Designing for RF: WiFi, BLE, NFC!

1- Use a 4-Layer Design. There is absolutely no need to stick to a two layer design in 2023. 4 layers is now cheap as chips 🍟 and using a Signal and RF on top, followed by GND (continuous and uninterrupted please and thank you! 🙏🏽), VCC, then any more signals on the bottom will do wonders for making your life MUCH easier.

2- Layout your RF first - ALWAYS! Design your board *around* your RF. Make sure you have enough space around your RF trace, with nothing around, above, or under it 🚫 (edit: actually, not always! Check Dan Binnun ‘s comment below 👇🏽)

3- Use integrated components! Y’all, work smart not hard. I’m made for an easy life. Why get a separate balun when you can get a chip with one integrated? Why use an MCU and a separate BLE chip when you can get the 2-in-1 option? This makes life much easier and reduces the chances for mistakes!

4- Isolate your RF trace: especially from high speed signals like HDMI and Ethernet! You should also use via stitching to protect the trace itself. This makes sure that your receiver performance is intact ✅

5- Keep inductance small 🤏🏽 : make sure everything is properly grounded by using multiple vias! Same for power, I don’t want to see no lonely via sat there on her own 😭 She always needs a friend ❤️ and make sure routes are as small and direct as possible ✨