Magnetometer Integration for PX4 UAV Autopilot

By Mike Ball / 28 Sep 2021

UAV Autopilot Systems

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Magnetometer integration with PX4 UAV autopilot

PNI Sensor has released an application note detailing how its RM3100 geomagnetic sensor can be integrated with the PX4 autopilot for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). A driver for the RM3100 has already been implemented and included in the PX4 Autopilot master branch, making interfacing straightforward.

The RM3100 is a military-grade sensor based on PNI’s proprietary magneto-inductive sensor technology. It provides high resolution, low power consumption, no hysteresis, large dynamic range, and high sampling rates, and is ideal for applications requiring precise compass heading and magnetic field measurements.

Many UAV applications need to have an external compass mounted as far away from the motors and ESC cables as possible, and PNI’s RM3100 is ideal for this. Several third-party UAV module vendors have also integrated the RM3100 in their external GPS modules.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect
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