Whether you want to run some risky experiments with microcontrollers or sprinkle sensor nodes over a large geographical area, there are few cheaper ways to do that than with a CH32V chip. These ultra-cheap RISC-V microcontrollers may be closer to a Pinto than a Porsche in terms of performance, but they only cost a few pennies each and they get the job done. However, working with the bare chips is quite challenging, preventing many hobbyists from giving them a try.
WeAct has just released a new development board that is intended to make these chips easier to use in your projects. This barebones board comes equipped with a CH32V006 microcontroller, a USB-C port for power, broken-out GPIO pins, a push button, and the necessary supporting components. Two variants exist to support both 3.3V and 5V GPIO logic levels. In keeping with the low cost of the chip, the board sells for under $2.
The reverse side of the board (📷: WeAct)
At the heart of the board is the CH32V006F8U6, a 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller running at up to 48 MHz. Compared to its predecessor, the CH32V003, this newer chip offers significant upgrades, including 8KB of SRAM and 62KB of flash storage. These enhancements make the board far more practical for somewhat more complex embedded applications while still retaining its ultra-low-cost appeal.
Despite its small footprint — measuring just over 30 by 18 millimeters — the board provides a surprising amount of flexibility. Two rows of 12-pin headers expose a range of interfaces, including GPIO, ADC, USART, I2C, and SPI, making it suitable for everything from sensor integration to simple logging tasks. A dedicated 4-pin debug header is also included, though users will need an inexpensive external programmer such as the WCH-LinkE to flash firmware.
The board dimensions (📷: WeAct)
WeAct has also taken steps to simplify development efforts by publishing documentation, schematics, and development resources online. While the official tooling appears geared toward Windows, alternative open-source toolchains are already emerging, giving Linux users a potential path forward.
For those looking to experiment without fear of breaking the bank, this WeAct CH32V006 board offers an accessible entry point into the RISC-V ecosystem. Should your chip give up its magic smoke, you’ll only be out a couple of bucks.