ESP32 vs ESD [ How to handle ESP32 well ]

Other Hardware 3rd Party Boards
1

Hey guys,
I have been working in a project were we need to give power to the ESP32 externally and after some struggles and learnings we achieved it but most of the esp32 s usb to UART bridge damaged so I skipped it and upload code using a TTL module FT232 module but upon some time the GPIO pins are dead

So I presume that it is due to ESD

And if so how to avoid such ESD and is there a proper way to handle ESP32 Dev Module.

I my handling is right, is there a possibility that the manufacturing of the board might be faulty like the base board I would say.

I ask this because I work with many board but not a single one did that to me

2

You presume incorrectly.

That actually is your problem, but we need further details of what you actually did.

3

It is very unlikely that the IO pins of the ESP32 can go damaged by ESD. Which ESP32 board are you using? Post a picture of the board.

4

That is most likely your problem. Exactly what did you do. Also, post all your codde in code tags and take a picture of a hand drawn wiring diagram.

5

Screenshot_2026-01-06-23-07-26-68_84c9ef400ab248a2e4a3b31139e21163
Screenshot_2026-01-06-23-07-26-68_84c9ef400ab248a2e4a3b31139e21163652×874 132 KB

This is the circuit

And sry for the late reply guys :man_bowing:t3:

6

what is the board top right?

7

And where is the switch to turn off the system?

8

Screenshot_2026-01-11-19-21-19-94_84c9ef400ab248a2e4a3b31139e21163
Screenshot_2026-01-11-19-21-19-94_84c9ef400ab248a2e4a3b31139e211631080×1353 226 KB

The one near the tp4056 Is to cut the load while charging

The one near the battery Is to on the battery

9

It is the tp4056 battery charging Module

10

Ok as long as you do not use the esp32 at the same time you are. charging.

11

What possibly happen if I do that like change in voltage level or what exactly is the cause

And is there a way to avoid this to happen by improving the circuit any thing might help

12

If you are planning on useing and charging at the same time you have two otions.

  1. Find the thread here on the forum where the proper circuit is shown for that older device.
  2. Buy the modern charger board that has the ability to use and charge built in.

Look at this board that is one of several similar boards depending on solar or not, and what voltage. [Adafruit bq25185 USB / DC / Solar Charger with 5V Boost Board : ID 6106 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits)

13

The picture shows a boost module with XL6009 chip.
That chip needs a minimum input voltage of 5volt.
Not suitable to boost a 3.7V LiPo battery to 5volt.

There are similar looking modules with LM2577 chip, which work down to 3.5volt.
So which chip is on your board. (you mention an XL6009 in your cross-post).
Leo..

14

You are right it is XL6009. But I thought it has teh minimum input of 3V5 that's why I choose that

Does this modules capacitor and inductor can generate the high voltage or current spikes. Since, you know the esp32 is drawing about 412mA and this high current load can lead to current spike which is capable of destroying the ESP32

Like for this reason, in some circuits they use the softstarter right? If so can you suggest some for me

15

I suggested a XIAO ESP32-C3 in a previous post.
Then you don't need all those add-on boards.
Leo..

16

We invested many in it so we can't afford it any other correct in it