ESP32 DevKitC Base Plate Micro USB interface

SKU: FA1053-0-1-7
PCB Type

ESP32-DevKitC V4 Base Plate
USB Interface

Micro USB Port
USB-to-UART Chip

Typically CP2102, CP2102N, CH340, or CH9102X (varies by vendor)
Input Voltage (USB)

5V DC
Operating Voltage (I/O Logic)

3.3V DC (via onboard LDO)
Host Module Support

ESP32-WROOM/WROVER series (Module sold separately in "base plate only" offerings)
CPU/Connectivity

Dependent on the installed module (typically Xtensa Dual-Core 32-bit, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
Dimensions

Standard compact footprint (approx. 55.5mm x 28.3mm)
I/O Pin Count

36 or 38 pins total (varies by specific board revision)
The term “ESP32 DevKitC Base Plate” refers to the core printed circuit board (PCB) design used as the foundation for the standard Espressif Systems ESP32-DevKitC development board series. It is not a separate product you attach to a DevKitC, but rather the essential hardware structure that houses the ESP32 module, USB interface, power management, and breakout pins.
This base plate provides all the necessary support circuitry (USB-UART bridge, buttons, LDO regulator, etc.) that turns a bare ESP32 module (like WROOM or WROVER) into an easy-to-use, breadboard-friendly development board.
Product Description
The ESP32-DevKitC Base Plate (PCB Assembly) is the robust, low-footprint circuit board serving as the standard platform for ESP32 prototyping. It is designed to host a variety of ESP32 modules (WROOM-32, WROOM-32D, WROOM-32U, or WROVER series), providing an integrated, hassle-free environment for developing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth applications.
This board is engineered for versatility, breaking out most of the module’s I/O pins to breadboard-compatible headers on both sides. It incorporates essential support components, including a USB-to-UART bridge chip (commonly CP2102 or CH9102X, specific to the final assembly), a Micro USB port for power and communication, and reset/boot buttons for easy operation and firmware flashing. The design ensures excellent RF performance and power management without requiring complex external circuitry, allowing developers to focus immediately on application design and development.
Key Features
  • Module Compatibility: Designed to accept various ESP32-WROOM and ESP32-WROVER modules, offering flexibility in choosing flash size or PSRAM options.
  • Breadboard-Friendly Pinout: Features standard 2.54mm (0.1″) pitch headers that fit easily onto a breadboard for prototyping with jumper wires and peripherals.
  • Integrated Support Circuitry: Includes all minimal system requirements on the PCB: a USB-UART bridge, LDO voltage regulator, and essential boot/reset buttons.
  • Micro USB Interface: Provides a convenient single point for both 5V power supply and serial communication with a host PC.
  • Rich I/O Availability: All important GPIO pins are exposed, supporting multiple functions like ADC, DAC, I²C, I²S, SPI, PWM, and capacitive touch.
  • Flexible Power Management: Supports power via the Micro USB port, or external 5V/3.3V supply pins (mutually exclusive options).
Technical Specifications (Parameters)
These parameters relate to the base plate’s standard implementation, assuming a typical WROOM module is installed:
Feature Detail
PCB Type ESP32-DevKitC V4 Base Plate
USB Interface Micro USB Port
USB-to-UART Chip Typically CP2102, CP2102N, CH340, or CH9102X (varies by vendor)
Input Voltage (USB) 5V DC
Operating Voltage (I/O Logic) 3.3V DC (via onboard LDO)
Host Module Support ESP32-WROOM/WROVER series (Module sold separately in “base plate only” offerings)
CPU/Connectivity Dependent on the installed module (typically Xtensa Dual-Core 32-bit, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
Dimensions Standard compact footprint (approx. 55.5mm x 28.3mm)
I/O Pin Count 36 or 38 pins total (varies by specific board revision)
Usage
The “Base Plate” nomenclature usually implies you are either buying a spare board for a module you already own, or the standard board assembly complete with a module:
  1. Module Installation (If buying the bare plate): Solder a compatible ESP32-WROOM or WROVER module onto the designated module pads.
  2. Power and Connect: Connect a Micro USB cable from the board to your computer. The 5V power LED will illuminate.
  3. Driver Verification: Ensure drivers for the onboard USB-to-UART bridge (e.g., CP2102 drivers from Silicon Labs) are installed on your PC.
  4. Development Environment: Set up your chosen environment, such as the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF.
  5. Develop and Prototype: Use the GPIO pins with a breadboard to connect external components. Upload your code to the board via the USB serial connection.
Q: Is this product a complete development board or just a bare PCB?

“Base Plate” generally describes the fully assembled PCB minus the main ESP32 module itself (which needs to be soldered on). Most common retail listings sell the “DevKitC Development Board,” which is the base plate with the module already attached (e.g., WROOM-32D). Check the specific product listing to confirm if the main module is included.

Q: Do I need drivers for the Micro USB interface?

You likely will. The board uses a dedicated USB-to-UART chip (like CP2102 or CH9102X) to facilitate communication. You may need to download and install specific drivers from the chip manufacturer’s website if your operating system does not install them automatically.

Q: What power options are available?

The board can be powered by the Micro USB port (5V default), or via the 5V or 3.3V header pins. Warning: These power sources are mutually exclusive and should never be connected simultaneously, as this will damage the board.

Q: Is the base plate pinout always the same across different vendors?

The standard Espressif DevKitC pinout is consistent. However, some third-party versions might have minor variations (e.g., 36 vs 38 pins), so it’s always best to consult the specific pinout diagram provided by the seller or manufacturer.

Q: Is this suitable for business prototyping?

Yes. The DevKitC design is the standard reference board from Espressif and is widely used for prototyping commercial IoT products. It allows businesses to validate functionality quickly before designing a custom, purpose-built PCB for mass production using the bare WROOM/WROVER modules.

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