How to layout a custom PCB with an ESP32S3 and integrated antenna?
Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2025 7:53 pm
I am interested in the group's recommendations and experiences with PCB layout and integrated antennas.
I am using an ESP32S3 DevKitC-1 in a socket for prototyping and then will convert to a smaller version later. I have a 4 layer PCB - L1=signals, L2=ground, L3=power, and L4=signals.
I can envision 3 options for the antenna:
1. Have the integrated antenna hang over the edge of the PCB - recommended design from Espressif. Seems like a great opportunity to break or damage the antenna when handling the board, inserting the board into an enclosure, etc.
2. Create a copper exclusion zone under the antenna at least 15 mm from the edges of the antenna. Doable, but takes up a lot of board space, especially when the ESP32 is in the middle of the board.
3. Have the edge of the antenna just inside the edge of the PCB, and create a copper exclusion zone from the edge of the ESP32 to the edge of the board. Basically, the top ~6 mm of the PCB is a copper exclusion zone.
What do you do in this situation?
I am using an ESP32S3 DevKitC-1 in a socket for prototyping and then will convert to a smaller version later. I have a 4 layer PCB - L1=signals, L2=ground, L3=power, and L4=signals.
I can envision 3 options for the antenna:
1. Have the integrated antenna hang over the edge of the PCB - recommended design from Espressif. Seems like a great opportunity to break or damage the antenna when handling the board, inserting the board into an enclosure, etc.
2. Create a copper exclusion zone under the antenna at least 15 mm from the edges of the antenna. Doable, but takes up a lot of board space, especially when the ESP32 is in the middle of the board.
3. Have the edge of the antenna just inside the edge of the PCB, and create a copper exclusion zone from the edge of the ESP32 to the edge of the board. Basically, the top ~6 mm of the PCB is a copper exclusion zone.
What do you do in this situation?