ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 — Wi-Fi + Bluetooth LE Module

Manufacturer:	Espressif Systems
MPN:	ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4
Category:	Wireless MCU Module
Type:	2.4 GHz Wi-Fi + Bluetooth LE module
Processor:	32-bit RISC-V single-core, up to 160 MHz
Flash:	4 MB, in-package
Antenna:	Integrated PCB antenna
Package:	53-pin SMD module, 13.2 × 16.6 × 2.4 mm
Lifecycle note:	Espressif currently marks ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 as NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs). The newer ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4X is listed as recommended and uses the ESP32-C3 chip revision v1.1 instead of v0.4.

1. Quick Summary

The ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 is a compact wireless MCU module based on Espressif’s ESP32-C3. It combines a 32-bit RISC-V processor, 4 MB in-package flash, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and multiple digital/analog peripherals in a 13.2 × 16.6 mm module.

It is suitable for connected embedded products such as IoT devices, smart-home equipment, wireless sensor nodes and industrial controllers. However, because the N4 variant is NRND, new designs should also evaluate the newer N4X variant.

2. What Is It?

The ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 is a pre-certified-style wireless MCU module integrating an ESP32-C3 device, 4 MB flash, 40 MHz crystal, RF matching circuitry and a PCB antenna.

The module provides a 32-bit RISC-V single-core processor operating at up to 160 MHz, together with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 5 LE connectivity. It exposes up to 15 GPIOs and provides interfaces including UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, USB Serial/JTAG and TWAI (CAN 2.0-compatible controller).

For a product designer, its main value is that the RF subsystem, antenna and core wireless circuitry are already integrated into a small module.

3. Key Specifications

Parameter	ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4
MCU	ESP32-C3FH4
CPU	32-bit RISC-V single-core
Maximum CPU frequency	160 MHz
ROM	384 KB
SRAM	400 KB + 8 KB RTC SRAM
Flash	4 MB, Quad SPI, in-package
Wi-Fi	802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz
Wi-Fi data rate	Up to 150 Mbps
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5 LE
GPIO	Up to 15
ADC	12-bit SAR ADC
UART	2
SPI	SPI2 general-purpose interface + flash interfaces
I²C	1
I²S	1
USB	USB 2.0 Full-Speed Serial/JTAG
CAN	TWAI, ISO 11898-1 / CAN 2.0 compatible
Supply voltage	3.0–3.6 V
Recommended supply capability	≥500 mA
Wi-Fi TX current	Up to 350 mA, depending on mode
Wi-Fi RX current	Typically 82–84 mA
Deep-sleep current	Typical 5 µA
Operating temperature	–40 to +85 °C
Antenna	PCB antenna
Module dimensions	13.2 × 16.6 × 2.4 mm
Mounting	SMD

Specifications are from Espressif’s current ESP32-C3-MINI-1/MINI-1U datasheet; the N4-specific lifecycle and chip-revision information is taken into account separately.

Important: The datasheet specifies a 0.5 A minimum current capability for the external power supply. This is particularly relevant because Wi-Fi transmission can produce current peaks up to 350 mA under the stated test conditions.

4. Key Features

32-bit RISC-V single-core processor up to 160 MHz
4 MB integrated flash
2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 5 Low Energy
Integrated PCB antenna
Up to 15 GPIOs
USB Serial/JTAG controller
TWAI controller compatible with CAN Specification 2.0
Hardware security features including secure boot and flash encryption support at the ESP32-C3 level

5. Typical Applications

Smart-home controllers
Industrial IoT devices
Wireless sensor nodes
Energy-monitoring equipment
Smart appliances
POS equipment
IoT data loggers
Low-power connected embedded products

6. Interfaces / Functions

Interface / Function	Practical Use
GPIO	Digital control, inputs and peripheral signals
UART	Debugging, external modules and serial devices
SPI	Displays, sensors and high-speed peripherals
I²C	Sensors, expanders and low-speed peripherals
I²S	Digital audio
USB Serial/JTAG	Programming, serial communication and debugging
TWAI	CAN 2.0-compatible communication with an external CAN transceiver
ADC	Analog sensor measurements
PWM	LED, motor and actuator control
Wi-Fi	IP/network connectivity
Bluetooth LE	Short-range wireless communication

The ESP32-C3 has two UARTs, a general-purpose SPI controller, I²C, I²S, USB Serial/JTAG and TWAI. The module does not itself provide a CAN physical-layer transceiver, so an external CAN transceiver is required for a physical CAN bus.

7. Power Requirements

The module operates from 3.0–3.6 V, with 3.3 V being the nominal supply voltage. Espressif specifies that the external supply should be capable of delivering at least 500 mA.

Power consumption varies substantially with wireless activity:

Wi-Fi TX: up to 350 mA peak under the datasheet test conditions
Wi-Fi RX: approximately 82–84 mA
Bluetooth LE TX: up to 340 mA peak at 20 dBm
Modem-sleep: typically around 13–28 mA, depending on CPU/peripheral state
Light-sleep: approximately 130 µA
Deep-sleep: approximately 5 µA

Design implication

Do not size the 3.3 V regulator based only on average MCU current. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth transmit bursts require adequate regulator capacity and local bulk/decoupling capacitance.

8. Why Use This Component?

An engineer may consider the ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 when the design needs:

Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE
A small wireless MCU module
RISC-V architecture
Integrated PCB antenna
Multiple digital interfaces
USB Serial/JTAG
CAN-controller functionality through TWAI
Low-power operating modes
Integrated flash
A relatively small PCB footprint

However, the NRND status of this exact N4 variant is an important consideration for new products.

9. When Not to Use It

Consider another module when:

The product requires a currently recommended ESP32-C3 module rather than an NRND variant.
More flash memory is required than the 4 MB N4 provides.
5 GHz Wi-Fi is required.
Wi-Fi 6, Thread or Zigbee/802.15.4 connectivity is required.
A higher-performance MCU architecture is required.
An external antenna is mandatory because of mechanical/RF constraints.
The application cannot accommodate the module’s PCB antenna placement requirements.
The product requires a CAN transceiver integrated into the wireless module.

For a new design specifically based on the ESP32-C3-MINI-1 form factor, the N4X should be evaluated before selecting N4 because Espressif lists N4X as recommended while N4 is NRND.

10. Key Selection Considerations

Before selecting ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4, verify:

3.0–3.6 V supply is available
Power supply can handle wireless current peaks
4 MB flash is sufficient
15 GPIO maximum is sufficient for the application
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is suitable
Bluetooth LE is sufficient
PCB antenna placement is possible
–40 to +85 °C temperature range is sufficient
Required peripherals can be mapped to available module pins
Production supply/lifecycle requirements are acceptable
NRND status is acceptable
ESP32-C3 chip-revision/software compatibility has been checked

The last point is particularly important if replacing the N4 with a newer C3 revision.

11. Design Considerations

Power supply

Use a well-designed 3.3 V rail with sufficient transient-current capability. Wi-Fi transmission creates significantly higher current demand than normal MCU operation.

EN / reset

The EN pin must not be left floating. It controls chip enable/power-up. Espressif specifies minimum power-rail stabilization and reset timing requirements that should be considered in the reset circuit.

Boot configuration

GPIO2, GPIO8 and GPIO9 participate in boot configuration. External circuitry connected to these pins should not unintentionally force an undesired boot mode.

Firmware compatibility

This is particularly important when moving from the N4’s v0.4 silicon to the newer v1.1-based modules. Espressif states that firmware compiled with earlier ESP-IDF versions may not run directly on v1.1 and may require an ESP-IDF upgrade and recompilation.

12. PCB / Layout Considerations

The most important PCB issue is the integrated PCB antenna.

Keep the antenna area clear according to Espressif’s layout recommendations.
Minimize interference from the base PCB around the antenna.
Follow Espressif’s recommended module land pattern.
Keep the module orientation and surrounding copper consistent with the RF guidelines.
Place power decoupling close to the module supply connection.
Avoid routing noisy/high-current signals through the antenna region.
Follow Espressif’s RF and module-placement guidance for the final PCB.

The recommended module land pattern is approximately 13.2 × 16.6 mm, with the module’s antenna keep-out area requiring particular attention.

Espressif provides dedicated ESP32-C3 Hardware Design Guidelines covering schematic and PCB design.

13. Equivalent ICs / Alternatives

ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4X — Espressif Systems

Description: Newer 4 MB version of the same ESP32-C3-MINI-1 module family, using the ESP32-C3FH4X chip revision v1.1.

Major difference:
The N4 uses ESP32-C3FH4, chip revision v0.4, while N4X uses ESP32-C3FH4X, chip revision v1.1. Espressif lists N4 as NRND and N4X as Recommended.

Compatibility: Same-family alternative — verify firmware compatibility

Do not treat this as a simple firmware drop-in replacement without checking the ESP-IDF version and application software. Espressif’s compatibility advisory states that binaries compiled for earlier ESP32-C3 revisions may require recompilation for v1.1.

ESP32-C3-MINI-1-H4X — Espressif Systems

Description: Same general module family with 4 MB flash and the newer v1.1 chip revision.

Major difference:
The H4X version is rated for –40 to +105 °C, compared with –40 to +85 °C for N4/N4X.

Compatibility: Same-family alternative — verify temperature and firmware requirements

ESP32-C3-MINI-1U-N4X — Espressif Systems

Description: 4 MB ESP32-C3 module with the newer v1.1 revision and an external antenna connector.

Major difference:
The antenna implementation is different, and the module dimensions are 13.2 × 12.5 × 2.4 mm rather than 13.2 × 16.6 × 2.4 mm.

Compatibility: Alternative with Design Changes

ESP32-C3-WROOM-02-N4X

Description: Another ESP32-C3 module family providing Wi-Fi/Bluetooth LE.

Major difference:
The WROOM-02 family uses a substantially larger module, so it should not be treated as a footprint-compatible replacement for MINI-1.

Compatibility: Alternative with Design Changes

14. Where to Buy

Because ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 is NRND, purchasing availability can vary.

Distributor availability and pricing are dynamic, so they should be checked at the time of procurement. DigiKey and Mouser currently identify the part as Not For New Designs / NRND, consistent with Espressif’s documentation.

For a new production design, also check the availability of ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4X.

15. Manufacturer & Datasheet

Manufacturer: Espressif Systems

Official module documentation:

The current Espressif module datasheet is version 2.2, dated May 6, 2026.

16. FAQ

Is ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 still recommended for new designs?

No. Espressif currently marks ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 as NRND. The newer ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4X is listed as recommended.

Does ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

Yes. It supports 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 LE.

How much flash does ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 have?

It has 4 MB of in-package Quad SPI flash.

Does it have a built-in antenna?

Yes. The MINI-1 version has an on-board PCB antenna. The MINI-1U variant instead provides an external antenna connector.

Does ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 support CAN?

The ESP32-C3 provides a TWAI controller compatible with ISO 11898-1 / CAN Specification 2.0. However, the module does not contain the physical CAN transceiver, so an external CAN transceiver is required for connection to a CAN bus.

Can ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 be replaced by ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4X?

It should be evaluated as the natural newer member of the same module family, but it should not be assumed to be a firmware drop-in replacement. N4 uses chip revision v0.4 while N4X uses v1.1, and Espressif documents software compatibility requirements for v1.1.

What is the main issue to check before using N4?

Lifecycle status. The N4 is NRND. For a new production design, evaluate the recommended N4X variant and verify hardware, firmware and production requirements before committing to the N4.