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ESP32-C3 Super Mini: Arduino IDE Quick Start Guide

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

2016: Espressif launches the original ESP32 with dual-core Xtensa processors
November 27, 2020: Espressif announces the ESP32-C3, marking a shift to RISC-V architecture
Early 2021: Engineering samples of the ESP32-C3 become available to developers
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:

ESP32-C3 Super Mini (Affiliate): Buy on AliExpress or Buy on AliExpress
Breadboard and jumper wires (Affiliate): Buy on AliExpress
USB Type-C cable
Computer with Arduino IDE installed

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)
External antenna for enhanced signal strength

Power Consumption

Deep sleep power consumption: Approximately 43μA

Security Features

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

Interfaces

11 digital I/Os (can be used as PWM pins)
4 analog I/Os (can be used as ADC pins)
1x I2C
1x SPI
2x UART

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions: 22.52 x 18mm (thumb-sized)
Single-sided surface mount design

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

USB/External Power Supply

USB Type-C port for power and data transmission
External power supply option:
- Connect positive terminal to 5V pin
- Connect negative terminal to GND
- Supports 3.3V – 6V power supply
- Note: Do not use USB and external power simultaneously

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

Step 1: Installing the Arduino IDE

Visit the Arduino website.
Download the latest IDE version for your operating system.
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 – Blinking an 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 NEEDED, normally you don´t need to at least with the board that I bought)

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

Note 2 (If note 1 is a bust): 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:

Open the Arduino IDE.
Go to “Tools” in the menu bar.
Look for the option “USB CDC on Boot.”
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)

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.
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.
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 – there’s so much more to explore in the world of IoT with the ESP32-C3 SUPER MINI.