Embedding a ESP32 without a Dev Board

[dazz100]

Hi
I am looking at using an ESP32 Dev Kit to plug into a custom PCB. The Dev Kit requires a fair bit of PCB real-estate because of the DIL connectors to interface to the PCB. I am looking at the ESP-S3 Dev Kit board with the dual USB connectors and thinking, I only need one. The schematic looks straight forward.

I am looking at the option of putting the ESP32 module directly onto the custom PCB. I will also need to include the supporting components (eg. USB connector, X-tal etc) that are already on the Dev Kit boards. I can't be the only one that is or has considered this option. The major component suppliers include the bare ESP32 in their inventory.

Has anyone here done this?
Is it difficult?
What are the issues?

[ESP_Minatel]

Hi,

This is quite common TBH.
You can start by reading the Hardware Reference here (i.e for ESP32-S3).

Read the Hardware Design Guidelines (PDF)
Try out the Espressif KiCad Library

Finally, you can use some of the dev kits as reference: ESP32-S3-DevKitC.

If you follow all the design guidelines and the references, you might be able to do what you are looking for.

[dazz100]

Hi
Thanks for the links.
Using a ESP32 module rather than a dev-kit doesn't look any more difficult than what I am already doing on the PCB.

[Onetimepad]

I am new to using the esp32 and mounted the ESP32 S3 Mini on a custom PCB. It was straight forward enough and doing a DIY reflow was easier than I expected.