The Waveshare ESP32-C3 Mini development board is a powerful and compact solution for modern IoT and embedded projects. I personally enjoy using it in small, portable designs. However, while working on multiple projects, I repeatedly encountered one practical limitation: there is no onboard battery charging circuit.

Because of this, every rechargeable project required an external Li-Po charging module, such as a TP4056 board. While functional, these modules increase wiring, occupy extra space, and make the final product bulky. In projects where enclosure size is critical, this approach simply does not work well.

To solve this problem, I decided to design a custom rechargeable breakout board that works specifically with the Waveshare ESP32-C3 Mini. The idea was to keep everything compact, clean, and easy to integrate, while eliminating the need for separate charging modules.

How the Board Works

At the heart of this design is the TP4057 linear Li-ion/Li-Po charging IC, chosen for its small footprint and reliability in compact applications. When a 5V power source is connected, the TP4057 safely charges a single-cell Li-Po or Li-ion battery.

The charging current is set using a carefully selected resistor, limiting the current to around 250–260 mA. This makes the design suitable for small and medium-capacity batteries commonly used in portable electronics, while also keeping heat generation under control.

A charging status LED provides simple visual feedback. When the battery is charging, the LED turns on, and once charging is complete, the LED turns off. This keeps the user informed without adding complexity.

The battery connects via a JST connector, making it plug-and-play. Once charged, the battery powers the ESP32-C3 Mini through its onboard voltage regulation, allowing the project to run independently without external power.

Why This Board Is Useful

This breakout board turns the ESP32-C3 Mini into a true rechargeable development platform. Instead of managing extra boards, cables, and connectors, everything needed for charging is neatly integrated into a single compact PCB.

It is especially helpful in projects where:

1. Space is limited
2. Clean internal wiring is important
3. Portability is required

Examples include portable IoT devices, desk gadgets, clocks, sensors, wearable electronics, and student exhibition projects. By reducing size and complexity, the board makes projects more reliable and professional-looking.

Key Highlights

1. Integrated TP4057 Li-Po/Li-ion charging circuit
2. Optimized charging current for small batteries
3. Compact form factor for space-constrained designs
4. JST battery connector for easy use
5. Designed specifically for Waveshare ESP32-C3 Mini

Conclusion

This project was built to solve a real, practical problem faced while using the Waveshare ESP32-C3 Mini in portable applications. By integrating a compact battery charging solution directly into a custom breakout board, it makes rechargeable ESP32 projects smaller, cleaner, and easier to build. I hope this design helps other makers, students, and developers create more efficient and portable projects with confidence.