I’m developing a custom flight controller, based on the FMU-V6c. I’d greatly appreciate your feedback on my schematic, pin assignment, and design to ensure compatibility and reliability.
schematic and other files available at this link
My design uses an STM32H743VIT6 32-bit Arm Cortex-M7 MCU operating at 480MHz with 2MB of Flash memory,
This flight controller board is equipped with several key sensors: an IST8310 magnetometer, a BMI088 accelerometer and gyroscope, an ICM-42688-P inertial measurement unit (IMU), and both BMP388 and BMP390 barometric pressure sensors.
For PX4 parameter management, an FM25V01A-GTR FRAM is used for saving non-volatile data, while a microSD (TF) card handles data logging
The board provides eight PWM outputs for ESCs and six auxiliary GPIOs, each with PWM output capability. All analog input pins are protected by a capacitor filter and a voltage divider with a ratio of 11:1 (using a 10k and 1k resistor). Digital pins connected to external connectors are level-shifted to 5V using a TXS0108ERGYR TTL converter, while internal sensors are connected directly to the specified peripherals.
for power two dual-channel NCV8154MW330330TBG LDOs. used
One LDO is dedicated to powering the MCU and the ICM-42688-P IMU, while the second LDO powers the BMI088 and the remaining sensors. To enable or disable power to the sensor rail, pin PA15 is used as an enable signal. The other three LDO enable pins are tied high for continuous operation. A BLM18PG121SN1D ferrite bead protects the power pin of each internal sensor.
Great, but what distinguishes it from other very similar boards. If you look in the hardware docs Choosing an Autopilot — Copter documentation, you will see a large number of flight controllers running a STM32H743VIT6 with very little to distinguish many of them , so what is it that drove you to make yet another similar looking board? What are its distinguishing features.
For myself I would love to see a board based on a currently unavailable / less used MCU, for example the RP2350, or how about a board targetting very low power maybe based on stm32U5 series , or how about a FC capable of running Linux in the background say with STM32MP157.
I was searching for similar hardware designs but only came across the FMU-v6c. My project is essentially a clone of that version, but my primary goal isn’t to build a full autopilot system. Instead, I’m focusing on the AI capabilities of the companion computer. For the autopilot side, I just need hardware that’s sufficient for basic functionality and highly reliable.
I was searching for similar hardware designs but only came across the FMU-v6c. My project is essentially a clone of that version, but my primary goal isn’t to build a full autopilot system. Instead, I’m focusing on the AI capabilities of the companion computer. For the autopilot side, I just need hardware that’s sufficient for basic functionality and highly reliable.
why don’t buy one of the relative cheap available H743 boards. Building your own platform would normally not cheaper if you only need a few of these boards.
Or is your idea a integrated platform with FC and companion computer on just one main board?
My primary focus has been on integrating companion computers and AI applications, which necessitated a flight controller (FC) board with only minor modifications to enable greater control over the FC. That’s why I designed a custom FC based on the FMU-v6c reference. and new design challenges help me the more deep knowledge about PX4
Could you please clarify what you mean by “Not OP”?
To address a few specific points:
The board dimensions were optimized to fit the available aluminum framework
Power protection is focused solely on the servo rail to safeguard against overcurrent and overvoltage conditions
To accommodate an additional CAN interface, we’ve sacrificed the Ethernet port, allowing for expanded connectivity options without increasing board complexity.
Six pins are reserved for user-defined functions, such as bit-banging LEDs or other custom peripherals.
As I mentioned previously, my primary focus has been on integrating companion computers and AI applications. This required a flight controller board with only minor modifications to provide CM greater control over the core FC operations, aligning with the project’s emphasis on autonomous, AI-driven drone capabilities.
“Not OP” stands for “not original poster” AKA somebody else giving a hopefully relevant answer.
I wouldn’t assume that any modification of pixhawk other than rearranging components on the PCB that yields Ardupilot compatible board will also give a PX4 compatible board.
