Espressif ESP32-S3-MINI-1
Lobster Tag Custom PCB
Overview
An ultra-compact custom PCB integrating a rechargeable LiPo power system, wireless connectivity, and sensor electronics for a week-long underwater lobster tagging thesis project.
Imadh MashoorSystem architecture
MCU
POWER
SENSOR
- POWER → MCUPowerRegulated 3.3V power supply to MCU
- POWER → SENSOR_PRESSUREPowerPower supply for depth sensor
- POWER → SENSOR_TEMPPowerPower supply for temperature sensor
- POWER → SENSOR_IMUPowerPower supply for IMU sensor
- MCU → SENSOR_PRESSUREI2CI2C bus communication for depth/pressure data
- MCU → SENSOR_TEMPI2CI2C bus communication for temperature data
- MCU → SENSOR_IMUI2CI2C bus communication for motion and activity tracking
- POWER → MCUUSBUSB interface for battery charging and native USB-OTG data offloading
Bill of materials
| Part number | Type | Component | Manufacturer | Package | Qty | Datasheet | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N8 | MCU | Espressif ESP32-S3-MINI-1 Core processing, BLE and Wi-Fi wireless data transmission, USB-OTG interface | Espressif Systems | 41-SMD Module | 1 | Matched | |
17 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
| MCP73871-2CCI/ML | POWER | LiPo Battery & PMIC System (TP4056 + TPS63020) Rechargeable LiPo battery power management, USB charging, and regulated 3.3V supply | Microchip Technology | 20-Lead QFN (4 mm × 4 mm × 0.9 mm) | 1 | Matched | |
12 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
| MS5837-02BA06 | SENSOR | TE Connectivity MS5837-030BA01 Underwater depth and pressure tracking up to 30 bar | TE Connectivity | — | 1 | Matched | |
12 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
| SEK-SHT40-AD1B-SENSORS | SENSOR | Sensirion SHT41 Water/ambient temperature monitoring | Sensirion AG | — | 1 | Matched | |
15 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
| LSM6DSV32X | SENSOR | STMicroelectronics LSM6DSV32X 3-axis accelerometer and gyroscope for wildlife activity and motion tracking | STMicroelectronics | LGA-14L | 1 | Matched | |
13 alternatives consideredAI verified | |||||||
Build guide
12-16 hoursAdvanced
1
Procurement & Preparation
- Verify and sort all electronic components against the BOM: ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N8, MCP73871-2CCI/ML (PMIC), MS5837-02BA06 depth sensor, SEK-SHT40-AD1B-SENSORS (SHT41 temperature sensor), and LSM6DSV32X IMU.
- Inspect the custom ultra-compact PCB for manufacturing defects, short circuits, or broken traces using a digital microscope.
2
Hardware Assembly & Wiring
- Apply lead-free SMT solder paste to the PCB pads for the ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N8 module, MCP73871 PMIC, and passive decoupling capacitors.
- Place the ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N8, MCP73871 PMIC, and LSM6DSV32X IMU onto their respective paste pads using antistatic tweezers.
- Reflow the populated SMT board in a reflow oven following a standard lead-free thermal profile, then let it cool to room temperature.
- Manually hand-solder the TE Connectivity MS5837-02BA06 depth sensor and Sensirion SHT41 temperature sensor, ensuring pressure ports and vents remain completely unobstructed by solder or flux.
- Connect the rechargeable LiPo battery and USB-OTG interface to the power management system, verifying 3.3V and GND power rails across the MCU and all sensors (Pressure, Temperature, IMU) using a multimeter.
3
Firmware Setup
- Install ESP-IDF development framework and configure the project workspace for the ESP32-S3-MINI-1 processor.
- Write and integrate I2C communication drivers for the MS5837 pressure sensor, SHT41 temperature sensor, and LSM6DSV32X IMU on the shared SDA/SCL bus.
- Implement deep-sleep power cycling logic in firmware to optimize battery longevity for the target one-week lobster tracking duration.
- Flash the compiled binary to the ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N8 via the USB-OTG interface and verify serial monitor output.
4
Testing & Calibration
- Perform a bench test verification of all sensor telemetry (depth, temperature, 3-axis motion) streaming over BLE/Wi-Fi and logging correctly.
- Conduct a hydrostatic pressure tank test on the assembled tag PCB to validate MS5837 depth tracking accuracy up to expected underwater operating pressures (simulating up to 30 bar).
- Perform a 7-day power profile endurance test on the workbench, measuring active and sleep current draws to ensure the LiPo battery system meets the thesis project duration requirement.
Document
underwater wildlife tracking tag PCB
An ultra-compact custom PCB integrating a rechargeable LiPo power system, wireless connectivity, and sensor electronics for a week-long underwater lobster tagging thesis project.
Design Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | underwater wildlife tracking tag PCB |
| Key Functions | Underwater deployment support for up to one week, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi wireless data transmission, Rechargeable LiPo battery power management with USB charging, Ultra-compact form factor integration for cylindrical waterproof enclosures |
| Power Source | Rechargeable LiPo Battery with USB Charging |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi |
| Size | Ultra-compact to fit inside a small cylindrical waterproof enclosure |
| Environment | Underwater |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Est. Time | 12-16 hours |
System Architecture
Power Topology: Rechargeable LiPo battery (nominal 3.7V) connects to a USB linear charger IC (e.g., TP4056) for charging and a high-efficiency buck-boost regulator (e.g., TPS63020) to maintain a stable 3.3V rail across the system during both battery discharge and active USB charging.
Module List
| Module ID | Type | Name | Function | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCU | MCU | Espressif ESP32-S3-MINI-1 | Core processing, BLE and Wi-Fi wireless data transmission, USB-OTG interface | 3.3V |
| POWER | POWER | LiPo Battery & PMIC System (TP4056 + TPS63020) | Rechargeable LiPo battery power management, USB charging, and regulated 3.3V supply | 3.7V / 3.3V |
| SENSOR_PRESSURE | SENSOR | TE Connectivity MS5837-030BA01 | Underwater depth and pressure tracking up to 30 bar | 3.3V |
| SENSOR_TEMP | SENSOR | Sensirion SHT41 | Water/ambient temperature monitoring | 3.3V |
| SENSOR_IMU | SENSOR | STMicroelectronics LSM6DSV32X | 3-axis accelerometer and gyroscope for wildlife activity and motion tracking | 3.3V |
Key Components
5/5 modules matched to real parts. See the BOM tab for the full component table.
Espressif ESP32-S3-MINI-1 (ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N8)
The searched module is ESP32-S3-MINI-1-N4, which corresponds to the ESP32-S3-MINI-1 series featuring the ESP32-S3 dual-c
LiPo Battery & PMIC System (TP4056 + TPS63020) (MCP73871-2CCI/ML)
MCP73871-2CCI/ML matches the requested part number for the advanced LiPo battery management system candidate list.
Build Summary
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Estimated time: 12-16 hours
- Tools required: Antistatic tweezers, Digital microscope, Multimeter, Solder paste stencil, Reflow oven, Soldering iron
See the Build tab for the full step-by-step assembly guide.
Generated by YuanQi AI Design System · Query: Lobster Tag thesis project: creating a custom PCB board integrating the supply list and components described in the attached documents (Lobster Tag Supply List, LobsterTag WriteUp, and custom board next steps). Need architecture, BOM, schematics/diagrams, and integration.