[Review request] ESP-32 running on battery with radar and rgb-leds, two layer pcb
I recently ordered the first version of this board with all components as pluggable parts with header pins, no battery and more power hungry leds. So this is my second version where I attempt to create some training devices that communicate with other esp-devices (like commercial available blazepods but then with own software). I am new in the batteries and protection circuits so could use some help there, also curious about the trace thickness that I picked.
Centre block
It will run on a ESP32-C3 mini module, that will be programmed with an external usb board which I connect to two 1x3 header pins [flash / program block]. The external board will also have some buttons, LDO and some resistors.
I hope the antenna will still be powerful enough, if not then I will switch to the 1U module with an external antenna.
The 3.3V on this board will come from an AP2112K-3.3 LDO.
Charge and protection block
The board will run on a single 18650 cell, that will be connected to BAT+ and GND pins.
It will be charged with a dedicated 5v charger, that is connected to VCC & GND pins, I will not charge the device and use it at the same time.
The battery is protected with DW01A together with FS8205A mosfets
Boost block
I will connect an on/off switch between the BAT+ and the Boost Chip to turn the device on and off.
I will boost to 5V with TPS613222, that 5V will be used for powering the RGB's, radar sensor and it will go to the LDO for the ESP32.
I made some extra connections to the 5V trace for the led ring to avoid power loss, is that needed? And what should the thickness of that 5V trace be?
Radar Sensor Block
The LS2410C radar sensor will be on a sensorboard that is connected to 5 header pins, I dont need the OUT pin so that is not connected.
Piezo Sensor
A simple piezo sensor will act as input, no rocket science here.
External Switch / On Board Switch / FSR block
This might look weird but by using some solder pads I want to have the possibillity to add another switch (keyboard switch in middle, external switch or an FSR). I will leave the pads and resistors unsoldered for now.
Led Ring
In my protope I used WS2812B leds but I need something that is consuming less power, I will go with XL-B3528RGBC-BM, I am not sure about the resistor values at this moment but try to limit the current as much as possible with still having a bright led ring. Downside of normal rgb-leds in a ring is the tracing, but I think this will work fine. Any suggestions on how I could improve this?
I will solder all components by hand, so 0603 is the minimum size I picked, have done this before with my TS80P and a steady hand. In the schema the mosfet should be changes to FS8205A but pinout and layout is the same. As I am a beginner in this area any advise would help me.
Posted Oct 30, 2025, 4:01 PM UTC