This document provides a comprehensive overview of key communication protocols used in microcontrollers (UART and I2C) and the distinctions between telemetry systems and RC receivers. Additionally, it includes a detailed guide to microcontroller pinouts, relevant to drone technology and the development of in-house testing automation for flight controllers, particularly focusing on systems like ArduPilot and INAV Configurator.
- Communication Type: Asynchronous serial communication, no clock signal required.
- Data Transfer: Data transmitted one bit at a time over a single wire (plus a ground wire).
- Devices Supported: Generally supports communication between two devices.
- Complexity: Simple in implementation but less efficient for multiple devices.
- Use Cases: Commonly used for short-distance communication between microcontrollers and peripherals.
- Communication Type: Synchronous serial communication, two-wire protocol requiring a clock signal.
- Data Transfer: Data and clock signals transmitted over two wires (SDA and SCL).
- Devices Supported: Supports multiple devices in a master-slave configuration on the same bus.
- Complexity: More complex due to addressing and arbitration, efficient for multiple sensors or devices.
- Use Cases: Used for connecting low-speed peripherals like sensors, displays, and EEPROMs.
- Function: Involves collecting and transmitting data from remote points for analysis.
- Usage: Used in fields like aerospace, automotive, and health for sending data like temperature, pressure, or speed.
- Communication: Typically one-way, from the remote device to the monitoring station.
- Function: Receives control signals in radio control systems and converts them to electronic signals.
- Usage: Utilized in controlling model airplanes, drones, cars, and boats.
- Communication: Primarily one-way, receiving signals from the transmitter; some systems may include two-way communication for telemetry.
| Pinout | Description |
|---|---|
| VCC (Voltage Common Collector) | Provides power to the microcontroller. Often denotes the positive voltage supply pin. |
| GND (Ground) | The ground pin is used to complete the circuit by providing a path for the current to return to the source. It's the reference point for all voltage measurements. |
| SCL (Serial Clock Line) | Used in I2C communication. It's the clock line controlled by the master device to synchronize data transmission over the I2C bus. |
| SDA (Serial Data Line) | Also used in I2C communication. This line is used for bidirectional data transfer between the master and slave devices. |
| TX (Transmit) | In UART communication, this pin is used to send data from the microcontroller to another device. |
| RX (Receive) | In UART communication, this pin is used to receive data by the microcontroller from another device. |
| PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) | These pins provide PWM output, which is used for controlling devices like motors and LEDs with variable power or brightness. |
| ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) | These pins are used to convert analog signals (like those from a sensor) into digital values that the microcontroller can process. |
| DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) | These pins convert digital values from the microcontroller into analog signals. Not all microcontrollers have DAC pins. |
| GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) | These pins can be programmed to act as either input or output, used for a wide range of purposes like reading sensors or controlling LEDs. |
| SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) Pins | Includes MISO (Master In Slave Out), MOSI (Master Out Slave In), SCK (Serial Clock), and SS (Slave Select). Used for SPI communication, which is a serial communication protocol for short-distance communication primarily used to talk to sensors and SD cards. |
| RESET | Used to reset the microcontroller, making it restart its program from the beginning. |
- Advanced open-source autopilot software supporting a variety of vehicles.
- Suitable for customization and in-house testing automation for flight controllers.
- Configuration tool for INAV firmware in flight controllers.
- Assists in setup and tuning for optimal performance, works alongside ArduPilot for comprehensive management.
This document is intended to serve as a study guide and a foundation for developing tools related to flight controller testing and sensor data verification in the context of drone technology.