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Hardware Overview

Let's take a closer look at the ESP32-C6 module and other hardware on the Qwiic Pocket Development Board.

ESP32-C6 Mini-1 Module

The ESP32-C6 Mini-1 module from espressif features a 32-bit RISC-V single-core processor with an integrated wireless stack. The wireless stack is compatible with 2.4 GHz WiFi 6, Bluetooth® 5.3, Zigbee and Thread (802.15.4) and uses an on-board PCB antenna.

Highlighting the ESP32-C6 Module.

This development board uses the Mini version of the C6 module which has slightly less computing power in exchange for greater power efficiency. This makes this module perfect for battery-powered applications. The module features a wide range of peripheral options including SPI, UART, LPUART, I2C, I2S, LED PWM, USB Serial/JTAG controller, ADC and more. Many of these peripherals can be mapped to any GPIO pin though some are tied to specific pins. Refer to the datasheet for a complete overview of the ESP32-C6-MINI-1.

The ESP32-C6 has 4 MB Flash memory along with 512 KB SRAM (high power)/ 16 KB SRAM (low power). The module uses pin strapping to configure boot mode parameters. The board defaults to standard mode (GPIO 9 internal pull-up, all other strapping pins floating) but it can be set to other parameters by performing the following pin strapping:

  • SDIO Sampling and Driving Clock Edge - MTMS & MTDI
  • Chip Boot Mode - GPIO8 & GPIO9
  • ROM Code Printing to UART - GPIO8
  • JTAG Signal Source - GPIO15

Power Components

USB-C Connector

The USB-C connector on the board acts as the primary serial interface for the ESP32-C6 module as well as a power input. It connects directly to the ESP32-C6's USB serial converter. The 5V USB input voltage is regulated down to 3.3V through a voltage regulator with a max current of 500mA@3.3V.

Highlighting the USB-C connector.

JST Connector & Battery Charger

The board has a 2-pin JST connector to connect a single-cell Lithium Ion (LiPo) battery for battery-powered applications. It also has an MCP73831 battery charger to charge an attached battery. The charge rate is set to 214mA@3.3V. The MCP73831 receives power from the V_USB line so it only is powered when 5V is provided either over USB or the V_USB PTH pin. If applying voltage directly to the V_USB pin make sure it does not exceed 5.5V.

Highlighting the JST connector and charge IC.

Pinout & Qwiic Connector

PTH Pins

The Qwiic Dev Board routes eight GPIO pins to a pair of 0.1"-spaced PTH headers. One side has 3.3V and GND pins along with I/O pins 2, 3, 4, and 5. The other side has through-holes for V_USB and VBatt as well as I/O pins 16 (TX), 17 (RX), 18, and 19.

Highlighting the PTH Pinout.

Qwiic Connector

There's a Qwiic connector on the board tied to the ESP32-C6's Low Power I2C bus (I/O pins 6 and 7) for easy integration into SparkFun's Qwiic ecosystem. The Qwiic connector provides connections for SDA, SCL, 3.3V, and Ground.

Highlighting the Qwiic connector.

Buttons

There are two buttons on the board labeled RESET and BOOT. The RESET button is tied to the ESP32-C6's Enable (EN) pin and resets the module when pressed. The BOOT button puts the ESP32-C6 into bootloader mode when held down during power on or reset.

Highlighting the Boot and Reset buttons.

LEDs

The board has three LEDs labeled PWR, STAT, and CHG. The red Power (PWR) LED indicates whenever the 3.3V circuit is powered. The blue Status (STAT) LED is tied to IO23 on the ESP32. The yellow Charge (CHG) LED indicates whenever the MCP73831 is charging a connected LiPo battery.

Highlighting the ESP32-C6 Module.

Solder Jumpers

There are four solder jumpers on the Qwiic Dev Board labeled CHG, I2C, SHLD, and PWR. The table below outlines the jumpers' labels, default state, function, and any notes regarding their use:

Highlighting the ESP32-C6 Module.

Label Default State Function Notes
CHG CLOSED Completes Charge LED circuit Open to disable Charge LED
I2C CLOSED Pulls the SDA/SCL lines to 3.3V through a pair of 2.2kΩ resistors Three-way jumper. Open completely to disable pullups
SHLD CLOSED Ties the USB-C shield pin to the ground plane Open to isolate USB-C shield pin from the board's ground plane
PWR CLOSED Completes the Power LED circuit Open to disable the Power LED

Board Dimensions

The Qwiic Dev Board - ESP32-C6 matches the 1" x 1" (22.6mm x 22.6mm) Qwiic form factor and has two mounting holes that fit a 4-40 screw.

Board Dimensions.