This expansion board turns the ESP32-C3 SuperMini into something you can actually wire up. The module drops into two 8-way sockets and every one of its 13 GPIO comes back out as a 3-pin signal / VCC / GND row, the same layout servos and sensor modules already use. Each flank has its own VCC rail, and a 3 x 3 power block gives you three spare taps of 5V, GND and 3V3. There is also a PH2.0 input for a 3.7V lithium cell, so a project can run off battery. Board only, the ESP32-C3 SuperMini is sold separately.
- All 13 GPIO broken out as 3-pin signal/VCC/GND rows
- Two independent rails, VCC1 and VCC2, one per flank
- Rails output 3.3V as shipped, 3.7V if you rework them
- 3 x 3 power block: three taps each of 5V, GND, 3V3
- PH2.0 input for a 3.7V lithium cell, plus B+/B- pads
- Colour-coded headers, yellow signal, red VCC, black GND
- Female sockets, nothing solders to the carrier
- Two M2 mounting holes, 37.3 x 22.3mm, 7.6g
Specifications
What's in the box
Headers already soldered. The ESP32-C3 SuperMini module is not included, and neither are header pins for it or a battery.
Great for
Getting started
- Fit header pins to your SuperMini
The carrier has female sockets, so the module needs its own male pins soldered on. A pre-soldered SuperMini drops straight in.
- Check the orientation
The SuperMini's 5V / GND / 3V3 end goes to the flank with the blue, black and red power block. Seated the other way round, the supply lands on GPIO21.
- Plug in your peripherals
A standard 3-wire servo or sensor lead goes straight onto a row. Rails are 3.3V from the factory, so most 3.3V modules just work.
- Only rework a rail if you need 3.7V
Remove that rail's 0R resistor and bridge the three pads with solder. The datasheet shows exactly which pads, and it is reversible.
Common questions
Does it include the ESP32-C3 SuperMini?
No, this is the expansion board on its own. The SuperMini module is sold separately, and it needs header pins fitted to seat into the sockets.
What voltage do VCC1 and VCC2 put out?
3.3V as the board leaves the factory, which is what most sensors and modules want. A 0R resistor sets that. If you need the rail to sit at the 3.7V supply voltage instead, remove the 0R resistor for that rail and bridge its three solder pads. VCC1 and VCC2 are separate, so you can change one flank and leave the other at 3.3V. One of the product photos circles where the pads are.
Can I run it from a battery?
Yes. There is a 2-pin PH2.0 header marked BAT-IN for a 3.7V lithium cell, and B+ / B- pads on the underside if you would rather solder the cell on. Watch your polarity, and note the board is not a charger and has no protection circuit, so use a protected cell and charge it with something like a TP4056 module.
Can I power servos from this board?
Use it for the signal wire, but give servos their own supply. Even a micro servo's stall current is more than this board or the SuperMini's regulator can pass. Feed servo power separately and tie the grounds together.
Is it 5V tolerant?
No. The ESP32-C3 is a 3.3V part, so a 5V signal on any GPIO row can damage it even though the power block carries a 5V tap. Level-shift or divide any 5V signal first.
Is the 5V tap live on battery power?
No. The 5V pins follow the SuperMini's 5V pin, which is USB VBUS, so they are only live when the module is plugged into USB-C. On battery, treat that row as dead.
Will it fit a C6, H2 or S3 SuperMini?
It is designed around the ESP32-C3 SuperMini footprint. Other Espressif SuperMini boards use a similar 2 x 8 layout but the pin functions differ, so check pin count and spacing against your board before using it.
Does it plug into a breadboard?
No. The pins are male headers on both faces, so it works as a wiring hub rather than a breadboard-insertable module. It is meant to replace the breadboard, not sit on one.
Good to know: This is an accessory for the ESP32-C3 SuperMini and does nothing on its own. Both VCC rails ship at 3.3V, so nothing needs changing for normal 3.3V sensors. Every board is checked before it ships from our Te Awamutu stock.