Blogs

We are designing a Cortex-M4F coupled with a Raspberry Pi running Linux or Andriod Quadrotor, here is our build log!

The Cortex would handle all the controls - sensor fusion, PID/LQR, height, RC controls etc. The Raspberry PI (or another platform) will handle GPS telemetry, communication across different quadrotors, and allowing the user to write higher level applications to do whatever they please while abstracting away the sensor/controls.

The goal is to make everything transparent as possible, from documentation of the sensor fusion algos, and also providing matlab, vpython simulation files.

Current electronic hardware specs (main features):

• CPU: STM32F4-407
• Gyro: IDG500, ISZ500
• Mag: HMC5883L
• Acc: ADXL345
• ST EEPROM
• Barometer : BMA180
  • Barometer will switch to MS5611-01BA03, Accelerometer will remain, Gyros will either switch to MPU-3300, or ADXRS450 depending on vibration tolerance/bandwidth

• 8 PWM Inputs
• 8 PWM Outputs
• 3 USARTs
• 2 SPI
• 2 I2C
• 6 ADC
• 4 LED
• 5V out
• 3.3V out
• 2 DAC

All the pins and ports are broken out for additional use such as GPS etc. I would like to keep the control board as straightforward as possible and abstract all the telemetry/localization features to the Raspberry pi (or other controller)

Software:

Using the Extended Kalman Filter with quaternion state propagation as the main sensor fusion algorithm, the Unscented KF is currently written in Matlab but have yet to ported to C.

Using PID for motors now, will resort to LQR when time permits.

Magnetometer calibration using Gauss newton method, written in Matlab.

GPS localization fusion algos have yet to be determined, it is simple outdoors as a Sigma Point KF will just do, but more difficult indoors due to the lack of an absolute reference.

If you have any inquiries/questions or want to help, please let us know!

Small quadrotor: ~8 inches tip to tip

Tri blades

PWM output sonar

Light and sturdy fiberglass frame

2nd revision of the control board

Using the STM32 discovery as a programmer

It is about 200 grams with everything mounted, motors are 2200kv, currently just using an AR DRONE battery. The controllers are 10A hobbyking controllers that can handle 500hz.

Larger all carbon fiber quadrotor:

Entire quad chasis

Carbon fiber blades, hope to reduce the vibration and also increase rotor response time.

Central hub - 4400mah battery for now, the motor controllers are I2C ones.

Motor choices...

Size difference...

4 in 1 brushless controller, theses are I2C controllers