DroneCAN H-RTK F9P Helical (Based on NXP S32K1)

Overview

The DroneCAN H-RTK F9P (NXP S32K1) is the latest differential high-precision GNSS positioning system from Holybro. It has adopted the DroneCAN protocol for communication. It provides multi-band RTK with fast convergence times and reliable performance, concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, and a fast update rate for highly dynamic and high volume applications with centimeter-accuracy. 

With the adoption of the DroneCAN Protocol, it has up to an 8 Hz navigation update rate, upgradeability, noise immunity, real-time features, and is more robust than UART due to its increased resistance to electromagnetic interference. It does not occupy any serial port of the flight controller, and multiple CAN devices can be connected to the same CAN bus via a hub.

This S32K1 Based DroneCAN-F9P uses a u-blox F9P module, a BMM150 compass, and a tri-colored LED indicator, and is equipped with the NXP S32K14 processor with 1MB Flash and 128 KB RAM. It is compatible with the open source Pixhawk series flight controller with both PX4 and Ardupilot. This S32K1 version uses PX4 CAN Node Firmware, and supports PX4 Dronecan Firmware Updating.

Note: This version does not support Dual GPS or GPS heading at this moment. We are working to get this supported as soon as possible. 

Features

DroneCAN F9P Rover The Rover model has a flatter profile and stronger water resistance. It uses a dual band patch antenna and comes with an integrated cable to connect to the CAN bus. It excels in spaces where there are few obstructions. You can find purchase link for this product here

DroneCAN F9P Helical This model uses a helical antenna, which has slightly better performance in space with obstructions than the Rover version. The antenna of this module can either be attached to the module directly or connected via a SMA cable, giving you the ultimate flexibility. It also has a UART2 port exposed, allowing you to do YAW/Heading (aka moving baseline). You can find the purchase link of this product here This model can be used either on the rover (aircraft) or as a base station. However, when used as Base Station, RTK communicate with the Ground Control Station via USB, so the DroneCAN protocol is not used. You can consider using the standard H-RTK F9P Helical or Base for your Base Station.

Specification & comparison

	DroneCAN H-RTK F9P Rover	DroneCAN H-RTK F9P Helical
Intended Application	Rover (aircraft) only	Rover (aircraft) or Base station
GNSS Receiver	U-blox ZED-F9P high precision GNSS module	U-blox ZED-F9P high precision GNSS module
Antenna	Ceramic Patch Antenna with 20dB LNA	Helical Antenna with 36dB LNA
Processor	STM32G473	Available with STM32-G473 or NXP-S32k146
Magnetometer	BMM150	BMM150
GNSS	BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, GPS / QZSS	BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, GPS / QZSS
GNSS Band	B1I, B2I, E1B/C, E5b, L1C/A, L1OF, L2C, L2OF	B1I, B2I, E1B/C, E5b, L1C/A, L1OF, L2C, L2OF
Positioning accuracy	3D FIX: 1.5 m / RTK: 0.01 m	3D FIX: 1.5 m / RTK: 0.01 m
Communication Protocol	DroneCAN 1Mbit/s	DroneCAN 1Mbit/s
Antennas Peak Gain (MAX)	L1: 4.0dBi L2:1.0 dBi	L1: 2dBi L2: 2dBi
Time-TO-First Fix	Cold start: ≤29s Hot start: ≤1s	Cold start: ≤25s Hot start: ≤1s
Navigation Update Rate	RAW: 20Hz Max RTK: 8Hz Max	RAW: 20Hz Max RTK: 8Hz Max Moving Base RTK: 5Hz Max
Cable Length	27cm or 50cm	N/A
Antenna Connection Type	N/A	Board: SMA female Antenna: SMA male
Working voltage:	4.75V~5.25V	4.75V~5.25V
Current Consumption	~250mA	~250mA
Dimensions	Diameter: 80mm Height: 20mm	Board (G4): 51.1*35*22.9mm  Board (S32k1): 51.1*35*24.3mm Antenna Diameter: 27.5mm Antenna height: 59mm
Weight	123g	G4 Version: 58g S32k1 Version : 60.1g
Operating Temperature	-20℃ to 85℃	-20℃ to 85℃

 

Sample Wiring Diagram

For other technical details and user guide, please see the documentation Page here.

Reference Links

• RTK Testing & Comparison by Andrew Tridgell (Ardupilot)
  
• User Guide: Setup & Getting started (Ardupilot)
  
• User Guide: Setup & Getting started (PX4)
• PX4 CAN Node Source Code in the S32K1 MCU
• GPS Heading/Yaw (Aka Moving baseline) Guide
• H-RTK Pinout
  
• Dimensions
  
• Downloads

Package Included:

• 1x DroneCAN H-RTK F9P Helical (based on NXP S32K1)
• 1x High Precision Dual Band Helical Antenna (L1/L2)
• 1x GH 4P cable 400mm
• 1x GH 4P cable 150mm
• 1x GH 6P cable 150mm
• 1x GH 7P cable 150mm
• 1x SH 6P cable 150mm
• 1x USB (type-c) cable

Spare Parts