A magnetic resonance imaging system includes main magnet (20) that produces a substantially spatially and temporally constant main magnetic field within a field of view. Magnetic field gradient coils (30) impose selected magnetic field gradients on the main magnetic field within the field of view. At least one radio frequency coil (44, 44', 44'', 144, 154) is arranged to detect a magnetic resonance signal induced by an applied radio frequency pulse. The at least one radio frequency coil includes a radio frequency antenna (90) and electronics module (78, 78') disposed on a substrate (72). The electronics are electrically connected with the radio frequency antenna (90). The electronics are mounted in a centered region (96) surrounded by the radio frequency antenna.