KOE080: FUNDAMENTALS OF DRONE TECHNOLOGY

Unit -3: Avionics Hardware of Drones

 Autopilot:

 Central component responsible for controlling the flight of the drone.

 Receives input from various sensors and translates it into commands for the
actuators.
 Can be programmed to execute predefined flight paths or respond to real-
time conditions.

An autopilot is a crucial component of drone avionics responsible for

controllingthe drone's fight path without direct human input. It utilizes a variety of
sensors such as GPS, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to maintain stability and
navigate the drone. Understanding different modes of autopilot operation and
tuning parameters can greatly enhance fight performance.

- The autopilot is the brain of the drone. It manages flight control, navigation,
and stability.
 - It processes sensor data, computes control commands, and adjusts motor
speeds to maintain desired flight behavior.

- Autopilots often incorporate IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units), which

combine accelerometers and gyroscopes for precise attitude estimation.

- UAV autopilot systems allow an unmanned aerial vehicle, such as a drone, to

perform entire missions autonomously without the need for manual remote
control. These missions may include cargo delivery, mapping, surveillance
and many other applications.

 AGL-Pressure Sensors:

- AGL (Above Ground Level) sensors measure the altitude of the drone relative
to the ground.

- Pressure sensors help in accurate altitude measurement by detecting changes in

air pressure.

 These sensors measure atmospheric pressure at the drone’s altitude.

 AGL pressure sensors help determine the drone’s height above the ground.

 They contribute to altitude control and stability during flight.

 Above Ground Level (AGL) pressure sensors are used to measure altitude
based on atmospheric pressure changes.

 These sensors play a vital role in altitude hold and navigating drones at various
heights.

 Understanding their calibration and integration with other avionics components

is essential for accurate altitude control.
 Servos:

 Servos are small motors that translate electrical signals into mechanical
movement.

 Used to control the orientation of various flight surfaces such as ailerons,

elevators, and rudders.

 Provide stability and maneuverability to the drone.

 Servos are small actuators that move control surfaces (such as ailerons,
elevators, and rudders) on the drone.

 They ensure precise adjustments for stable flight and maneuverability.

 Servos respond to control signals from the autopilot.

 Servos are small actuators used in drones to control the movement of various
components such as control surfaces, landing gear, and cameras. They
operate based on electrical signals, providing precise and responsive control.

 Accelerometer and Gyroscope

 Accelerometers measure acceleration forces acting on the drone.

 Gyroscopes detect angular velocity and orientation changes.

 Together, they provide crucial data for stabilizing and controlling the drone's
flight.

 Accelerometers measure linear acceleration (changes in velocity).

 Gyroscopes detect angular velocity (rotational motion).

 Together, they provide essential data for maintaining stability, orientation,

and attitude control.
  The autopilot uses this information to adjust motor speeds and keep the
drone level.

 Actuators:

 Actuators are devices that convert electrical signals into physical movement.
 Used to adjust the position of flight surfaces, throttle, and other control
mechanisms.
 Responsible for implementing changes commanded by the autopilot.
 Actuators convert electrical signals into mechanical motion.
 In drones, actuators control motor speed, propeller pitch, and other moving
parts.
 They play a crucial role in adjusting the drone’s position and maintaining
stability.
 Power Supply :

 Provides electrical power to all components of the drone's avionics system.

 Must be reliable and capable of delivering sufficient power for the duration
of the flight.

 Often includes batteries or fuel cells, depending on the type of drone.

 Drones require a reliable power source.

 Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries are common for providing electrical

energy.

 Efficient power management ensures longer flight times.

Thus, a reliable power supply is essential to ensure continuous operation of

avionics systems.

- Battery: Most drones are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-

polymer batteries. These batteries provide the necessary electrical energy to
operate the drone's motors, electronics, sensors, and other components.

- Voltage and Capacity: The voltage and capacity of the battery determine the
drone's flight time and performance. Higher voltage batteries generally provide
more power and better performance, while larger capacity batteries offer longer
flight times.

- Power Distribution System: The power from the battery is distributed to

various components of the drone through a power distribution system. This system
ensures that each component receives the appropriate voltage and current.

 Processor:
 The central processing unit (CPU) of the drone's avionics system.

 Executes software algorithms for flight control, sensor data processing, and
decision-making.

 Determines the overall computational capabilities of the drone.

The onboard processor (usually a microcontroller or microprocessor) handles data
processing and decision-making. It executes control algorithms, sensor fusion, and
communication tasks.

Modern drones often use ARM-based processors or specialized flight controllers.

-Flight Controller: The central processing unit (CPU) or microcontroller that

controls the drone's flight is known as the flight controller. It receives input from
various sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS, and calculates the
appropriate commands to stabilize the drone, control its movement, and execute
user-defined tasks.

- Types of Processors: Flight controllers often use microcontrollers or specialized

processors designed for real-time control tasks. Some drones may also incorporate
additional processors for tasks such as image processing (e.g., for computer vision
applications) or data logging.

- Software: The processor runs firmware or software that governs the drone's
behavior and functionality. This software may include flight control algorithms,
navigation routines, communication protocols, and user interfaces.
  Integration, Installation, and Configuration:

1. Integration

- Integration involves assembling all components into a functional avionics system.

- Component Selection: Integration begins with selecting the appropriate

components for the drone's intended application, including airframe, propulsion
system, flight controller, sensors, payload, and communication modules.

- Mechanical Assembly: The selected components are physically assembled into

the drone's airframe, following design specifications and assembly instructions.
This includes mounting motors, attaching propellers, installing electronic
components, and securing wiring.

- Electrical Connections: Wiring and connectors are used to establish electrical

connections between the drone's components, ensuring that power is properly
distributed and signals are transmitted between sensors, actuators, and the flight
controller.

-Testing and Calibration: Once assembled, the drone undergoes testing and
calibration to ensure that all components are functioning correctly and calibrated
properly. This may include motor testing, sensor calibration, and functional tests of
flight control systems.

2. Installation:

- Installation refers to physically mounting the hardware on the drone's airframe.

- Mounting Sensors and Payloads: Sensors such as GPS modules,

accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, LiDAR, or other payloads are installed onto
the drone's airframe according to design specifications and mounting instructions.
This may involve attaching brackets, mounts, or housings to securely hold the
sensors or payloads in place.

- Power Supply Setup: Batteries and power distribution systems are installed and
connected to the drone, ensuring that the power supply can provide adequate
voltage and current to all components. Safety precautions, such as proper battery
mounting and securing, are also important during installation.
- Flight Controller Installation: The flight controller, which is the brain of the
drone, is installed in a suitable location within the airframe, typically in a
vibration-dampened and protected enclosure. Connections are made to the flight
controller for power, sensors, actuators, and communication with ground control
systems.

3. Configuration:

- Configuration includes setting up software parameters, calibrating sensors, and

ensuring proper communication between components.

- Software Setup: The flight controller's firmware and configuration software are
installed and configured according to the drone's specifications and intended use.
This includes setting parameters such as PID gains, flight modes, fail-safe settings,
and communication protocols.

- Sensor Calibration: Sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and

compasses are calibrated to ensure accurate data measurement and optimal
performance. This involves following calibration procedures provided by the
manufacturer or software tools.

- Testing and Tuning: After configuration, the drone undergoes testing and tuning
to verify its performance and make adjustments as necessary. Flight tests are
conducted to assess stability, responsiveness, and overall flight characteristics,
with adjustments made to the configuration as needed.

- Crucial steps to ensure the drone operates reliably and safely during flight.

Integrating these components involves connecting them to the drone’s main board
or flight controller. Proper installation ensures physical stability, correct wiring,
and secure mounting.
Configuration involves setting parameters, calibrating sensors, and fine-tuning the
autopilot for optimal performance.

 Testing:

-Rigorous testing is essential before flight.

-Verify sensor accuracy, motor responsiveness, and overall system behavior.
-Conduct ground tests and, if possible, flight tests in controlled environments.