ESP32-C3-13 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The ESP32-C3-13 is a Bluetooth and WiFi 802.11b/g/n transceiver module manufactured by RF Solutions, designed for 2.4GHz PCB trace and I-PEX surface mount applications. This module integrates the ESP32-C3 IC with 4MB Flash memory, 384kB ROM, and 408kB SRAM, supporting multiple serial interfaces including ADC, GPIO, I2C, I2S, PWM, and UART.

The ESP32-C3-13 is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications currently utilizing this module.

Substiute Parts

ESP32-C3-13

RF SolutionsIn Stock: 839ESP32-C3-13 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

AI-WB2-13

Ai-ThinkerIn Stock: 1190AI-WB2-13 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the ESP32-C3-13 is determined by the following critical parameters:

RF Compatibility Parameters:

• RF Family/Standard: Bluetooth and WiFi support required
• Protocol: 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth v5.0 support required
• Frequency: 2.4GHz operation required

Electrical Performance Parameters:

• Voltage Supply Range: Must accommodate 3V to 3.6V operation
• Operating Temperature Range: Must support -40°C to 85°C
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount required
• Package Configuration: 18-SMD Module required

Regulatory & Compliance Parameters:

• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant required

The AI-WB2-13 manufactured by Ai-Thinker meets all critical substitution criteria across RF compatibility, electrical performance, and regulatory compliance parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The AI-WB2-13 is a qualified substitute for the ESP32-C3-13 based on the following engineering criteria:

Regulatory Compliance: Both modules are ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and hazardous substance restrictions for commercial and industrial applications.

Product Status Advantage: The AI-WB2-13 maintains active product status with confirmed inventory availability (1144 Pcs), whereas the ESP32-C3-13 is obsolete. This ensures long-term supply chain continuity and ongoing manufacturer support.

RF Protocol Compatibility: Both modules support identical RF standards (Bluetooth v5.0, 802.11b/g/n) and operate at 2.4GHz, ensuring functional equivalence for wireless communication applications.

Electrical Operating Range: The AI-WB2-13 supply voltage range (2.7V ~ 3.6V) encompasses the ESP32-C3-13 requirement (3V ~ 3.6V), and both modules operate across the identical temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C).

Physical Form Factor: Both modules utilize 18-SMD surface mount packaging, enabling direct PCB layout compatibility without redesign.

Power Consumption Profile: The AI-WB2-13 demonstrates lower current consumption in both receiving (65mA vs. 90mA ~ 93mA) and transmitting (230mA ~ 260mA vs. 280mA ~ 350mA) modes, providing power efficiency benefits for battery-operated applications.

Performance Trade-offs: The AI-WB2-13 exhibits lower data rate (72.2Mbps vs. 150Mbps) but higher output power (19dBm vs. 18dBm) and improved sensitivity (-98dBm vs. -96dBm). Application requirements determine whether these performance characteristics are acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the AI-WB2-13 directly replace the ESP32-C3-13 without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. Both modules use identical 18-SMD surface mount packaging and operate within compatible electrical parameters (3V ~ 3.6V supply range overlap, identical operating temperature range). PCB layout compatibility is maintained.

Q: What is the primary reason for substitution?

A: The ESP32-C3-13 is classified as obsolete. The AI-WB2-13 is an active product with confirmed inventory, ensuring supply chain continuity and manufacturer support.

Q: Are the wireless protocols identical between these modules?

A: Yes. Both modules support Bluetooth v5.0 and WiFi 802.11b/g/n protocols at 2.4GHz frequency, ensuring functional equivalence for wireless communication applications.

Q: What are the key performance differences?

A: The AI-WB2-13 provides lower data rate (72.2Mbps vs. 150Mbps), higher output power (19dBm vs. 18dBm), improved sensitivity (-98dBm vs. -96dBm), and lower power consumption in both receive and transmit modes. Application requirements determine acceptability of these trade-offs.

Q: Are both modules RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the ESP32-C3-13 and AI-WB2-13 are ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and hazardous substance restrictions.

Q: What is the voltage supply compatibility?

A: The ESP32-C3-13 requires 3V ~ 3.6V. The AI-WB2-13 accepts 2.7V ~ 3.6V, providing a wider input range that fully encompasses the original module's requirement.

Q: Does the AI-WB2-13 support the same serial interfaces?

A: Both modules support GPIO, I2C, PWM, and UART interfaces. The ESP32-C3-13 additionally supports ADC and I2S; the AI-WB2-13 additionally supports SDIO and SPI. Application firmware must account for interface differences.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for both modules?

A: Both modules operate across -40°C to 85°C, ensuring identical thermal performance specifications.