ESP32-C3 Super Mini: Arduino IDE Quick Start Guide

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Are you ready to dive into the world of IoT programming with the ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting started with this powerful microcontroller using the Arduino IDE. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this versatile chip is perfect for your connected projects.

What is the ESP32-C3?

The ESP32-C3 is a compact yet powerful microcontroller that integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support. This modern successor to older models is optimized for IoT applications, offering more connectivity features in a small, efficient design.

Key Developments

  1. 2016: Espressif launches the original ESP32 with dual-core Xtensa processors
  2. November 27, 2020: Espressif announces the ESP32-C3, marking a shift to RISC-V architecture
  3. Early 2021: Engineering samples of the ESP32-C3 become available to developers
  4. 2021-2022: The ESP32-C3 gains popularity in the IoT market

Market Position

The ESP32-C3 bridges the gap between the ESP8266 and the dual-core ESP32, offering:

  • Improved performance over ESP8266
  • More energy-efficient than original ESP32
  • Competitive pricing for IoT applications

By adopting RISC-V architecture, Espressif aims to provide developers with a modern, powerful, and cost-effective solution for a wide range of IoT projects.

Getting Started: Materials for Your ESP32-C3 Super Mini Project

To set up and program your ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI, gather these items:

Datasheet and Technical Specifications

The ESP32-C3 SuperMini is a compact IoT development board based on the Espressif ESP32-C3 WiFi/Bluetooth dual-mode chip. Here are its key specifications:

  • Esp32-c3 Super Mini Datasheet with Schematic in PDF (Dropbox Link): HERE

Esp32-c3 Super Mini Pinout

Processor

  • ESP32-C3, 32-bit RISC-V single-core processor
  • Operating frequency: Up to 160 MHz
  • Built-in FPU (floating-point unit) for 32-bit single-precision operations

Memory

  • 400KB SRAM
  • 384KB ROM
  • 4MB built-in flash

Wireless Connectivity

  • WiFi: IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 (LE)

Power Consumption

  • Deep sleep power consumption: Approximately 43ฮผA

Security Features

  • Encryption hardware accelerators supporting AES-128/256, hashing, RSA, HMAC, digital signatures, and secure startup

Physical Characteristics

  • Dimensions: 22.52 x 18mm (thumb-sized)

Esp32-c3 form factor

 

Additional Features

  • Onboard LED (blue light) connected to GPIO8
  • Reset button
  • Boot loader mode button

Board Layout and Connections

The ESP32-C3 SuperMini features a compact design with various connection options:

Esp32-c3 Super Mini Schematic

 

ESP32-C3 Super Mini Schematic_Changed_2

 

USB/External Power Supply

  1. USB Type-C port for power and data transmission
  2. External power supply option:
    • Connect positive (+5V) terminal of the power supply to the 5V pin of the Esp32-c3
    • Connect negative (0V) terminal of the power supply to the GND pin of the Esp32-c3
    • Supports 3.3V – 6V power supply
    • !IMPORTANT!: Do not use USB and external power simultaneously

 

71_Ext_PS

 

GPIO Pins

  • 11 digital I/O pins (can be used for PWM)
  • 4 analog I/O pins (can be used for ADC)

Serial Interfaces

  • 1x I2C
  • 1x SPI
  • 2x UART

Buttons

  • Reset button
  • Boot loader mode button

LED Indicator

  • Onboard blue LED connected to GPIO8

Important Notes

  • When using external power, ensure proper polarity to avoid short circuits
  • For programming, use a USB Type-C data cable capable of data transmission

Step-by-Step Setup Guide for ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI

USB Driver Installation for Windows (Optional)

For Windows users, installing USB-to-serial drivers for your ESP32-C3 Super Mini may be necessary. Most modern Windows systems will automatically install the required drivers when you first connect the device. However, if automatic installation fails, you’ll need to manually download either the CP210x or CH340 drivers from their official websites

Key Points:

  • Automatic driver installation is common in recent Windows versions
  • Manual driver installation might be required for older systems
  • Check your specific board’s USB-to-UART chip (CP210x or CH340)
  • Verify driver installation in the Device Manager after connecting the device

For Windows users needing to install USB-to-serial drivers for the ESP32-C3 Super Mini, you can download the necessary drivers from the following official websites:

  • CP210x Driver: Available from the Silicon Labs website. You can find the drivers and installation instructions here: Silicon Labs CP210x Drivers

driver_1

 

Make sure to check your specific board’s documentation to identify which chip it uses before downloading the appropriate driver.

Step 1: Installing the Arduino IDE

  1. Visit the Arduino website.
  2. Download the latest IDE version for your operating system.
  3. Follow the installation prompts.

Step 2: Configuring the ESP32-C3 in Arduino IDE

  • Open Arduino IDE and go to File > Preferences.
  • In the Additional Board Manager URLs field, add (Copy -> Paste): 
https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json

 

 

  • Navigate to Tools > Board > Board Manager.
  • Search for “ESP32” and install the package by Espressif.

 

 

Step 3: Create Your First ESP32-C3 Project โ€“ Blinking the Onboard LED

Let’s create a simple project to blink an LED:

void setup() {
    pinMode(8, OUTPUT); // Set pin 8 as output
}

void loop() {
    digitalWrite(8, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
    delay(1000); // Wait one second
    digitalWrite(8, LOW); // Turn the LED off
    delay(1000); // Wait one second
}

Step 4: Uploading Code to the ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI

  • Connect your ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI to the computer using a USB Type-C cable.
  • In Arduino IDE, go to Tools > Board and select ESP32C3 Dev Module.

 

 

  • Under Tools > Port, select the correct port (It should be a different port number for you, mine is this).

 

 

  • Click the Upload button.

 

 

If your having problems with the board programming:

Note 1: To enter bootloader mode, hold the BOOT button while connecting the board, then release it after connecting.

Note 2: Press and hold BOOT + press and release RST, then finally release BOOT.  This is what we normally do to put an Esp32 boards in programming mode.

 

 

Enabling Serial Communication on ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI

To ensure proper serial communication with your ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Arduino IDE.
  2. Go to “Tools” in the menu bar.
  3. Look for the option “USB CDC on Boot“
  4. Set it to “Enabled.”

 

 

This setting allows the USB connection to remain active during boot, which can help resolve issues where the serial port is not detected after the ESP32-C3 restarts.

Example: Serial Communication Test for ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI

Here’s a simple example to test serial communication:

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  delay(1000); // Give some time for the serial connection to establish
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println("Hello from ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI!");
  delay(1000);
}

After uploading this code, open the Serial Monitor (Tools > Serial Monitor) and set the baud rate to 115200. You should see the message “Hello from ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI!” printed every second.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Resources

For further learning and community support regarding your ESP32-C3 projects:

Explore More Projects

If you’re interested in building a practical timer solution, check out our guide on the ESP32-C3 Mini Relay Timer: DIY Countdown Solution. This project will teach you how to create a countdown timer using the ESP32-C3, allowing you to control devices with precise timing. It covers:

  • Setting up the relay module
  • Writing the Arduino code for timer functionality
  • Implementing user-friendly features for easy operation

This project is perfect for enhancing your IoT skills and creating automated solutions for everyday tasks!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Q: What makes the ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI different from other ESP32 boards?
    A: The ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI is more compact and energy-efficient, making it ideal for space-constrained IoT projects.
  2. Q: Can I use the ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI for Bluetooth projects?
    A: Yes, the ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI supports Bluetooth 5.0 (LE), making it suitable for various Bluetooth-based applications.
  3. Q: Is the ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI suitable for beginners?
    A: Absolutely! Its compatibility with Arduino IDE makes it accessible for beginners while offering advanced features for experienced developers.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Creativity with ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI

Congratulations on setting up and programming your ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI! With its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, you’re now ready to build amazing connected devices. This quick-start guide is just the beginning โ€“ there’s so much more to explore in the world of IoT with the ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI.

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