
• Pin Multiplexing: Be aware that some pins have multiple functions (e.g., GPIO, ADC, I2C). Configure them appropriately in your code.
• Heat Management: While the board is designed for efficient operation, ensure proper ventilation if used in high-temperature environments.

Below is an example of how to use the XIAO ESP32-C5 to connect to a Wi-Fi network and send data to a server:

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

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

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Initialize serial communication
  delay(1000);

  // 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("\nConnected to Wi-Fi");
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Print the IP address
  Serial.print("IP Address: ");
  Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());
  delay(5000); // Wait for 5 seconds before repeating
}

1. Board Not Detected by IDE:

   • Ensure that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Install the ESP32 board support package if not already installed.
   • Check the USB cable for proper data transfer capability (some cables are power-only).

2. Wi-Fi Connection Fails:

   • Double-check the SSID and password in your code.
   • Ensure that the Wi-Fi network is within range and operational.
   • Restart the board and router if necessary.

3. Peripherals Not Responding:

   • Verify the wiring and connections to the GPIO pins.
   • Ensure that the peripherals are compatible with 3.3V logic levels.
   • Check for pin conflicts if multiple peripherals are connected.

Q: Can I power the XIAO ESP32-C5 with a battery?
A: Yes, you can power the board using a 3.7V LiPo battery connected to the 3.3V and GND pins. Ensure proper voltage regulation.

Q: Does the board support OTA (Over-The-Air) updates?
A: Yes, the ESP32-C5 supports OTA updates. You can implement this feature in your code for wireless firmware updates.

Q: How do I reset the board?
A: Press the RST pin or use the reset button (if available) to reset the microcontroller.

Q: Can I use the XIAO ESP32-C5 with MicroPython?
A: Yes, the board is compatible with MicroPython. You can flash the MicroPython firmware and use it for development.

This concludes the documentation for the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C5.