Pixhawk Mini
The 3DR® Pixhawk® Mini autopilot is a next-generation evolution of the Pixhawk (designed by 3DR in collaboration with HobbyKing®). It is about 1/3rd the size of the original Pixhawk and has more powerful processors and sensors.
The Pixhawk Mini is based on the PX4 open-hardware project and has been optimized for the PX4 flight stack.
The flight controller (autopilot) can be purchased from the 3DR® Store. Wiring information is available in the Quick Start.
Specifications
Processors:
- Main Processor: STM32F427 Rev 3
- IO Processor: STM32F103
Sensors:
- Accel/Gyro/Mag: MPU9250
- deprecated by the PX4 firmware
- Accel/Gyro: ICM20608
- Barometer: MS5611
Voltage ratings:
- Power module output: 4.1~5.5V
- Max input voltage: 45V (10S LiPo)
- Max current sensing: 90A
- USB Power Input: 4.1`5.5V
- Servo Rail Input: 0~10V
Interfaces:
- 1 x UART Serial Port (for GPS)
- Spektrum DSM/DSM2/DSM-X® Satellite Compatible RC input
- Futaba S BUS® Compatible RC input
- PPM Sum Signal RC Input
- I2C (for digital sensors)
- CAN (for digital motor control with compatible controllers)
- ADC (for analog sensors)
- Micro USB Port
Weight and dimensions:
- Dimensions: 38x43x12mm
- Weight: 15.8g
GPS module (supplied with kit):
- GNSS receiver: ublox® Neo-M8N; compass HMC5983
- Weight: 22.4g
- Dimensions: 37x37x12mm
Connector assignments
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Features
Key features of the Pixhawk Mini are:
- Advanced 32 bit ARM Cortex® M4 Processor running NuttX RTOS
- 8 PWM/servo outputs
- Multiple connectivity options for additional peripherals (UART, I2C, CAN)
- Redundant power supply inputs and automatic failover
- Integrated safety switch and optional external safety button for easy motor activation
- Multicolor LED indicator
- Integrated multi-tone piezo audio indicator
- microSD card for long-time high-rate logging
- Easy-to-use Micro JST connectors
The Pixhawk Mini is shipped with new GPS module:
- Based on the uBlox M8N
- Concurrent reception of up to 3 GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou)
- Industry leading –167 dBm navigation sensitivity
- Security and integrity protection
- Supports all satellite augmentation systems
- Advanced jamming and spoofing detection
- Product variants to meet performance and cost requirements
Kit package
The 3DR Pixhawk Mini is shipped with the following contents:
| Component | Image |
|---|---|
| Pixhawk Mini Autopilot |  |
| GPS module |  |
| Quad Power Distribution Board |  |
| 8 Channel PWM Breakout board |  |
| 4-pin cable (for I2C) |  |
| RC-in cable for PPM/SBUS |  |
| 6 to 6/4 ‘Y’ adapter for GPS and additional I2C devices |  |
| 6 pin cable (2) (for power distribution board and for compass/gps) |  |
| 6 pin JST to DF13 for legacy telemetry radio |  |
| Safety switch |  |
| Mounting foam |  |
| I2C breakout board ? - not listed parts on handout | - |
Optional accessories
Telemetry Radio Sets
When installing the 3DR telemetry radios, use the connectors that come with Pixhawk Mini, rather than those that come with the radios.
- WiFi Telemetry Radio
- Digital Airspeed Sensor
Compatibility
RC radio
- PPM output RC receivers
- Spektrum DSM RC receivers
- Futaba S BUS RC receivers
ESCs
- All standard PWM input ESC’s
Connector pin assignments (pin outs)
Product comparisons
Pixhawk Mini vs Pixhawk (original)
- One-third the size - from 50x81.5x15.5mm to 38x43x12mm.
- Rev 3 processor for full utilization of 2MB flash memory.
- Improved sensors, both primary and secondary IMU MPU9250 and ICM20608 respectively. The result is more stable, more reliable flight and navigation.
- GPS+Compass module included. Features the Neo M8N with GLONASS support; compass HMC5983. Expect faster and stronger GPS lock.
- Micro JST connectors instead of DF-13. These are much easier to work with.
- Integrated piezo speaker and safety switch.
- Natively supports 4S batteries with the included PDB.
Pixhawk Mini vs Pixfalcon
- Improved sensors, both primary and secondary IMU MPU9250 and ICM20608 respectively. Expect better vibration handling and reliability.
- CAN interface for UAVCAN support.
- Includes 8-channel breakout servo rail for planes and other vehicles requiring powered PWM output.
- Includes I2C breakout board for a total of 5 I2C connections.
- Similar size.
Pixhawk Mini features an advanced processor and sensor technology from ST Microelectronics® and a NuttX real-time operating system, delivering excellent performance, flexibility, and reliability for controlling any autonomous vehicle.
Known issues
- Some Pixhawk Minis have a hardware defect that makes the internal MPU9250 IMU unreliable.
- The problem is only present in older hardware revisions, because it was fixed at some point by the manufacturer.
- To check whether a specific board is affected or not, leave the board disconnected for some time, then power it on and try to start the mpu9250 driver from the PX4 command line. If the board is affected, the driver will not start.
- The MPU9250 is disabled by default on the PX4 firmware.
- The defective Pixhawk Minis will not calibrate without an external magnetometer or an attached GPS, even indoor.
- When using an external GPS, this is not a problem because the secondary ICM20608 provides the accelerometer and the gyro, while the external GPS provides the magnetometer.
More information
The following links include additional information: