ESP32-C3 Boards

The ESP32-C3 variant of the ESP32 is supported by the espressif ESP32 Board package and by the Homeding library.

The ESP32-C3 is a single-core SoC based on the open-source 32-bit RISC-V architecture.

It offers:

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 5 (LE)
• CPU clock speed up to 160 MHz
• Max 22 configurable GPIOs
• 400 KB static RAM, 16 KB for caching
• 8 KB of static RTC RAM that keeps data as long as powered.
• 4 Kbit of eFuse memory for special data like encryption keys
• 384 KB of ROM
• low-power-mode
• crypro acceleration
• Secure Boot
• Flash encryption
• Direct USB support.
• integrated Flash Memory (option)

This SoC is positioned as a cost-effective RISC-V MCU with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (LE) connectivity for secure IoT applications.

It is often seen as a more secure and powerful replacement option for the ESP8266 and has noticeable more internal memory and cpu power as the ESP8266:

The ESP32-C3 offers less IO pins that the ESP32 or ESP32-S3 chips and comes in a smaller 32 pin QFN32 package (5×5 mm) or (4×4 mm) package.

It is part of some modules that offer PCB antenna or antenna connectors.

There is even a ESP-01 kind of module available.

Flash Memory

The ‘F’ version of the chip offers an internal 4 MByte Flash ROM that can be flashed using the QIO mode. It supports external Flash up to 16 MByte.

USB and JTAG Support

When the board has a USB connector that is connected to the GPIO19 (D-) and GPIO20 (D+). The configuration for the USB features in the ESP32-c3 SoC must have:

• USB CDC On Boot: Enabled

CAN bus Support

The CAN bus interface and protocol also known as Two-Wire Automotive Interface (TWAI) is very popular in automotive domain. The ESP32C3 chip supports the CAN bus with some restrictions by using an external transiver.

This interface was not yet tested with HomeDing library.

Bluetooth LE

The ESP32-C3 supports Bluetooth LE , Bluetooth 5 and Bluetooth mesh.

Bluetooth support is not yet given by the HomeDing library.

Powersave modes

several sleep modes:

• Modem-sleep mode
• Light-sleep mode
• Deep-sleep mode

Watchdog timer

Cryptographic Hardware Accelerators

Secure communication, signing packages and flash memory is supported by some built-in special functionality.

This results in faster secure (https) network requests.

Boards with ESP32-C3

CORE-ESP32C3 development board

The CORE-ESP32 core board is based on Espressif ESP32-C3 SoC that fits good on a breadboard and has the option for a LCD + digital joystick shield on top. The ESP32-C3 variant is supported by the HomeDing library.

ESP32-C3 micro board with OLED display

This is very small board based on EPS32-C3 with an 0.42" onboard OLED display and a single NeoPixel.

Board C3 pico

The C3 pico is a board compatible to the D1 Mini boards and shields using a ESP32-C3 processor and equipped with some special features like a RGB LED, I2C Port and LiPo charging.

WeAct Studio ESP32-C3 Core

The WeAct Studio ESP32-C3 Core board offers breadboard compatible connectors and is a good for development purpose.

ESP32-C3 Super Mini

The ESP32-C3 Super Mini is a thumb-size board with integrated antenna.

XIAO ESP32 C3

The XIAO ESP32 C3 is a thumb-size board with external antenna.

Spotpear ESP32C3 1.44 LCD

The Spotpear ESP32C3 1.44 LCD board combines a ESP32-C3 with a display and LIPO charging with a compact design.

Board ESP32-C3 ESP-01

The ESP32-C3 processor is now also available in a ESP01 form factor board including 4MByte flash and an external antenna connector.

Log info from the DIAG Element

14:50:58 diag/0:t Chip-Info:
14:50:58 diag/0:t   model: 5
14:50:58 diag/0:t     ESP32-C3
14:50:58 diag/0:t   features: 00000012
14:50:58 diag/0:t     2.4GHz WiFi
14:50:58 diag/0:t     Bluetooth LE
14:50:58 diag/0:t   cores: 1
14:50:58 diag/0:t   revision: 3
14:50:58 diag/0:t ChipModel: ESP32-C3
14:50:58 diag/0:t Flash:
14:50:58 diag/0:t   ChipSize: 4194304
14:50:58 diag/0:t   ChipMode: 2
14:50:58 diag/0:t   ChipSpeed: 80000000

See also

• Product web site: https://www.espressif.com/en/products/socs/esp32-c3
• Official datasheet: https://www.espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/esp32-c3_datasheet_en.pdf
• https://hackaday.com/2021/02/08/hands-on-the-risc-v-esp32-c3-will-be-your-new-esp8266/

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