ESP32-S3-Mini-1 Development Board

Below I present my own ESP32-S3 development board. The reason for creating my own development board is twofold:

• While designing my own development boards I am forced to do a lot of research on the subject and as a result I learn a lot about the device I create it for, in this case the ESP32-S3.
• I can put all the functionality on the board I want, I am not limited by the options available commercially. Also, I can skip those bits and pieces that I do not want or care about.

Features and advantages

This board is using the ESP32-S3-MINI-1 module from Espressif. The board’s features include the following:

• USB-C socket for powering the board. Any modern USB power supply can be used to power the board as it “auto-negotiates” 5V DC using resistors on the CC lines.
• The same USB-C socket is wired up to the ESP32-S3’s USB module through an array of ESD protection diodes (SRV05-4).
• Built in 3.3V low dropout regulator for powering the ESP32
• Power LED indicator
• Reset and Boot buttons for easy development
• All GPIOs broken out and grouped logically
• Multiple breakout points for all the power pins on the board (GND, +5V, +3.3V)
• All SMD components to save space (the only exception is a buffer capacitor that has both SMD and TTH footprints – use whichever you have at hand)
• Clear labelling of each pin/function to reduce the risk of mix ups
• Rounded corner
• Holes in the four corners for optional mounting screws should you want to use it in an actual prototype
• Barely bigger than a credit card at 100mm*57mm

Schematics

Here is the schematics of the development board:

Board

As usual, I designed the PCB using KiCAD. Here is a 3D render of the board:

The BOM is also available here.

Order your own ESP32-S3 Development Board now!

Finally, if you haven’t yet, check out my other development boards!