How to Use ESP32S3-board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32S3 board, manufactured by Custom, is a versatile and powerful microcontroller designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It features dual-core processing, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a wide array of GPIO pins. This board is ideal for projects requiring wireless communication, edge computing, or advanced sensor integration. Its robust performance and support for various peripherals make it a popular choice for hobbyists, developers, and engineers alike.

• Smart home devices (e.g., smart lights, thermostats)
• Wearable technology
• Industrial IoT systems
• Wireless sensor networks
• Robotics and automation
• Edge AI and machine learning applications

The ESP32S3 board offers a rich set of features and capabilities. Below are its key technical specifications:

The ESP32S3 board has a flexible pinout. Below is a table summarizing the key pins and their functions:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to a USB-C cable for power and programming.
   • Alternatively, supply 3.3V to the 3V3 pin and connect GND to the ground of your circuit.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF for development.
   • Add the ESP32 board package to the Arduino IDE via the Board Manager.
   • Select "ESP32S3" as the target board and the correct COM port.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins for connecting sensors, actuators, or other peripherals.
   • Ensure the voltage levels of connected devices are compatible with the 3.3V logic of the ESP32S3.

4. Uploading Code:

   • Write your code in the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF.
   • Press the "Upload" button in the IDE to flash the code to the board.
   • If required, hold the BOOT button during the upload process.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected devices operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Power Supply: Use a stable power source to prevent unexpected resets or malfunctions.
• GPIO Usage: Avoid using reserved pins (e.g., GPIO0, GPIO2) for general I/O, as they may interfere with boot modes.
• Heat Management: If running intensive tasks, consider adding a heatsink to manage heat dissipation.

Below is an example of using the ESP32S3 to read a temperature sensor and send data via Wi-Fi:

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

// Wi-Fi credentials
const char* ssid = "Your_SSID";
const char* password = "Your_PASSWORD";

// Pin configuration
const int tempSensorPin = 34; // GPIO34 for analog input

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Initialize serial communication
  pinMode(tempSensorPin, INPUT); // Set the sensor pin as input

  // 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() {
  // Read temperature sensor value
  int sensorValue = analogRead(tempSensorPin);
  float voltage = sensorValue * (3.3 / 4095.0); // Convert ADC value to voltage
  float temperature = (voltage - 0.5) * 100.0; // Convert voltage to temperature

  // Print temperature to Serial Monitor
  Serial.print("Temperature: ");
  Serial.print(temperature);
  Serial.println(" °C");

  delay(2000); // Wait 2 seconds before the next reading
}

1. Board Not Detected by Computer:

   • Ensure the USB-C cable supports data transfer (not just charging).
   • Check if the correct COM port is selected in the IDE.

2. Code Upload Fails:

   • Hold the BOOT button while uploading the code.
   • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the IDE.

3. Wi-Fi Connection Issues:

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

4. Unstable Operation:

   • Use a stable power source with sufficient current (at least 500 mA).
   • Avoid connecting high-power peripherals directly to the GPIO pins.

Q: Can the ESP32S3 board run on battery power?
A: Yes, the board can be powered by a 3.7V LiPo battery with a suitable voltage regulator.

Q: Does the ESP32S3 support over-the-air (OTA) updates?
A: Yes, the ESP32S3 supports OTA updates, allowing you to upload new firmware wirelessly.

Q: Can I use the ESP32S3 for machine learning applications?
A: Absolutely! The ESP32S3 has hardware acceleration for AI tasks and supports frameworks like TensorFlow Lite.

Q: Is the ESP32S3 compatible with Arduino libraries?
A: Yes, the ESP32S3 is fully compatible with most Arduino libraries, making it easy to integrate into existing projects.