Power distribution systems take the output from the drone’s power source, such as a battery or engine-driven generator, and convert it into the voltages required by the various subsystems such as the electronic speed controller, flight controller, cameras and sensor payloads. They will also filter out the electrical noise and voltage spikes caused by the high current draws from these subsystems.
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Smaller drones such as quadcopters may have power distribution boards designed as a single PCB that has been engineered with features such as large tracks and extra copper content in order to handle high current and heat. Power distribution for these smaller drones may also be handled by the flight controller itself, which may have built-in voltage regulators and current sensors.
Single Phase AC-DC Rugged Power Supply by Aegis Power Systems
Larger UAVs will have a rugged power distribution unit that downconverts the output from the generator to a variety of voltage levels, including 5V or less for CPUs and image processing systems, 24V for actuators for landing gear and other mechanical systems, and higher voltages for large rotors.
These specialized units may also have advanced features such as battery voltage and load monitoring, engine RPM monitoring, and circuit breakers. Key parameters may be sent to the drone communications system via methods such as serial TTL so that they can be transmitted to a ground control station and monitored during flight.
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