Hi guys,

AUAV Co. team is proud to announce two new useful gadgets - an I2C AIRSPEED sensor and 3.3/5V UNIVERSAL I2C HUB.

The newly designed AIRSPEED sensor now incorporates JST GH connector + additional solder pads on the bottom side, and 5V->3.3V LDO which makes it compatible with 3.3V I2C. The size is 15x21mm.

Our new I2C HUB incorporates PA9516A + 3.3V LDO + SPST slide switches for all channels, thus making it compatible with either 5V I2C devices or 3.3V I2C devices at the same time. Using the slide switches on the top, one can choose 3.3V or 5V interface to his peripheral I2C devices. The I2C HUB size is 14x42mm.

Best regards

Nick

AUAV is proud to announce our latest high quality PixHawk derivative - The XRacer V1. This project was developed in cooperation with Lorenz Meier, David Sidrane, Leonard Hall and many others. This board combines the latest IMU offerings from InvenSense and a large number of capabilities in a micro 36mmx36mm form factor.

Below are some pictures to peak your interest.

XRacer V1 specifications:

• MCU - STM32F427VIT6 rev.3
• FRAM - FM25V02-G
• Ultra low noise LDOs for sensors and FMU
• Sensors used - MPU9250, HMC5983 ( optional ), ICM20608 ( optional ), baro MS5611
• Connectors - GPS+I2C, RC-IN, PPM-IN, RSSI, SBus-IN, Spektrum-IN, USART3 ( TxD, RxD, CTS, RTS ), USART2 ( TxD, RxD, CTS, RTS ), FRSky-IN, FRSky-OUT, CAN, USART8 ( TxD, RxD ), ESP8266 ( full set ),      SERVO1-SERVO6, USART7 ( TxD, RxD ), JTAG ( SWDIO, SWCLK ), POWER-BRICK ( VDD, Voltage, Current, GND ), BUZZER-LED_BUTTON
• MicroSD card reader
• RGB LED
• Micro USB
• ESP8266 802.11bgn ( optional )
• Dimensions - 36 x 36mm with 30.5 x 30.5mm hole grid with 3.2mm holes
• Molex Clik-Mate ( JST GH series ) connectors for easy peripheral connect.
• Full set of ready made cables for almost any peripheral module.
• Power supply - 5-5.5VDC from USB or PowerBrick connector. Soon the  ACSP4 ( 36 x 36mm power distribution, current, voltage sensor with 5V/2.5A ultra low noise buck and 12V/2A ultra low noise buck ) companion will be announced.

The price and availability will be announced within a few weeks.

Thank you again for your support.

Phil and Nick

Hi guys,

I and Phil Kocmoud are proud to announce the new ACSP3 - current/voltage sensor with analog and I2C interface.

Here are some device features:

• Vin max = 42VDC ( 10S )
• Ishunt current = 90A
• Vout = 5.4V
• Ioutmax = 2.25A with 3A burst
• Ultra low noise/ripple <10-12mV
• Analog + I2C interface
• Dimensions - 30x30mm

The new current/voltage sensor uses INA169 for analog current readings and dual I2C ADC for digital readings. The ultra low noise DC-DC Buck ( LT8609 ) makes the device one of the most silent. The board comes with 2x4 0.1" presoldered header.

A simple Arduino code attached showing an example of I2C voltage data readings.

Now we're performing the usual current/voltage stress tests and hope the device will be ready for the market very soon.

Some more pictures attached.

Best regards

Nick Arsov

Hi guys,

The new revision - AUAV-X2 is ready. I performed all tests today - flashing bootloaders, flashing firmware, configuration, sensors test, receiver test, airspeed sensor test, servo tests, power tests, log tests, temperature tests, etc. It seems the "IRON" AUAV-X2 performs just fine. More pictures will follow.....

Nest week I'll fulfill all current preorders.

Best regards

Nick

Hi guys,

I'm thinking over new multicopter power distribution board which will integrate also 4 current sensing shunts, two dual current/voltage/power sensors, a 42 Vin 3A DC-DC Buck regulator. The current,voltage and power measurements will be carried out over I2C interface. I think it's time to place aside the analogue measurements as there are a lot of clever ICs for the purpose.

Some explanations:

1. R1-R4 are 4 current shunts. Each of them can handle 60A...or even more, but some more thermal researches should be done;

2. US1 and US2 are dual current/voltage/power sensors with I2C interface;

3. U6 and surrounding passive components are the DC-DC Buck regulator;

4. The PCB is 6 Oz double sided with glued heat sink ( optional...if needed ) on the bottom layer.

As this is just a preliminary idea, I'd like to know your pro and cons about the design.

Best regards

Nick

Hi guys,

Most of the AUAV-X1 tests passed just fine. The tests were so many, therefore I represent the most important ones.

For the moment the W25Q80 NAND Flash driver is not yet tested, that's why we use FM25V02 FRAM on board instead.

For the moment AUAV-X1 works with either ST IMU set ( L3GD20H + LSM303D ) or Invensense IMU ( MPU6000 ) + external magnetometer HMC5883L. Real flight tests ahead.

What I can say after all tests done:

1. AUAV-X1 is fully functional as expected with either ST IMU or Invensense IMU;

2. AUAV-X1 is compatible with PIXHAWK firmware and works just fine with QGC;

3. The microIMU board must be redesigned to have ST + Invensense combo onboard. Stacking ST IMU and MPU6000 IMU impossible;

4. A case has been designed and some vibration tests have to be performed;

5. Real flight tests ahead when the rain stops. The Balkans are floaded;

6. W25Q80 NAND Flash driver has to be tested.

We started fulfilling the preorders with ST IMU.

Many thanks to Lorenz for his support during all the tests.

Thank you Lorenz!

Best regards

Nick

Hi guys,

Have some pictures of the AUAV-X1 board with connectors - top side and bottom side. Also some scopes applied - input voltage from 4V to 8VDC and different loads - 0.5A and 1A.

Some picture explanations - from top to bottom:

TPS63061_4V_1A

TPS63061_5V_0.5A

TPS63061_7V_1A

TPS63061_8V_0.5A

The temperatures are respectively - 34.5 deg C of the TPS63061, 31 deg C of the Schottky diode, 28 deg C of the inductor. They remain stable within an hour measurements. The output voltage is perfect stable - 5.05VDC. The LDO output voltages are between 3.305 and 3.312VDC respectively.

Best regards

Nick

Hi guys, have some nice pictures from SMT factory.....

Best regards

Nick and Phil

Hi guys,

The first batch bare PCBs are ready. They are really perfect! Have some pictures.....

The next step - the SMT robot.

For those who missed the first post, here it is - "AUAV-X1 , a new vision of the PX4 autopilot"

Best regards from Nick and Phil

Arsov RC Technology is proud to introduce a new vision of the PX4 v2 Autopilot board. The Arsov AUAV X1 is another elegant design from Phillip Kocmoud and Nick Arsov. Our goal was to product a high quality, compact, lightweight and cost effective alternative to the PX4 V2 or PixHawk autopilots. This is our first attempt to join the PX4 community after developing several successful designs for the MatrixPilot community. After we have finalized the design we will release the design files and schematics. The schematics will be released immediately to new owners. Initial supplies are limited and a deposit insures a boards in the first production run.

Availability:
Early March , 2014

Features:
STM32F427VI ARM MCU
STM32F100C8T6 ARM MCU
MEAS MS5611-01BA03 barometer

Memory - 8Mb SPI Flash. Could be expanded on demand up to 1Gb.

microIMU – choose one of the following 5 IMU offerings:
-ST Micro L3GD20H + LSM303D
-ST Micro L3GD20H + LSM303D + MPU6500
-Invensense MPU 6500
-Invensense MPU9250
-Maxim MAX21100
-Connector only for remotely mounted IMU

New power supply based on TPS63061 DC-DC Buck-Boost
The TPS63061 device provides a power supply solution for products powered by either three-cell up to six-cell alkaline, NiCd or NiMH battery, or a one-cell or dual-cell Li-Ion or Li-polymer battery. Output currents can go as high as 2A while using a dual-cell Li-Ion or Li-Polymer Battery, and discharge it down to 5V or lower. So you can connect a 2 cell Li-Po directly to the AUAV X1, and run it completely flat before brownout. Since it's a buck-boost converter, you can also power from a 5V BEC while still in regulation. Additional info about this Buck-Boost regulator could be found here - http://www.ti.com/product/tps63061

Connections:
4 x UARTs - 3 of them have Vcc, Tx, Rx, GND and one has a full set - Vcc, Tx, Rx, RTS, CTS, GND
1 x CAN with MAX3051
1 x I2C
1 x SPI
2 x ADC + 2 x ADC for current and voltage sensing
8 x PWM Receiver Inputs
8 x PWM Servo Outputs
2 x JTAG connection specifically for the TC2030-CTX-NL 6-Pin cable
micro SD card holder
micro USB connector
All inputs and outputs are ESD and EMI protected

Dimensions:
30mm x 43mm

For additional information and availability, please visit our websites https://store.auav.co/ for US or http://arsovtech.com for EU.

Christmas special for AUAV3 - just $59.95 !

Sales at www.arsovtech.com for EU and auav.co for US

Best regards

Nick Arsov and Phil Kocmoud

Hi guys,

AUAV3 development board/autopilot has a new lower price - just $79.95 and could be ordered at ARSOVTECH.COM for EU and at AUAV.CO for US. The project becomes open hardware - all the schematics and pcb layouts will be supplied to the customers. The firmware is almost ready....not many bugs left and will be fixed soon. You could download it from here . You could try both Mark Whitehorn and Robert Dickenson branches as there are slight differences.

Let's recall some AUAV3 specifications:

• MCU – dsPIC33EP512MU810
• Onboard 32Mb Flash AT45DB321
• Onboard IMU – MPU6000
• Onboard compass – HMC5883
• Onboard absolute pressure sensor – BMP180
• Onboard CAN – MAX3051
• Two opto-isolated UARTs – for OSD and Telemetry
• One non-isolated UART
• One I2C and one SPI user interfaces
• 8xRC inputs, 8 servo outputs
• RSSI input
• USB
• 4 x Analog inputs
• 3 x Digital I/Os
• Universal GPS 4pin 2.54 connector
• ICSP 5pin connector
• 4 x LEDs red, blue, green and yellow
• Main power – external 5V
• Onboard 3.3V 1A LDO regulator
• Optional BackUp power – 1xLi-Po or 4xNiMH or other 5V
• ESC powering capability
• Preferable power supply – ACSP1 ( Current/Voltage sensor board + 5V3A DC-DC Buck )
• Dimensions – 45 x 35mm
• Two types of connectors – 2 x 3row x 14pin 2.54mm right angled or separate straight color coded connectors
• USB port for programming, etc.
• CAN interface with driver MAX3051
• ESD protection on I2C, USB and SPI
• Reverse power polarity protection by power MOSFET

More info you could get in tutorials section

Best regards

Nick Arsov and Phil Kocmoud

Hi Everyone,

Hi guys,

Phillip Kocmoud and I are proud to announce the third generation open source, MatrixPilot based flight controller – AUAV3. We will also be releasing concurrently an external power supply / current and voltage sensor board - ACSP1. The initial batch for development and testing will be ready in a week or two. We expect to be shipping these out on or before March 1st from both the US and European locations.

Some of the AUAV3 features:

*     MCU – dsPIC33EP512MU810
*     Onboard 32Mb Flash AT45DB321
*     Onboard IMU – MPU6000
*     Onboard compass – HMC5883
*     Onboard absolute pressure sensor – BMP180
*     Onboard CAN – MAX3051
*     Two opto-isolated UARTs – for OSD and Telemetry
*     One non-isolated UART
*     One I2C and one SPI user interfaces
*     8xRC inputs, 8 servo outputs
*     RSSI input
*     USB
*     4 x Analog inputs
*     3 x Digital I/Os
*     Universal GPS 4pin 2.54 connector
*     ICSP 5pin connector
*     4 x LEDs red, blue, green and yellow

Onboard Power supply

*     Main power – external 5V
*     Onboard 3.3V 1A LDO regulator
*     Optional BackUp power – 1xLi-Po or 4xNiMH or other 5V
*     ESC powering capability
*     Preferable power supply – ACSP1 ( Current/Voltage sensor board + 5V3A DC-DC Buck )

Dimensions and additional extras

*     Dimensions – 45 x 35mm
*     Two types of connectors – 2 x 3row x 14pin 2.54mm right angled or separate straight color coded connectors
*     USB port for future use – programming, etc.
*     CAN interface with driver MAX3051
*     ESD protection on I2C, USB and SPI
*     Reverse power polarity protection by power MOSFET

The documentation will be posted here and on www.arsovtech.com in a few days.

To have the AUAV3 complete solution you will require the ACSP1 – current voltage sensor + DC-DC 5V 3A Buck power supply or alternative one.

Some of the ACSP1 features:

*     Dimensions – 30 x 26mm
*     Onboard Current and Voltage sensor
*     Onboard 90A alloy shunt
*     Onboard 5V 3A 1MHz DC-DC Buck
*     90A current capability
*     2-4 Li-Po ( up to 20V )       
*     A heat shrinkable tube for board protection
*     22AWG x 4 + 2.54mm 1x4 connector for powering the AUAV3

Phil and I are pleased to announce the prices of AUAV3 and ACSP1, as follow:

* AUAV3 - $129.95
* ACSP1 - $24.95
* Preorders / Promotion - AUAV3+ACSP1 - $129.95 + free shipping

Promotion and preorders will start Feb 18, 2013 and run till March 31, 2013 at www.arsovtech.com (Wordwide) and www.auav.co (North America).
Orders over $50.00 will have free shipping.
Initial quantities are limited and will be fulfilled on a first come first serve basis.

Let the fun begin!

Regards from Nick Arsov and Phill Kocmoud

Hi guys,

Please find hereafter some very usefull links for "Succesful PCB grounding". I think it is a very good "know how" on how to design groung paths on your PCBs.

PART1: http://www.edn.com/design/analog/4394761/Successful-PCB-grounding-with-mixed-signal-chips---Part-1--Principles-of-current-flow

PART2: http://www.edn.com/design/analog/4395817/Successful-PCB-grounding-with-mixed-signal-chips---Part-2--Design-to-minimize-signal-path-crosstalk

PART3: http://www.edn.com/design/analog/4396382/Successful-PCB-grounding-with-mixed-signal-chips---Part-3--Power-currents-and-multiple-mixed-signal-ICs

Best regards

Nick Arsov

Hi guys,

The Smart MOSFETs are now really smart enough to use them in such applications as RC High Current switches. More, they have a current sensing output, which could be used for current sensing instead of commonly used Schunt+IC .

An example for such a device is BTS50015 - BTS50015-1TAA-Data-Sheet-11-Infineon.pdf

The very low Rds of less than 1.5mOhm and 3.3-5V drive voltage capabilities make it a nice device for further researches. The ICs could be also connected in parallel for higher currents.

Here is a typical current sensing diagram from IS pin:

and a typical application:

I'm going to design some prototypes based on BTS50015 and BTS555 and after testing them I'll post the results.

Enjoy and have fun!

Nick

Hi guys,

I started a new approach in measuring current, voltage and power sensing in UAV devices.

In common, voltage and current measurements are not galvanicaly isolated, read by analog inputs and thus they can cause many headaches to the developers.

I found sone nice current/voltage/power -> I2C ICs, which could perfectly fit the design.

The two examples placed here are with Linear Technology ICs, but you could also use INA219/220/226 or 230 the same manner.....just add a digital optocouplers and...have fun!

The measured voltages with LT ICs could reach 80VDC, while with the TI ICs - up to 30VDC. Measured currents could be higher than 200 and even 300A and depend only on schunts used.

Best regards

Nick

ST extends it's gyro line with a new 9 axes IC - LSM333D.

Features:

1. 3 axes gyroscope with ±250 to ±2000dps selectable rotational acceleration full-scale range;

2. 3 axes accelerometer with ±2g to ±16g selectable linear acceleration full-scale range;

3. 3 axes compass with ±2 to ±12gauss selectable magnetic full-scale range;

4. LSM333D includes a built-in temperature sensor and smart power management for longer handset battery life;

5. The module allows the choice of either I²C or SPI connection to the main system controller.

6. The LSM333D is available in a 3.5 x 6 x 1mm package, and will soon enter volume production in the 4 x 4 x 1mm package.

Here's the datasheet of the LSM333D in a 3.5x6x1mm. package - http://www.st.com/internet/com/TECHNICAL_RESOURCES/TECHNICAL_LITERATURE/DATASHEET/DM00050102.pdf

Waiting impatiently for the first samples for testing.

Best regards

Nick

Hi pilots,

I'd like to introduce some products comming soon, developed by Nick Arsov with the invaluable assistance of Bill Premerlani, Robert Dickenson, Ben levitt, Peter Hollands, Riccardo Kuebler, Mark Whitehorn and Matthew Coleman.

The new AUAV2 (TINY UDB5) will be ready soon for testing. It has dsPIC33FJxxx MCU, SPI, I2C, UART, CAN,analog inputs, digital I/Os, MPU6000 gyro-accelero, HMC5883 compass, LPS331 altitude sensor, 5V 500mA, 3.3V 500mA LDOs and many many new features.

Here's the schematics - AUAV2_dsPIC33FJ_80pin_R2.pdf

Here are some additional pictures of the IMU board. Please note it holds it's sensors on a separate ultra small daughter boards. I used this approach for easy replacement with newer IC when available.

The IMU board has MicroSD card reader, 2x GPS connectors, super cap for GPS and holds 3 micro sensor boards.

Here's the schematics - AUAV2_IMU_MICROMODULES_R1.pdf

Also I'm preparing a new OSD microboard...see the picture attached. This board was developed with the great help of Ben Levitt !

More info about the future products you can read on www.arsovtech.com .

Also new lower summer prices are promoted!!!!!!

Have fun !