ESP32 Smartwatch Project

Project Goals

Build a custom wearable smart watch from scratch to explore embedded systems, firmware developpement, and PCB integration.

Ideas for Hardware Architecture

Processing & Display

• MCU: ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 for Wi-Fi/BLE and dual-core processing.
• Display: 1.28" TFT LCD via SPI.
• Input: 3x Physical buttons .

Sensors

• Timekeeping: Still looking for a compact RTC module
• ToF Ranging: VL53L0X (I2C) for distance measurement up to 2m via infrared pulses.
• Biometrics: MAX30102 for Heart Rate (requires tight skin contact).
• Motion: Still looking for gyroscope / accelerometer if required for the project.
• Utility: IR TX + IR RX

Power Management

• Battery: LiPo (around 500mAh.
• Charging: Still looking for power management module.

Software Features

• Firmware: Written in C++ via PlatformIO.
• Power Management: Sleep mode implementation with external wake-up interrupts.
• Connectivity:
  • Wi-Fi/BLE scanning ans testing tools.
  • ESP-NOW for ultra-fast communication with other ESP devices.

Development Stages

1. Prototyping: Wiring all modules on breadboard with an ESP32 DevKit.
2. Schematic & PCB : I will use KiCAD to design PCB and schematics
3. Assembly: Probably hand soldering.
4. Case creation : I will learn to use 3d modeling CAD like Fusion360 to create a case for the project.