Do I need to define a cut-out area in the ground plane for IPEX connector

[techtoys]

Hi

I am using ESP32 S3 MINI 1U on a 4 layer PCB. The 2nd layer and the 3rd layer are ground plane.
My question is: do I need to define a cut-out area on these two ground planes underneath the IPEX connector on the MINI 1U module?

If yes, what is the dimension required?

John

[liaifat85]

In general, leaving a clearance of at least a few millimetres around the IPEX connector footprint should be sufficient. However, you can check the datasheet: https://www.espressif.com/sites/default ... eet_en.pdf

[techtoys]

Hi

I can find information of antenna placement for onboard antenna like attached. But that is for onboard PCB antenna. For IPEX I can't find anything similar. Maybe I have missed something?

John

[techtoys]

Hi

There is an indirect information borrowing from Nordic's nRF52840 EVK. Its layout is open to the public(in Altium Designer format). Attached please find two screen captures :
1. File "Nordic_nRF52840_EVK_Layout1.png" shows the normal 3D view. There is a ground polygon pour around the U.FL connector.
2. File "Nordic_nRF52840_EVK_Layout2.png" shows the 3D view with all 4 layers combined in one picture. There is ground cut-out for the 2nd and 3rd layers. The interesting part is on the 4th layer which shows a complete ground pour without any cut-out for the U.FL connector.

My guess is that: when the EPS32 S3 MINI 1U module is placed on a PCB (baseboard), there is no longer required to define any cut-out under the IPEX connector because the module itself has the necessary cut in the module itself. The U.FL/IPEX connector guarantees that it is a 50Ohm co-axial cable and connector structure to connect to an external antenna no matter there is a ground plane under the module or not.

Any body has experience/comment on it?

John