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Dronecode Autopilot Connector Standard
This document describes the connector series and pinouts Dronecode has standardized. The long-term goal is to offer several tiers of connectors:
- Miniature, in-vehicle: JST GH
- Small, IPX9 or similar, automotive grade and sealed: This has not entered the standardization process.
CAN Tranceivers
These types are recommended:
- TJA1051TK3/118
- LTC2875
Dronecode Mini
The Dronecode Mini (DCM) connector standard is intended for in-vehicle, cross-PCB use. It uses the JST GH series which offers a latch lock mechanism at small size and a very competitive cost ($0.15 / 6 pos connector footprint in quantities).
Pinouts
Telemetry Port
This pinout should be used for any serial port. Ports not supporting hardware flow control should leave the CTS and RTS lines floating.
| Pin | Signal | Volt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (red) | VCC | +5V |
| 2 (blk) | TX (OUT) | +3.3V |
| 3 (blk) | RX (IN) | +3.3V |
| 4 (blk) | CTS (IN) | +3.3V |
| 5 (blk) | RTS (OUT) | +3.3V |
| 6 (blk) | GND | GND |
GPS port
This port is intended for combined serial plus I2C GPS units.
| Pin | Signal | Volt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (red) | VCC | +5V |
| 2 (blk) | TX (OUT) | +3.3V |
| 3 (blk) | RX (IN) | +3.3V |
| 4 (blk) | I2C1 SCL | +3.3V |
| 5 (blk) | I2C1 SDA | +3.3V |
| 6 (blk) | GND | GND |
CAN
Recommended CAN transceivers: TJA1051TK3/118 or LTC2875
| Pin | Signal | Volt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (red) | VCC | +5V |
| 2 (blk) | CAN_H | +5V |
| 3 (blk) | CAN_L | +5V |
| 4 (blk) | GND | GND |
I2C port
| Pin | Signal | Volt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (red) | VCC | +5V |
| 2 (blk) | I2C1 SCL | +3.3V (1.5K pullup on autopilot) |
| 3 (blk) | I2C1 SDA | +3.3V (1.5K pullup on autopilot) |
| 4 (blk) | GND | GND |
SPI port
This port is optional and for external SPI sensors.
| Pin | Signal | Volt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (red) | VCC | +5V |
| 2 (blk) | SPI_EXT_SCK | +3.3 |
| 3 (blk) | SPI_EXT_MISO | +3.3 |
| 4 (blk) | SPI_EXT_MOSI | +3.3 |
| 5 (blk) | !SPI_SS1 | +3.3 |
| 6 (blk) | !SPI_SS2 | +3.3 |
| 7 (blk) | GND | GND |
ANALOG POWER
The CURRENT signal should carry an analog voltage from 0-3.3V for 0-60A as default. For high-power units the range should be 0-3.3V for 0-120A. The VOLTAGE signal should carry an analog voltage from 0-3.3V for 0-50A as default.
The VCC lines have to offer at least 2.5A continuous and should default to 5.3V. A lower voltage of 5V is still acceptable, but discouraged.
| Pin | Signal | Volt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (red) | VCC | +5.3V |
| 2 (blk) | VCC | +5.3V |
| 3 (blk) | CURRENT | +3.3V |
| 4 (blk) | VOLTAGE | +3.3V |
| 5 (blk) | GND | GND |
| 6 (blk) | GND | GND |
Dronecode Debug
To facilitate debug and service cables, Dronecode has developed several debug connectors, of which the Dronecode mini debug connector has entered active service.
DCD-Mini
NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE SAME CONNECTOR SERIES AS FOR THE REGULAR PORTS
Dronecode debug port (JST SM06B connector). The indicated voltage is nominal 3.3V, but for a target running at a lower voltage (e.g. 1.8V) the debug probe should shift its voltage to the target sense voltage. Up to 100 mA should be provided on TARGET PROCESSOR VOLTAGE so that debug adapters can drive their shifter / optocoupler directly from this line.
| Pin | Signal | Volt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (red) | TARGET PROCESSOR VOLTAGE | +1.8V-3.3V |
| 2 (blk) | CONSOLE TX (OUT) | +3.3V |
| 3 (blk) | CONSOLE RX (IN) | +3.3V |
| 4 (blk) | SWDIO | +3.3V |
| 5 (blk) | SWCLK | +3.3V |
| 6 (blk) | GND | GND |
Solder pads on board next to connector:
| Pad | Signal | Volt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NRST (reset) | +3.3V |
| 2 | GPIO1 (free GPIO) | +3.3V |
| 3 | GPIO2 (free GPIO) | +3.3V |
Standard Compliant Boards and Manufacturers
- Pixhawk Open Hardware – REFERENCE IMPLEMENTATION
- PXFMini – Erle Robotics (http://erlerobotics.com)
- Pixracer – AUAV (http://auav.co)
- Zubax Robotics (http://zubax.com)
- Wingtra (http://wingtra.com)
Contact
For questions regarding the connector series, please contact the Dronecode Industrial Community director at lorenz@px4.io.
