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Almost exactly one year after the first PX4 announcement, we would like to introduce our newest member of the family, Pixhawk! For those familiar with the existing PX4 electronics, it is the all-in-one board combining PX4FMU + PX4IO, combined with a processor and sensor update and a number of new features. The current board revisions will however remain in full service and active development and are fully compatible. Pixhawk is designed for improved ease of use and reliability while offering unprecedented safety features compared to existing solutions.

Pixhawk is designed by the PX4 open hardware project and manufactured by 3D Robotics. It features the latest processor and sensor technology from ST Microelectronics which delivers incredible performance and reliability at low price points.

The flexible PX4 middleware running on the NuttX Real-Time Operating System brings multithreading and the convenience of a Unix / Linux like programming environment to the open source autopilot domain, while the custom PX4 driver layer ensures tight timing. These facilities and additional headroom on RAM and flash will allow Pixhawk the addition of completely new functionalities like programmatic scripting of autopilot operations.

The PX4 project offers its own complete flight control stack, and projects such as APM:Copter and APM:Plane have ported their software to run as flight control applications. This allows existing APM users to seamlessly transition to the new Pixhawk hardware and lowers the barriers to entry for new users to participate in the exciting world of autonomous vehicles.

The flagship Pixhawk module will be accompanied by new peripheral options, including a digital airspeed sensor, support for an external multi-color LED indicator and an external magnetometer. All peripherals are automatically detected and configured.

Features

  • 32 bit ARM Cortex M4 Processor running NuttX RTOS

  • 14 PWM / Servo outputs (8 with failsafe and manual override, 6 auxiliary,

    high-power compatible)

  • Abundant connectivity options for additional peripherals (UART, I2C, CAN)

  • Integrated backup system for in-flight recovery and manual override with

    dedicated processor and stand-alone power supply

  • Backup system integrates mixing, providing consistent autopilot and manual

    override mixing modes

  • Redundant power supply inputs and automatic failover

  • External safety switch

  • Multicolor LED main visual indicator

  • High-power, multi-tone piezo audio indicator

  • microSD card for long-time high-rate logging

Specifications
  • 32bit STM32F427 Cortex M4 core with FPU

  • 168 MHz

  • 256 KB RAM

  • 2 MB Flash

  • 32 bit STM32F103 failsafe co-processor

  • ST Micro L3GD20H 16 bit gyroscope

  • ST Micro LSM303D 14 bit accelerometer / magnetometer

  • MEAS MS5611 barometer

Interfaces
  • 5x UART (serial ports), one high-power capable, 2x with HW flow control

  • 2xCAN

  • Spektrum DSM / DSM2 / DSM-X® Satellite compatible input

  • Futaba S.BUS® compatible input and output

  • PPM sum signal

  • RSSI (PWM or voltage) input

  • I2C®

  • SPI

  • 3.3 and 6.6V ADC inputs

  • External microUSB port

Power System and Protection

  • Ideal diode controller with automatic failover

  • Servo rail high-power (up to 10V) and high-current ready (10A +)

  • All peripheral outputs over-current protected, all inputs ESD protected

  • Monitoring of system and servo rails, over current status monitoring of peripherals

Dimensions

  • Weight: 38g (1.31oz)

  • Width: 50mm (1.96")

  • Thickness: 15.5mm (.613")

  • Length: 81.5mm (3.21") 

Availability

This announcement is a service to our users and developers to allow them to plan their hardware roadmaps in time, and to show what we're currently working on. The board will not be immediately available, but 3D Robotics is taking pre-orders for Pixhawk now, and will begin shipping in late October [Update 11/11: the current expected ship date is late Nov]. The price is $199.99.

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Comments

  • Indeed, shipping costs t Europe are insane

  • It is only change the ARM STM32F427,only a 407 with more RAM and FLASH ,I don't think there are more advantages!!?? why it can't support PPM?? 

    Only is has nice shell!

    Gavin.

  • Hey Lorenz, Tridge, Craig, Chris, Joshua,

    Could you guys list the difference in specs between PX4-FMU-IO and Pixhawk. 

    I already notice memory doubled and more appropriate power supply, servos and A/D IO stuff.

    It really seems as though this is quite a better fit for our use than the PX4FMU/IO.

  • Mounting tabs?

    Print some and glue them on.

  • @Ilya R.

    The text is backwards. Upon install you would mostly be looking from behind. The FC would likely be mounted with LED partially visible for status. So, all would be read from back facing toward forward arrow. As it is now, all reads upside down.

  • 3D Robotics

    Felix: Yes, distributors will soon be getting instructions on early ordering. Our new channel manager is starting next week, so you should be hearing from him shortly. 

  • Distributor

    Would it be possible that we (the official 3DR distributors) get the Pixhawk shipped before the release date?

    This way we would be able to stock the product and be ready once released in late October ...

  • 3D Robotics

    tieeuf007: we are hard at work on trying to negotiate better shipping rates from the carriers, but in the meantime I wanted to note that we have excellent dealers in Europe and the shipping is often cheaper when it's sent from within the EU.

  • chris anderson:

    i will be the first to buy you new board if you shipping cost become reasonable ...it s incredible to see how it s expansive for europeen people or others worldwide.

    it s the main reason why the first time i have bought rctimer version..you shipping cost was too high!!!!!!!!we are many europeen to think the same thing

  • 3DR was always great for me,i still remember when i order one of first APM 2.0 and bcs. board was not ready for delivery on time they stated on web they gave me 100$ store credit..Thanks again Jordi Munoz and others i will never forget...make a little effort and give us USPS again.

     

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