Hardware Changelog

Hereby are described the main differences between the latest release of the Veronte Autopilot 1x hardware (v 4.12) and the previous commercial version (v 4.8).

Specifications

Computing power

• Ram x 2: The available system memory (RAM) has been doubled (2x). This allows for more complex operations, larger mission profiles, and improved multitasking performance.
• Enhanced Processing Performance: Featuring an upgraded processor and an enhanced system architecture, the overall computing performance has been increased by over 25%. This provides more processing power for advanced navigation filters, onboard calculations, and future capabilities.

Sensors

• Enhanced GNSS modules: Which deliver higher precision and robustness, more accurate GNSS heading, improved jamming and spoofing detection, and enhanced RTK performance with better error reporting.

• Added 3rd GNSS module with TSO C199 approval: A third, independent GNSS module has been incorporated, meeting FAA standards for TSO-C199. This adds a critical layer of redundancy and certified performance for demanding operations.

• Enhanced magnetometer isolation: The magnetometer has been physically and electrically isolated from other onboard systems. This change significantly reduces magnetic interference, resulting in a more stable and reliable heading.

Integrated Independent SuC / FTS

A fully independent FTS / SuC module has been integrated directly into the hardware. This system is designed to provide a reliable safety mechanism that is segregated from the main autopilot functions.

• Compliance with Light-UAS.2511 Containment: Designed in accordance with EASA Light-UAS.2511 standards for containment, ensuring the aircraft can be commanded to remain within a defined operational volume.

• Independent datalink input: The FTS operates on a dedicated power supply and utilizes an independent datalink input. This ensures its availability even in the event of a main power or primary datalink failure.

• Includes a comprehensive suite of self-tests to verify the health and readiness of the termination system before flight.

Communications

• Enhanced LTE communications.
• Internal LOS module replaced by dedicated external LOS input. This new architecture allows users to connect a wider range of high-performance external LOS datalinks, offering greater flexibility and potentially improved RF performance by isolating the radio from onboard electronics.

Robustness & Certification

This version introduces significant improvements to the hardware's physical and electrical resilience, along with key compliance updates.

• Enhanced Mechanical & Electrical Robustness: Autopilot 1x features a more robust physical construction, providing superior resistance to vibrations and shocks. Enhanced internal isolation has also been implemented to protect components and reduce interference.

• Upgraded Power System Protection: Includes enhanced protection against inrush current during power up, reverse polarity on all inputs, and an improved power input redundancy scheme.

• Internal GNSS module with TSO compliance
• Enhanced Signal Control on Startup: To prevent unintended activation of motors or other actuators during the power-on or reset sequence, all configurable I/O pins are protected against high-impedance (floating) states. Each pin is equipped with a hardware pull-down resistor, ensuring it maintains a safe, known-low state until actively driven by the autopilot software.

Pinout changes from Autopilot 1x 4.8

The pinout for the 4.12 version features several important changes from the 4.8. To prevent any confusion, the following table shows the pinout for both versions. The different pins are marked with ⚠️, all the rest have the same function.