The NX-FCU is available in various custom build options in response to the needs of clients. Some example standard build options include:
- CC: Redundant control unit without internal sensors or communication solutions. Ideal for certified systems, including SCP configurations, with external TSO sensors.
- CM: Non-redundant control unit with integrated communication solutions. Ideal as rugged and reliable ground data terminals in mobile ground stations.
- CS: Non-redundant control unit with integrated sensors. Ideal as rugged and reliable simplex controllers for smaller Mini UAS that do not require redundancy.
- VSM: Alternative Vehicle Specific Modules (VSM) such as single-board OEM solutions without enclosures. Ideal for rugged and reliable Mini UAS with tight SWaP and cost margins.
These units remain rugged, reliable and safety certifiable, and draw from the hardware and software building blocks of the NX-FCU to provide a responsible and highly functional automation solution for small SWaP sensitive systems and compact ground stations.
NX-FCUs are supplied as complete FCUs or as FCU hardware with Board Support Packages (for PikeOS and real-time Linux). Contact S-PLANE for further information and support in selecting and configuring an NX-FCU for your system.
Features
Overview
- Integrated navigation, flight control and mission management unit
- Unparalleled processing power, memory and onboard storage for it’s aircraft class
- Optional Integrated Multi-constellation GNSS and inertial sensors
- Unparalleled wide range of configurable I/O (Serial, Ethernet, GPIO, PWM, CAN, ADC)
- Optional integrated LOS and BLOS communication links
- Available in various flexible configurations, including Redundant and non-Redundant
- Design Assurance Level C and environmentally qualified for safety and certification
Applications
- Fixed and rotary wing UAVs
- Civil/Military Tactical and high-end Mini UAVs
- SWaP sensitive unmanned systems
Key Advantages
- Rugged and environmentally qualified (DO-160G) design
- Small, light-weight and low power (SWaP sensitive)
- Safety critical hardware and software architecture (DO-254 & DO-178C)
- Highly reliable with redundancy and dissimilar hardware
- Customisable electrical and mechanical interfaces
- Very wide input voltage range
Technical Specifications
| GENERAL | |
| Navigation | GNSS/AD-Aided INS (EKF) |
| Control | Fixed & Rotary Wing |
| Mission | Waypoints, Loiter, Follow, Hover |
| Health Monitoring | PBIT, CBIT, IBIT |
| Computational Redundancy | Yes (Dual Flight Control) |
| Certification | DO-254 & DO-178C Available |
| SENSORS | |
| GNSS Receiver | Yes (Redundant) |
| GNSS Accuracy (Differential) | < 2 cm & GNSS Heading |
| GPS & GLONASS Tracking | Yes |
| GALILEO & BEIDOU Tracking | Yes |
| IMU | MEMS (Redundant) |
| INPUT / OUTPUT | |
| Serial (ARINC 429 & RS-422/485/232) | 16x |
| GPO / PWM | 16x |
| GPI / Input Capture | 16x |
| Ethernet | 2x Gigabit |
| CAN | 1x 1 Mbps |
| ADC | 4x 16 Bit |
| TELEMETRY / C2 | |
| Frequencies | UHF, L, S & C bands (secure MANET and PtP) |
| Data Rate | Link dependent |
| LOS Range | Link dependent |
| Redundancy | Dual LOS Links |
| GSM (HSPA+) | Optional |
| Iridium Satellite | Optional |
| WLAN (802.11 b/g) | Optional |
| VIDEO STREAMING | |
| Video Input | GigE Vision |
| Data Storage | 32 GB |
| MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL | |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 100 x 128 x 122 mm |
| Mass | 1 090 g |
| Input Voltage | 6 to 40 VDC |
| Power (Typical) | 20 W |
| Regulated Servo Power | External |
| ENVIRONMENTAL | |
| Operating Temperature | DO-160G, Section 4: -40˚C to +71˚C at the conduction interface (cold plate surface) |
| Storage Temperature | DO-160G, Section 4: -40˚C to +105˚C |
| Operational Vibration | DO-160G, Section 8: 0.04 g2/Hz from 20 Hz to 1 kHz, dropping off at -6 dB/octave from 1 kHz to 2 kHz |
| Operational Shock | DO-160G, Section 7, Category B: 20 g/11 ms |
| Transport Vibration | MIL-STD-810G, 514.7, Procedure I (Cat 4, 5-500Hz) |
| Humidity | DO-160G, Section 6, Category B |
| Also DO-160G qualified | Fluid susceptibility, Waterproofness, Fungus resistance, Salt fog, Sand and dust, Magnetic effect, Power input, Induced signal susceptibility, RF susceptibility and Emission of RF energy |
