2 layers27.9 × 16.5 mm
2 layers29.5 × 18.3 mm
CHeepCore
VollstaendigerName/CHeepCoreCHeepCore is a minimalist, ultra-low-cost RISC-V development board built around the CH32V003F4U6 microcontroller. It exposes 16 GPIOs on breadboard-compatible headers, features USB-C power with selectable 3.3 V/5 V rails, and supports SWD/JTAG programming, all for under 0.50€.
- Size
- 29.5 × 18.3 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 18
- Nets
- 29
- Pads
- 98
- Tracks, vias
- 188, 73
- Pours
- 88
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 7 Aug 2025
- Updated
- 8 Aug 2025
Overview
CHeepCore is an open-source printed circuit board by VollstaendigerName, from the VollstaendigerName/CHeepCore repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 29.5 × 18.3 mm with 18 parts on 29 nets, routed with 188 tracks and 73 vias.
Its parts include 5 capacitors, 5 connectors, 2 resistors, 2 ICs and 1 crystal. It belongs with the interfaces and adapters and microcontroller boards boards and the RISC-V boards of this library.
README
README.mdCHeepCore
A minimalist, ultra-low-cost RISC-V development board based on the CH32V003 series. Designed for embedded hobbyists, students, and low-cost prototyping.
Project Information
- Name: CHeepCore
- Revision: 0.0.1b
- Date: 2025-08-06
- KiCad Version: 9.0.3
- Target Audience: Embedded hobbyists, students, low-cost prototyping
- Cost Goal: Complete microcontroller board for under 0.50€
Key Features
- CH32V003F4U6 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller (20-pin QFN)
- 16 GPIOs exposed on 2.54 mm headers (PC0–PC7, PD0–PD7)
- External 24 MHz crystal with 22 pF load capacitors
- USB-C power input (VBUS → 3.3 V LDO)
- Configurable solder jumpers for:
- USB-VBUS disconnect
- 3.3 V / 5 V MCU supply
- SWD/JTAG programming connectors (3-pin & 10-pin, WCH-LinkE compatible)
- Breadboard-compatible PCB outline (18.288 × 29.489 mm)
Power Configuration
-
USB-C Supply
VBUS (5 V) feeds on-board LDO → 3.3 V rail -
External Supply
- Cut the USB-disconnect jumper (bottom side) to isolate VBUS
- Inject external 5 V or 3.3 V via header
-
MCU Voltage Selection
- Default: 3.3 V
- For 5 V operation, cut the 3.3 V jumper (bottom side) and bridge the center pad to 5 V
Programming with WCH-LinkE
- Connect 3V3 and GND pins
- Connect SWDIO/TMS to the middle pin of the 3-pin header
- SWCLK/TCK and reset lines available on 10-pin header for full JTAG
Mechanical Dimensions
- Width: 29.489 mm
- Height: 18.288 mm
- Compatible with standard 2.54 mm breadboards
GPIO Pinout
| # | Header Pin | Default Function | Alternate Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | PD0 | T1CH1N / OPN1 | SDA / UTX |
| 1 | PD1 | SWIO / AETR2 | T1CH3N / SCL / URX |
| 2 | PD2 | A3 / T1CH1 / T2CH3 | T1CH2N |
| 3 | PD3 | A4 / T2CH2 / AETR | UCTS / T1CH4 |
| 4 | PD4 | A7 / UCK / T2CH1ETR | OPO / T1CH4ETR |
| 5 | PD5 | A5 / UTX | T2CH4 / URX |
| 6 | PD6 | A6 / URX | T2CH3 / UTX |
| 7 | PD7 | NRST / T2CH4 | OPP1 / UCK |
| 8 | PC7 | MISO / T1CH2 | T2CH2 / URTS |
| 9 | PC6 | MOSI / T1CH1CH3N | UCTS / SDA |
| 10 | PC5 | SCK / T1ETR / T2CH1ETR | SCL / UCK / T1CH3 |
| 11 | PC4 | A2 / T1CH4 / MCO | T1CH1CH2N |
| 12 | PC3 | T1CH3 / T1CHIN | UCTS |
| 13 | PC2 | SCL / URTS / T1BKIN | AETR / T2CH2 / T1ETR |
| 14 | PC1 | SDA / NSS / T2CH4 | T2CH1ETR / T1BKIN / URX |
| 15 | PC0 | T2CH3 / UTX | NSS / T1CH3 |
Bill of Material (BoM)
| Reference | Qty | Unit Price (€) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| C101 | 1 | 0.0020 | YAGEO CC0603KRX7R7BB104 (100 nF, 0603) |
| C102, C103 | 2 | 0.0016 | YAGEO CC0603JRNPO9BN220 (22 pF, 0603) |
| C301, C302 | 2 | 0.0033 | Samsung CL10A105KB8NNNC (1 µF, 0603) |
| J301 | 1 | 0.0300 | SHOU HAN TYPE-C 16-PIN 2MD(073) |
| R301, R302 | 2 | 0.0004 | VO SCR0603J5K1 (5.1 kΩ, 0603) |
| U101 | 1 | 0.1599 | CH32V003F4U6 (32-bit RISC-V microcontroller) |
| U301 | 1 | 0.0047 | Megain MG6206K3B-33 (3.3 V LDO) |
| Y101 | 1 | 0.0323 | TOGNJING XTM32024000DT00351001 (24 MHz crystal) |
Author & License
VollständigerName GitHub: https://github.com/VollstaendigerName
This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). See LICENSE.txt for details.
This hardware specification and documentation have been prepared to the best of the author’s knowledge, but are provided without any warranty. The author accepts no liability for malfunctions, consequential damages, or any claims arising from the use of this information, the design, or the implemented hardware. Any liability is expressly excluded.
Repository Contents
/
├── CHeepCore/ # KiCad schematic and PCB files
├── Images/ # Images of the 3d Model
├── production/ # Gerber export for fabrication
├── README.md # This file
└── LICENSE.txt # CC BY-NC 4.0 Parts
18| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1µF | Capacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric | C301, C302 |
| 2 | 22pF | Capacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric | C102, C103 |
| 2 | 5k1 | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric | R301, R302 |
| 2 | Conn_01x10 | Connector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_1x10_P2.54mm_Vertical | J101, J102 |
| 1 | 100nF | Capacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric | C101 |
| 1 | 3V3 LDO | Package_TO_SOT_SMD:TSOT-23 | U301 |
| 1 | 3V3 or 5V | Jumper:SolderJumper-3_P1.3mm_Bridged12_RoundedPad1.0x1.5mm_NumberLabels | JP101 |
| 1 | CH32V003FxUx | Package_DFN_QFN:QFN-20-1EP_3x3mm_P0.4mm_EP1.65x1.65mm | U101 |
| 1 | Conn_01x03 | Connector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_1x03_P2.54mm_Vertical | J201 |
| 1 | Crystal_GND24 | Crystal:Crystal_SMD_3225-4Pin_3.2x2.5mm | Y101 |
| 1 | LOGO | LOGO | G*** |
| 1 | USB | Connector_PinHeader_1.00mm:PinHeader_2x01_P1.00mm_Vertical_SMD | J103 |
| 1 | USB Disconnect | Jumper:SolderJumper-2_P1.3mm_Bridged_RoundedPad1.0x1.5mm | JP301 |
| 1 | USB_C_Receptacle_USB2.0_16P | Connector_USB:USB_C_Receptacle_GCT_USB4105-xx-A_16P_TopMnt_Horizontal | J301 |
Questions
How big is the CHeepCore PCB?
It measures 29.5 × 18.3 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the CHeepCore use?
18 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the CHeepCore KiCad files?
From the VollstaendigerName/CHeepCore repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is CHeepCore/CHeepCore.kicad_pcb and its schematic CHeepCore/CHeepCore.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the CHeepCore design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask VollstaendigerName before reusing the design.
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