Certification Process for Xiao ESP32C3-Based Custom PCB

[miki321]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to hardware development and curious about the certification process. We’re planning to sell a device that includes a Xiao ESP32C3 connected to a LiPo battery, a button, an accelerometer, and an LED on a custom PCB.

Since the ESP32C3 already has its own certifications, what does the process look like for selling our product commercially? Do we need additional certifications, or can we rely on the existing ones? Any guidance or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[PJ_Glasso]

Hi there,

and Welcome here…

So the Xiao has both FCC part 15 for class b devices and CE mark.
Depending on the type of device, Can you describe it? Will it be used internationally ? or only domestically?

You may want to have it recertified with your PCB, Some countries require it(canada). It costs about $3000. if its a wifi device then definitely ,if you change any of the RF, i.e. the transmitter section of the original then the whole certification must be done. Is it a patentable device or item? Post a Picture of it.

HTH
GL PJ

[miki321]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

We want to sell our device internationally, but our initial focus is on the EU and US markets. For now, we would like to do a market research so we would love to cut some costs :)) Eventually we would like to move to a fully custom PCB in the future. The device uses Bluetooth to send acceleration and gyro data to the app in the phone.

We’re using Bluetooth from the built-in module in the Xiao ESP32C3, without modifying any RF components. We are not using WiFi, and we are using original antenna (there is no antenna and battery on the picture). Also, we’re not interested in patenting the device. The first version of PCB looks like this:

Appreciate your help!

[PJ_Glasso]

Hi there,

So that looks pretty Awesome!, One question ? WHy not use a Nrf52840 Xiao, Lower Power for Sleep, Better BLE radio. No WiFi to worry about, Onboard IMU. it is literally a ONE chip Solution.

Check out my Demo on Motion/Fall (drop) detection and Parking on the IMU. My security Device leverages those sending notify data to the mobile App (AIv2). Works like a BOSS!

Xiao nRF52840 Sense IMU Parked demo With SLEEP Interrupt button

PARK_IMU_DEMO [Xiao nRF52840 Sense IMU Parked demo With SLEEP Interrupt button.] Displays Parked message after NO movement(6 seconds) from Gyro or Accelerometer over (sensitivity settings) Displays orientation. Push button on the Xiao expansion board fires Interrupt from pin state and continuously check if the IMU orientation deviates from its parked orientation, or if motion is present and takes action if necessary, beep & Display orientation. It goes to sleep after three(3) but…

HTH
GL PJ

[gmrck]

Could be a stupid question, since I am a newbie in the external flash questions (yet!!!), but from the example I see, that the flash is used as an external storage. However, is it possible to “trick” the nrf52 (or is it FreeRTOS?) into thinking, the flash is its internal memory, where I can upload the actual program and use those partitions for OTA, for example. Similar to ESP32, which has 4 mb for program+OTA+SPIFFs.

[PJ_Glasso]

Hi there,

So it may be a simple as the Addressing of it and defining it in the right way? I use it as extra storage in lew of a SD card. Works fine.
I did see a while back someone on the Nordic support forum do that exact thing , created a slot for the OTA download, then did some flash tricks to Run the update. It’s native on the Nrf53 & 54 series. Nrf52 I believe requires some extra hoop jumping but it does work. Take browse over there and try the search on there too. You get a lot of info on it as they do it Very, Very well.

HTH
GL PJ

Here is one of several good threads on the subject of the flash partitions to support DFU_OTA slots.

MCUBoot/sysbuild with external partition, on XIAO_BLE device/nrf52840 -...