This module was designed to optimize the programming of ESP32 devices in production environments. It emerged as a solution to a common problem: the need to efficiently and cost-effectively program electronic products that don't require a USB port for final operation.
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For devices that run on alkaline batteries or are programmed only once at the factory, a USB connector and its integrated serial converter, such as the popular CP2102N, represent an unnecessary cost. In mass production, these components add up to a considerable expense. For example, in a production run of 1,000 units, a converter at $2 USD per piece increases the total cost by $2,000 USD, not including the other associated components and the space they take up on the board.
In a real-world case, a customer looking to update their PCB design had a USB-C converter on their board. By eliminating these circuits and offering our solution, which uses Pogo-Pin clips, we were able to significantly reduce their costs and production time.
Our main objective was to simplify the programming process, making it as small and efficient as possible. We were inspired by the ESP-programmer, a device known for its JTAG programming and debugging capabilities. However, our goal was not to replicate all of its features, but rather to create a minimalist tool focused exclusively on production programming that would allow for seamless integration and rapid adoption on any assembly line.
This approach has allowed us to develop a programmer that offers a low-cost, high-performance solution for mass production of ESP32-based products.
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Cost savings: Eliminates the need for integrated USB-to-serial converters on each board, dramatically reducing unit costs in mass production.
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Space optimization: Its compact design frees up valuable PCB space, ideal for products with size constraints.
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Production efficiency: Enables quick and easy programming using Pogo-Pin connectors, streamlining the manufacturing process.
| # | Reference | Description | Qty | Part # | Manufacturer | LCSC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C3 | 10V 4.7uF X5R ±10% 0603 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors MLCC - SMD/SMT ROHS | 1 | CL10A475KP8NNNC | Samsung Electro-Mechanics | C1705 |
| 2 | C4 | 50V 100nF X7R ±10% 0603 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors MLCC - SMD/SMT ROHSr | 1 | CC0603KRX7R9BB104 | YAGEO | C14663 |
| 3 | C1,C2 | 50V 1uF X7R ±10% 0805 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors MLCC - SMD/SMT ROHS | 2 | CL21B105KBFNNNE | Samsung Electro-Mechanics | C28323 |
| 4 | J2 | Right Angle Pin Header 2.5mm 6mm 6P -40℃~+105℃ 2.54mm 2 Black Brass 2x3P Push-Pull,P=2.54mm Pin Headers ROHS | 1 | PH2.54-07-03PWS | XUNPU | C7501617 |
| 5 | J1 | USB 2.0-only 14P Type-C Receptacle connector | 1 | TYPE-C 16PIN 2MD(073) | SHOU HAN | C2765186 |
| 6 | D1,D2 | 25mA 80mcd |
2 | NCD0603R1 | NATIONSTAR | C84263 |
| 7 | U1 | USB to UART QFN-28-EP(5x5) USB Converters ROHS | 1 | CP2102N-A02-GQFN28R | SILICON LABS | C964632 |
| 8 | U2 | 600mA low dropout linear regulator, with enable pin, 3.8V-6V input voltage range, 3.3V fixed positive output, SOT-23-5 | 1 | AP2112K-3.3TRG1 | Diodes Incorporated | C51118 |
| 9 | Q1,Q2 | 40V 200mW 100@10mA,1V 200mA NPN SOT-23 Bipolar (BJT) ROHS | 2 | MMBT3904 | TWGMC | C727127 |
| 10 | R1,R2 | 100mW Thick Film Resistors 75V ±1% ±400ppm/℃ 10Ω 0603 Chip Resistor - Surface Mount ROHS | 2 | 0603WAF100JT5E | UNI-ROYAL | C22859 |
| 11 | R3 | 100mW Thick Film Resistor 75V ±100ppm/℃ ±1% 22.1kΩ 0603 Chip Resistor - Surface Mount ROHS | 1 | RC0603FR-0722K1L | YAGEO | C137768 |
| 12 | R4 | 100mW Thick Film Resistor 75V ±100ppm/℃ ±1% 47.5kΩ 0603 Chip Resistor - Surface Mount ROHS | 1 | RC0603FR-0747K5L | YAGEO | C137715 |
| 13 | R5 | Thin Film Resistors - SMD 1K ohm 1% 1/10W | 1 | ARG03FTC1001 | Viking | C217840 |
| 14 | R6,R7 | Thick Film Resistors - SMD 330 Ohms 100mW 0603 1% | 2 | RC0603FR-07330RL | YAGEO | C105881 |
| 15 | R8,R9 | 100mW ±100ppm/℃ ±1% 10kΩ 0603 Chip Resistor - Surface Mount ROHS | 2 | RMC16K103FTP | KAMAYA | C323556 |
| 16 | R10,R11 | 100mW Thick Film Resistor 75V ±100ppm/℃ ±1% 5.1kΩ 0603 Chip Resistor - Surface Mount ROHS | 2 | 0603WAF5101T5E | UNI-ROYAL | C23186 |
To do this it is required Kikit
kikit panelize \
--layout 'grid; rows: 6; cols: 2; space: 2mm' \
--tabs 'fixed; width: 3mm; vcount: 2' \
--cuts 'mousebites; drill: 0.5mm; spacing: 1mm; offset: 0.2mm; prolong: 0.5mm' \
--framing 'railstb; width: 5mm; space: 3mm;' \
--tooling '3hole; hoffset: 2.5mm; voffset: 2.5mm; size: 1.5mm' \
--fiducials '3fid; hoffset: 5mm; voffset: 2.5mm; coppersize: 2mm; opening: 1mm;' \
--text 'simple; text: MaykolRey.com; anchor: mt; voffset: 2.5mm; hjustify: center; vjustify: center;' \
--text2 'simple; text: Created on {date}; anchor: mb; voffset: -2.5mm; hjustify: center; vjustify: center;' \
--post 'millradius: 1mm' \
ESP_32_Programer.kicad_pcb panel/panel.kicad_pcb
Author: Maykol Rey