I'm working on a small game project and it's time to design a custom PCB for it. My current setup includes the XIAO Seeed ESP32S3, a Waveshare 1.5" OLED display, a 2000mAh battery, a 5-way navigation switch, and a passive buzzer. I'm contemplating how much DIY I want to take on. I'm considering whether to: 1) stick with the XIAO for its USB-C port that simplifies flashing and battery management, or switch to just the ESP32S3 for more GPIOs. 2) skip the Waveshare board and directly integrate the SPI driver into my design, though I'm unsure about the complexity of dealing with the ribbon connector and SSD1351 chip. I want to learn, but I'm wary of complicating things too much. What do you all think?
3 Answers
If size isn't your main concern, consider making your PCB fit the XIAO so it plugs in directly. This way, you know the core components function correctly, and you can add peripherals more easily.
From my experience, designing PCBs for projects beyond simple ones usually ends up being easier and cleaner than trying to solder everything on protoboards. Using a hotplate with solder paste can make the process smoother too. For your display query, look for cheaper models with standard pin sockets. It's much simpler to just add a header to your PCB than tackling those smaller connectors.
For your first question, I'd suggest keeping the XIAO. It has features you'll definitely utilize, and designing battery management and USB-C from scratch can be a headache. If you choose the ESP32S3, the soldering can be tricky because of the fine pitch. Also, if you're aiming for a simple design, using the XIAO saves you effort in battery management.
Thanks for the insight! I figured it might be a hassle, especially since I'm still learning the ropes.