How to Use ESP32 DevKitC: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32 DevKitC, manufactured by A-Z Delivery, is a compact and versatile development board built around the powerful ESP32 chip. This board integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it an ideal choice for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. With its rich set of GPIO pins, ADCs, and communication interfaces, the ESP32 DevKitC is well-suited for prototyping and developing connected devices.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Wireless sensor networks
• Wearable technology
• Industrial automation and monitoring
• Robotics and remote control systems
• Prototyping for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled projects

The ESP32 DevKitC is designed to provide robust performance and flexibility for a wide range of applications. Below are its key technical details:

• Microcontroller: ESP32 dual-core processor with Xtensa® 32-bit LX6 CPUs
• Clock Speed: Up to 240 MHz
• Flash Memory: 4 MB (varies by model)
• SRAM: 520 KB
• Wireless Connectivity:
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  • Bluetooth: v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage (via USB): 5V
• GPIO Pins: 30 (varies by board version)
• ADC Channels: Up to 18 (12-bit resolution)
• Interfaces: UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, PWM, and more
• Power Consumption: Ultra-low power consumption in deep sleep mode (~10 µA)
• Dimensions: 25.4 mm x 51 mm

The ESP32 DevKitC features a 2x19 pin header layout. Below is the pin configuration:

Note: Some GPIO pins have specific restrictions or dual functions. Refer to the ESP32 datasheet for detailed pin behavior.

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to your computer via a micro-USB cable for power and programming.
   • Alternatively, supply 5V to the VIN pin or 3.3V to the 3V3 pin.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE and add the ESP32 board support package.
   • Select the correct board (ESP32 Dev Module) and port in the Arduino IDE.
   • Write your code and upload it to the board.

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 ESP32 (3.3V logic).

• Voltage Levels: The ESP32 operates at 3.3V logic. Avoid connecting 5V signals directly to GPIO pins.
• Boot Mode: GPIO0 must be pulled low during programming. This is typically handled automatically by the USB-to-serial chip.
• Power Supply: Use a stable power source to avoid unexpected resets or instability.
• Deep Sleep Mode: Use deep sleep mode to minimize power consumption in battery-powered applications.

Below is an example of how to blink an LED connected to GPIO2:

// Define the GPIO pin for the LED
const int ledPin = 2;

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

void loop() {
  // Turn the LED on
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second

  // Turn the LED off
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

Tip: Ensure the LED is connected to GPIO2 with a current-limiting resistor (e.g., 220Ω).

1. The board is not detected by the computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Install the correct USB-to-serial driver for the ESP32 DevKitC.

2. Upload fails with a timeout error:

   • Check that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Press and hold the BOOT button on the board while uploading the code.

3. Wi-Fi connection issues:

   • Verify the SSID and password in your code.
   • Ensure the router is within range and supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (ESP32 does not support 5 GHz).

4. GPIO pin not working as expected:

   • Check if the pin is being used for another function (e.g., ADC, SPI).
   • Avoid using GPIO6-GPIO11 as they are connected to the onboard flash memory.

• Can I power the ESP32 DevKitC with a battery? Yes, you can use a 3.7V LiPo battery connected to the 3V3 pin or a 5V source connected to the VIN pin.

• Does the ESP32 DevKitC support OTA updates? Yes, the ESP32 supports Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. You can implement this feature in your code.

• What is the maximum current draw of the ESP32? The ESP32 can draw up to 500 mA during peak operation. Ensure your power source can supply sufficient current.

• Can I use the ESP32 DevKitC with MicroPython? Yes, the ESP32 is compatible with MicroPython. You can flash the MicroPython firmware to the board and use it for development.

For more detailed information, refer to the official ESP32 datasheet and technical reference manual.