1. Introduction
The Aokin ESP32-C3 Development Board is a versatile microcontroller unit (MCU) designed for various embedded applications. It integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth dual-mode capabilities, making it ideal for IoT projects. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your ESP32-C3 Development Board.
Figure 1: Aokin ESP32-C3 Development Board (Unsoldered and Soldered versions)
2. Product Features
- Dual-Mode Connectivity: Supports both Wi-Fi (IEE 802.11bgn) and Bluetooth (BLE 5.0 & mesh).
- High Performance: ESP32-C3 chip with a clock frequency up to 160MHz.
- Memory: 384KB ROM, 400KB SRAM, and 4MB SPI Flash (expandable up to 16MB).
- USB Type-C Interface: For power, programming, and serial communication.
- Versatile Usage: Unique stamp hole design for flexible integration from prototyping to production.
- Rich Peripherals: Includes UART, ADC, SPI, IIC, and PWM interfaces.
3. Setup Instructions
3.1 Hardware Connection
- Prepare the Board: If your board comes with unsolderable headers, solder them onto the board for easy connection to a breadboard or custom PCB.
- Connect Power and Data: Use a USB Type-C cable to connect the development board to your computer. This connection provides power and enables serial communication for programming.
- Verify Connection: Once connected, the SMD LED indicators on the board should light up, indicating power.
Figure 2: ESP32-C3 Development Board with soldered headers connected via USB-C
3.2 Software Setup (Arduino IDE Compatibility)
- Install Arduino IDE: Download and install the latest version of the Arduino IDE from the official Arduino website.
- Add ESP32 Board Support:
- Open Arduino IDE.
- Go to
File > Preferences. - In the "Additional Boards Manager URLs" field, add the ESP32 board manager URL (e.g.,
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json). - Go to
Tools > Board > Boards Manager.... - Search for "ESP32" and install the "esp32 by Espressif Systems" package.
- Select Board: After installation, go to
Tools > Board > ESP32 Arduinoand select the appropriate ESP32-C3 board model (e.g., "ESP32C3 Dev Module"). - Select Port: Go to
Tools > Portand select the serial port corresponding to your connected ESP32-C3 board (e.g., COMx on Windows, /dev/ttyUSBx on Linux/macOS). - Upload Sketch: You can now write and upload your Arduino sketches to the ESP32-C3 Development Board.
4. Operating Instructions
The ESP32-C3 Development Board offers a wide range of functionalities for various applications. Below are general guidelines for utilizing its key features.
4.1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
- Utilize the ESP-IDF framework or Arduino libraries to program Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionalities.
- For Wi-Fi, configure the board as a station to connect to an existing network or as an access point to create its own network.
- For Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), you can implement client or server roles for communication with other BLE devices.
4.2 GPIO Usage
- The board features 15 external GPIO pins that can be multiplexed for various purposes.
- These pins can be configured as digital inputs/outputs, or for specific peripheral functions like PWM, SPI, IIC, and UART.
4.3 Peripherals
- UART: Two UART interfaces (UART0 and UART1) are available. UART0 is typically used for programming and debugging.
- ADC: A 5-channel 12-bit ADC with a maximum sampling rate of 100KSPS is available for analog input readings.
- SPI: A low-speed SPI interface operates in master mode.
- IIC: An IIC controller is integrated for inter-integrated circuit communication.
- PWM: Four PWM interfaces can be assigned to any GPIO pin for controlling motors, LEDs, or other devices requiring pulse-width modulation.
Figure 3: Detailed view of ESP32-C3 Development Board components
5. Maintenance
- Storage: Store the development board in a dry, anti-static environment when not in use.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air to remove dust. Avoid using liquids or harsh chemicals.
- Handling: Handle the board by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components and static discharge.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and apply firmware updates for the ESP32-C3 chip and related libraries to ensure optimal performance and security.
6. Troubleshooting
- Board not entering download mode: Ensure the BOOT (IO09) pin is not pulled down before powering up the board.
- Serial port download issues: Avoid externally pulling down the IO08 pin during design, as this can interfere with the download process if the pin is low.
- Flash configuration for self-compiled software: If using self-compiled software, ensure the flash is configured to DIO mode, as the development board uses 2-wire SPI in DIO mode, and IO12 and IO13 are not connected to flash.
- GPIO11 usage: By default, GPIO11 serves as the VDD pin of the SPI flash. It requires specific configuration before it can be used as a general-purpose input/output (GPIO).
- Power issues: Ensure the USB Type-C cable is securely connected and providing sufficient power. Try a different cable or USB port.
- Programming errors: Double-check that the correct board and serial port are selected in your IDE. Verify your code for syntax errors.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chip | ESP32-WROOM-32 (ESP32-C3) |
| Clock Speed | Up to 160MHz |
| ROM | 384KB |
| SRAM | 400KB |
| FLASH | 4MB (expandable up to 16MB) |
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEE 802.11bgn |
| Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 & Mesh |
| Connection Interface | USB Type-C |
| Antenna | PCB On-board |
| UART Interfaces | 2 (UART0, UART1) |
| ADC Channels | 5-channel, 12-bit, max 100KSPS |
| SPI Interface | 1 (low-speed, master mode) |
| IIC Controller | 1 |
| PWM Interfaces | 4 (assignable to any GPIO) |
| External GPIO Pins | 15 (multiplexable) |
| Dimensions | 51mm x 21mm (2.008in x 0.83in) |
Figure 4: Physical dimensions of the ESP32-C3 Development Board
8. User Tips
- Start with Examples: If you're new to ESP32, begin by uploading simple example sketches from the Arduino IDE to familiarize yourself with the board's basic functions (e.g., blinking an LED, connecting to Wi-Fi).
- Pinout Diagrams: Always refer to a detailed pinout diagram for the ESP32-C3 to correctly identify GPIOs and peripheral pins for your projects.
- Power Supply: While USB-C provides power, for more complex projects or external components, ensure your power supply is stable and sufficient.
- Community Support: The ESP32 community is vast. Utilize online forums and documentation for troubleshooting and project ideas.
9. Warranty and Support
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty inquiries, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase records for reference.
