We often write about breadboard-friendly boards, which typically means they plug nicely into a breadboard, but usually leave only one or two rows to play with on each side. So far, the best option we have come across is probably the Raspberry Breadstick, which is designed for full-length breadboards, but is limited by the I/Os on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU.
When it comes to breadboard friendliness, it’s hard to beat The Pi Hut’s Baguette S3, as it provides a single 30-pin header designed to be inserted in one of the rows of a breadboard, leaving plenty of space for prototyping. The board also features an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, a microSD card slot, a USB-C for power and programming, a Qwiic port for further expansion, an RGB LED, and RESET and BOOT buttons.
Baguette S3 specifications:
- Wireless module – ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N8 module
- SoC – ESP32-S3 dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor with WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Storage – 8MB QSPI flash
- PCB antenna
- Storage – MicroSD card socket
- USB – USB Type-C port for power and programming
- Expansion
- 30-pin breadboard-compatible header and solder pads with 23x GPIO, I2C, UART, 5V, 3.3V, GND
- Qwiic connector for expansion
- Misc
- WS2812C RGB LED
- Power LED
- Boot and Reset buttons, BAT/5V selection switch
- 2x M2.5 mounting holes
- Power Supply
- 5V via USB-C port or 5V/GND pins
- 3.3V via 3V/GND pins
- ME6211 3.3V LDO
- Dimensions – 77.5 x 23.7mm
- Weight – 13 grams
In terms of software, you could probably run any firmware compatible with the ESP32-S3, but the documentation currently focuses on Arduino for general programming and ESPHome for Home Assistant integration. MicroPython and CircuitPython guides are said to be coming soon.
When the board is not connected to a breadboard, the two mounting holes can be useful for installation, and the pads allow users to solder wires directly to the board.
The Baguette S3 is also more affordable than the aforementioned Raspberry BreadStick ($55), as The Pi Hut sells the breadboard-friendly ESP32-S3 board for around $15.50 including VAT, or $12.95 excluding VAT.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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[ nice, and/or adjust the breadboard and/or give the µC (one row) angled (not necessarily 90deg) pin rows or higher elevated sockets/pin row connectors(?) (thx) ]
I like it! Looks like my boards! https://github.com/dwillmore/CH32V003boards
They’re very practical and easy to use. I prefer the USB connector off to the side as it fits my work area better, but YMMV.
It’s nice to see this form factor taking off.
Ouch, having the ESP32-S3 module antenna over the PCB and in front of a mounting screw is certainly not the best for good RF performance.
Here are the recommended layouts:
https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-hardware-design-guidelines/en/latest/esp32s3/pcb-layout-design.html#general-principles-of-pcb-layout-for-modules-positioning-a-module-on-a-base-board
[ at least for the mounting screw, non-metal clips or screws can avoid rf resonances(?) (thx) ]
I will not buy boards that don’t have a LiPo battery connector, battery protection, battery monitor, and associated support circuitry
Excellent
I’ll buy it when they ship it pre-soldered.
Can an external antenna be soldered on to extent the range as show here
https://community.home-assistant.io/t/how-to-add-an-external-antenna-to-an-esp-board/131601