How to Use XIAO ESP32C3: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The XIAO ESP32C3 is a compact and powerful microcontroller board developed by Seeed Studio. It is based on the ESP32-C3 chip, which features integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities. This board is designed for IoT (Internet of Things) applications, offering a small form factor, low power consumption, and robust wireless connectivity. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of projects, including smart home devices, wearable electronics, and wireless sensor networks.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Wearable technology
• Wireless data logging and monitoring
• Remote control systems
• Prototyping for Wi-Fi and BLE-enabled projects

The following table outlines the key technical specifications of the XIAO ESP32C3:

The XIAO ESP32C3 features 11 GPIO pins with multiple functionalities. The pinout is as follows:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the XIAO ESP32C3 to your computer or power source using a USB-C cable. The board operates at 3.3V internally but accepts 5V input via USB.

2. Programming the Board:

   • The XIAO ESP32C3 is compatible with the Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, and ESP-IDF. Install the necessary board support package (BSP) for ESP32-C3 in your chosen development environment.

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 XIAO ESP32C3.

4. Uploading Code:

   • Write your code in the Arduino IDE or another supported environment. Select the correct board and port, then upload the code to the XIAO ESP32C3.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure that all connected peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Deep Sleep Mode: Use the deep sleep mode to minimize power consumption in battery-powered applications.
• Pin Multiplexing: Many pins have multiple functions (e.g., GPIO, ADC, UART). Configure the pins appropriately in your code to avoid conflicts.
• Antenna Placement: Avoid placing metal objects near the onboard antenna to ensure optimal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance.

The following example demonstrates how to blink an LED connected to GPIO2 (D2):

// Define the pin for the LED
const int ledPin = 2; // GPIO2 (D2) on the XIAO ESP32C3

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
}

1. The board is not detected by the computer:

   • Ensure that the USB-C cable supports data transfer (not just charging).
   • Check if the correct drivers for the XIAO ESP32C3 are installed on your computer.

2. Code upload fails:

   • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Press and hold the reset button while uploading the code to enter bootloader mode.

3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not working:

   • Ensure that the onboard antenna is not obstructed by metal objects.
   • Check your code for proper initialization of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules.

4. Peripherals are not responding:

   • Double-check the wiring and ensure that the peripherals are compatible with 3.3V logic.
   • Verify that the correct GPIO pins are used in your code.

Q: Can I power the XIAO ESP32C3 with a battery?
A: Yes, you can power the board using a 3.7V LiPo battery connected to the 3V3 and GND pins. Ensure proper voltage regulation.

Q: Is the XIAO ESP32C3 compatible with Arduino libraries?
A: Yes, the XIAO ESP32C3 is compatible with most Arduino libraries, especially those designed for ESP32-based boards.

Q: How do I reset the board?
A: Press the reset button (RST) on the board to restart the microcontroller.

Q: Can I use the XIAO ESP32C3 for machine learning applications?
A: Yes, the ESP32-C3 chip supports lightweight machine learning models, making it suitable for edge AI applications.