ARK Electronics has introduced the ARK Jetson PAB V3 Modalix Bundle, combining the ARK Jetson PAB V3 Carrier, an ARKV6X Flight Controller, a SiMa.ai Modalix System-on-Module (SOM), and a heatsink and fan.
The Modalix SOM delivers 50 TOPS of AI performance at under 10 W and includes built-in embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) storage. The Modalix SOM boots and runs from its built-in eMMC storage, so a separate Solid-State Drive (SSD) is not required. An NDAA-compliant 480 GB M.2 NVMe SSD is available as an option.
With the Modalix SOM, heatsink, and ARKV6X installed, the system measures 132.3 × 61.2 × 38.7 mm and weighs 196.5 g without the optional SSD.
Flight controller I/O, including GPS, telemetry, CAN, PWM, and RC input, is provided through two 40-pin Molex Pico-Clasp connectors rather than individual Pixhawk-standard JST-GH connectors. Connecting peripherals therefore requires either a custom wiring harness or ARK Electronics’ Primary and Secondary Avionics Breakout boards.
The Modalix configuration also has several interface differences compared with an NVIDIA Jetson module on the ARK Jetson PAB V3. USB and Ethernet between the Modalix SOM and flight controller are functional, while UART1 to the flight controller is not functional and CAN is not available from the Modalix SOM. Flight controller CAN remains unchanged.
