Intro: Plug and Play Board for IOT Module ESP8266-01
Recently i have started with this super popular IOT development module. ESP8266-01. This module is really cool with its miniature size and low power consumption, but there is one really annoying thing about this. When you attempt to prototype something using this, it will give a hard time to you since it is not bread board compatible.
Besides when you are prototyping with this you have to deal with many wires popping outta this module and keeping this fixed is really hard. In order to overcome this short comings i have made a simple homemade plug and play board for this module, which did a great job in resolving these shortcomings.
Step 1: Circuit Diagram
The circuit diagram is pretty much simple. All i have added is a simple 3.3v regulator that regulates the given input to 3.3v level on which the ESP module operates. The C1 and C2 were meant to smooth the input voltage to prevent any ripples.
ESP98266-01 mentioned in the circuit diagram is nothing but a 4x2 female header. The ESP8266-01 module will directly sit over these headers thus making the connection complete. Other two 4x1 male headers, gives the extension of ESP8266-01 pins and making them easier to connect and use. A 2x1 male header is meant for feeding the input to the board.
Step 2: PCB Design of the Module
This is the PCB design i have made for this module. The board only measures 1.25" x 0.9", kept it small in order to make it easy to handle. You can download the PCB Design file in this link "Plug and play module for ESP8266".
I have made this board in home, you could have guessed it from its crude look but that's Ok it does its job perfectly. I followed the instructions for making this board from this Tutorial on making PCB board at home. It is pretty handy tutorial.
Following that i managed to assemble and solder the components on the board. Basic level of soldering skill is sufficient to do this. Then used a permanent marker to mark the pin functions for identification.
Step 3: Finished Board
Now it's all set, components soldered and placed, pin functions marked. Now plug in your ESP8266 module and start hassle free prototyping with it. Here are the few images of finished board.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this, Do leave a comment. If you try it, let me know how it turns out.