“XIAO ESP32C3 Weigh-n-Charge: Portable scale for weight measurement with a built-in battery indicator, ideal for on-the-go use.
The portable weighing scale is designed with flexibility in mind. It currently has a maximum load capacity of 5 kilograms. However, the load cell can be easily replaced with load cells of different capacities to meet user requirements, whether higher or lower capacity load cells are needed.
Due to the scale being used in an open space, it’s important to account for potential variations in measurements. It’s expected that there may be fluctuations of 1 to 3 grams in the measured values compared to the actual weight due to environmental factors and conditions. These variations are typical in open environments and are considered in the scale’s design and performance specifications.
The portable weighing scale incorporates a Battery Management System (BMS) with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity. To ensure precise monitoring of the battery’s status and performance, a Battery Fuel Gauge (BFG) based on the BQ27441 chip is employed. A cost-effective solution with an array of features, the seeed Xiao ESP32C3 serves as the project’s primary microcontroller.
The BQ27441 Battery Fuel Gauge provides detailed information about the battery’s charging and discharging processes. It accurately measures parameters such as state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), and other vital performance metrics. By utilizing the BQ27441, the portable device can maintain an accurate and real-time record of the battery’s condition, enhancing the overall reliability and functionality of the product.
The seeed Xiao ESP32C3 module features an internal battery charging system, eliminating the necessity for external circuitry to charge a lithium battery. This integrated charging system streamlines the design and simplifies the power management of devices utilizing the seeed Xiao ESP32C3 module, making it a convenient choice for battery-powered applications.
The device incorporates a sliding switch that allows users to easily power it on and off. Additionally, user-defined switches and LEDs are integrated into the printed circuit board (PCB) to serve as a user interface. These switches and LEDs can be customized and utilized to provide user-friendly controls and status indicators for the device. This user interface design enhances the overall usability and interaction with the portable weighing scale.
The current project does not currently make use of any connectivity features. However, it’s important to highlight that Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Wi-Fi connectivity can be easily integrated into the device should such functionality be required in the future. During testing, a 500mAh battery was employed, and it demonstrated a noteworthy battery life of up to 5 hours of continuous operation without the need for recharging. This battery capacity provides a satisfactory amount of usage time, making the device well-suited for various portable applications.”