ESP32 RGB LED strip project

[eva_402]

Hey guys.. I’m trying to make an rgb led strip controller with esp32.. the code is almost done i think like 80%.. it can connect wifi and change colors from app.. but sometimes when i try to set 3 colors at same time it just freezes or reboots.. i tried adding delay and some extra caps.. not sure whats wrong.. maybe power issue???
Also.. prototype is ugly on breadboard… now thinking to design PCB.. but confused.. how to route high current led traces separate from esp32 3.3v logic.. and where should i put caps… anyone done this before?

[Sprite]

Sounds like a power issue, but without you posting a schematic or code, that's about all we can say about it.

[lichurbagan]

As stated by Sprite, its a power issue .... Your ESP32 likely resets because the LED strip draws high current spikes, which can cause voltage drop on 3.3 V. .... Use a separate 5 V supply for the LEDs, keep the ESP32 logic supply isolated, and make sure the grounds are connected at a single point.... Common GND is tricky and could giveu headaches

On the PCB, route thick .... short traces for LED power .... and keep them away from ESP32 logic/data lines. Place 0.1uF decoupling caps close to the ESP32 VCC pins, and a larger 10uF near the LED power input to smooth current spikes. read this guide on decoupling caps: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/ca ... n-examples

Also, avoid routing LED traces under the ESP32 or other sensitive digital lines to reduce noise. Use seperate GND and power planes, recommended .... read this guide to understadn planes: https://www.pcbway.com/blog/PCB_Design_ ... aaa8c.html

[eva_402]

When you say separate ground planes, do you mean completely split planes for LED power and ESP32 logic OR just careful routing with single ground plane is enough?

[lichurbagan]

I would recommend separate planes for high-current LED power and ESP32 logic ..... especially if your board is big or the LEDs draw a lot of current ..... that keeps switching noise away from the logic.

For smaller boards with short traces, a single ground plane can work as long as you carefully route the LED return current directly back to power source and avoid it flowing through the logic/ESP32 ....

[Sprite]

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with split ground planes: the impedance of a ground plane already is so low in comparison with breadboards that having a ground plane in the first place is all but guaranteed to solve the issue already.