How to Use ESP32-S3 Development Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-S3 Development Board by Waveshare is a versatile microcontroller board powered by the ESP32-S3 chip. It features dual-core Xtensa LX7 processors, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities, and a rich set of peripherals, making it an excellent choice for IoT applications, smart devices, and embedded systems development. The board is designed to provide a robust platform for prototyping and deploying wireless solutions.

• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Smart home automation systems
• Wearable technology
• Wireless sensor networks
• Industrial automation
• Robotics and drones
• Educational and hobbyist projects

The following table outlines the key technical details of the ESP32-S3 Development Board:

The ESP32-S3 Development Board features a variety of pins for different functionalities. Below is the pinout description:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to your computer or a power source using a USB Type-C cable. The board operates at 3.3V internally but accepts 5V input via USB.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework) on your computer.
   • Add the ESP32-S3 board support package to your development environment.
   • Connect the board to your computer via USB and select the appropriate COM port.

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 ESP32-S3.

4. Uploading Code:

   • Write your code in the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF and upload it to the board. The onboard USB-to-serial converter simplifies this process.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Boot Mode: To enter bootloader mode, hold the BOOT button while pressing the EN (reset) button.
• Power Supply: Use a stable 5V power source when powering the board externally.
• Deep Sleep Mode: Utilize the deep sleep mode for ultra-low 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
#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
}

1. The board is not detected by the computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Verify that the correct drivers for the ESP32-S3 are installed on your computer.

2. Code upload fails:

   • Check that the correct COM port is selected in the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF.
   • Ensure the board is in bootloader mode by holding the BOOT button while pressing the EN button.

3. Peripherals are not working as expected:

   • Double-check the wiring and connections.
   • Verify that the peripherals are compatible with the 3.3V logic level of the ESP32-S3.

4. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not connecting:

   • Ensure the correct SSID and password are used for Wi-Fi connections.
   • Check that the Bluetooth device is discoverable and within range.

Q: Can I power the board using a battery?
A: Yes, you can power the board using a 3.7V LiPo battery connected to the VIN and GND pins, but ensure proper voltage regulation.

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

Q: How do I reset the board to factory settings?
A: You can erase the flash memory using the esptool.py utility or the "Erase Flash" option in the Arduino IDE.

By following this documentation, you can effectively utilize the ESP32-S3 Development Board for your projects.