ESP32-C3 MINI V1

Another module with ESP32-C3 onboard. Why? Because we can - and it actually makes sense :)

ESP32-C3 is popular among designers mainly due to its built-in 4MB Flash memory. This simplifies PCB design since no external flash chip is required.

If you’re planning an ESP32-based device, using ESP32-C3 is one of the fastest ways to get a working prototype.

Just like the XIAO series from Seeed Studio, this module is very compact - only 24 x 17.6 mm. For comparison, XIAO ESP32 C3 measures 21 x 17.8 mm - so we are in the same “small but powerful” category.

At its core:

• ESP32-C3 (RISC-V, 32-bit)
• up to 160 MHz
• 400 kB RAM
• 4 MB Flash

Onboard features:

• ceramic antenna (not connected by default)
• connector for external WiFi/BT antenna

Do not run WiFi or Bluetooth without a connected antenna - this may damage the RF path.

Arduino IDE

To program module in Arduino IDE select ESP32C3 Dev Module and enable USB CSC on boot w menu Tools.

Pinout:

5V pin:

• acts as 5V output when connected via USB
• can be used to power the module with up to 6V
• do not use external power and USB at the same time

WARNING
All pins operate at 3.3V logic. Applying higher voltage may permanently damage the module.

Board has two LEDs - red one for power and blue assigned to GPIO 8.

Two buttons on board - one is RST (reset) and second one is BOOT connected to GPIO 9 (pulled up). When using GPIO 9 remember that when it is set to 0 when ESP32 is booting then processor will be stuck in boot mode.

Like most XIAO-style boards, this module is designed for surface mounting:

• no components on the bottom side
• castellated pads

Difference vs XIAO ESP32-C3:

• includes ceramic antenna
• no LiPo charging circuit

Specification:

• Size: 24 x 17.6 mm
• processor: ESP32-C3
  • 160 MHz
  • 400 kB RAM
  • 4 MB Flash
• Power:
  • USB: 5V,
  • 6V when powered via pin 5V

Processor identification via esptool:

Connected to ESP32-C3 on /dev/ttyACM0:
Chip type:          ESP32-C3 (QFN32) (revision v0.4)
Features:           Wi-Fi, BT 5 (LE), Single Core, 160MHz, Embedded Flash 4MB (XMC)
Crystal frequency:  40MHz
USB mode:           USB-Serial/JTAG