Autopilot Module Component Candidates

Basically a tiny Linux SoC that runs OpenWrt

$17

5V input

74mA WiFi standby, 230mA WiFi full speed, max 500 mA

3.3V logic operation

I/O:

• 3x UART
• 1x PCIe
• 4x PWM
• WiFi
• 5x Ethernet
• 1x SPI
• 1x I2C
• 1x I2S
• USB
• SD Card
• JTAG
• Around 40 GPIO depending on pin mux

Pros:

• Very tiny, size of a coin
• Lots of I/O
• Can handle what is needed for Autopilot
• 1.27mm header support
• Has PWM for motor/servo control
• Internal WiFi antenna
• Lots of memory and storage for the purpose

Cons:

• Not much documentation
• No breakout board, but has a USB dongle option
• Semi-expensive

1.65-3.6V Input, 11mA supply

ARM-Cortex M3 Core

128KB Flash

I/O:

• 1x USB2.0
• 3x USART
• 2x SPI
• 2x I2C
• 4x PWM
• JTAG/SWD

Pros:

• In stock at Digikey
• Team familiar with STM32 toolchain
• Beefy-ish core
• Low Power
• LQFP makes soldering simpler

Cons:

• Stock is fleeting
• Might not be enough memory for control loops