Custom ESP32-S3 PCB Design (Altium Designer)

Overview

This project showcases the design of a 4-layer custom PCB built around the ESP32-S3 microcontroller. It includes dual USB-C ports—one for native USB and one for UART communication via FTDI—and features a low-noise LDO regulator to supply a stable 3.3V to the system.

The board is designed using Altium Designer for embedded applications that require robust connectivity and clean power delivery.

Components Used

• Microcontroller: ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N8R8
• Voltage Regulator: TL1963A-33DCYR (Ultra-Low Dropout, 3.3V, 1.5A)
• USB-C Ports:
  • 1 × USB-C (Native USB with ESD protection)
  • 1 × USB-C (UART via FTDI FT232RL)
• USB-UART Bridge: FTDI FT232RL
• Capacitors: Decoupling (0.1µF, 1µF, 10µF), Bulk (100µF tantalum) – X7R, 0603/0805
• Protection Components: TVS diode for USB, ferrite beads for power filtering
• Connectors: Standard 2.54mm headers for I/O and debugging

Features

✔️ ESP32-S3 with integrated Wi-Fi + BLE
✔️ Two USB-C ports (native + UART)
✔️ Clean 3.3V power via TL1963A LDO
✔️ 4-layer PCB for improved signal integrity and EMI control
✔️ Optimized layout for power and high-speed USB signals
✔️ Designed in Altium Designer for professional prototyping

Files Included

📁 Altium Project Files (.SchDoc, .PcbDoc)
📁 Layer Stack Manager Configuration
📁 Gerber Files (for PCB fabrication)
📁 BOM (Bill of Materials)
📁 PDF Schematics and assembly drawings

Installation & Usage

1. Open the project in Altium Designer.
2. Review the schematic (.SchDoc) and PCB layout (.PcbDoc).
3. Inspect the 4-layer stack configuration and routing for USB and power domains.
4. Generate the Gerber files and NC Drill files for fabrication.
5. Assemble the PCB and program the ESP32-S3 using:
   • The native USB-C port (DFU mode)
   • The FTDI UART USB-C port with flashing tool

TOP

BOTTOM

Contribution

Feel free to explore, modify, and contribute! If you find any issues or improvements, open a pull request or raise an issue. 🚀

Demo

Below is a preview of the PCB design:

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💡 Tip: This board is ideal for use in embedded prototyping platforms, USB device development, or wearable tech applications.

Credits

This project was made possible thanks to the help of a detailed tutorial by Robert Feranec.
You can find the original project and more information here:
👉 https://github.com/FEDEVEL/esp32-with-usbc