Hargrave Technologies (formerly known as Advanced Power Drives) has launched a new state-of-the-art line of professional motor control and power supply solutions for systems integrators and OEMs of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). Designed and manufactured entirely in-house at the company’s facilities in Australia, the new motor controllers are designed to serve both commercial and defense-oriented applications, and are ideal for companies looking for NDAA-compliant ESCs.
The first product in Hargrave’s lineup, the microDRIVE LP, can deliver up to 60A continuous current and is capable of peak currents of 110A in bursts of up to to 10 seconds. It features DroneCAN connectivity, an IP-67-rated heatsink, and comes ready to fly with cables and connectors. Unmanned Systems Technology talks to Felix Schulz, Head of Sales at Hargrave Technologies, to find out more about the benefits and capabilities of microDRIVE LP.
What types of UAV can microDRIVE LP be used with – multirotors, unmanned helicopters, fixed-wing drones? Is the platform targeted at any particular MTOWs (maximum takeoff weights) or NATO UAS classes?
The NDAA-compliant microDRIVE LP is adaptable for a wide variety of defense platforms and missions, such as Group 2 / NATO Class I. MTOW will vary based on configuration, but a typical use case would be a 25kg MTOW quad rotor VTOL.
Does microDRIVE LP incorporate any specialized algorithms or operating modes that are tailored towards particular UAV types?
ESCs (electronic speed controllers) on the GateKEEPER platform are designed to integrate into a wide range of applications out of the box. However, we also offer over 80 configurable parameters that can be used to further optimise the units for specific aircraft. Our firmware is developed entirely in-house, so firmware can be rapidly customised to meet specialised needs.
Compared to Hargrave’s previous offerings, what performance parameters have you achieved the biggest boost for with the new microDRIVE LP design?
GateKEEPER has incorporated evolutionary changes across the entire architecture, but of particular note is our new proprietary motor control algorithm FOCAL, which combines the low-speed efficiency of FOC with the high-speed performance of trapezoidal drive.
The FOCAL algorithm is motor-agnostic, providing optimum efficiency and rapid response across the full operating range without any tuning required. GateKEEPER also adds advanced logging capabilities, full DroneCAN support, IP-rated enclosures, propeller parking, and sensored motor control.
What drone flight controllers is microDRIVE LP compatible with?
GateKEEPER is compatible with any flight controller that supports DroneCAN, PWM or DShot communication, with an extended feature set available with DroneCAN. We work particularly closely with the Ardupilot development team to ensure compatibility, and test extensively with PX4.
The microDRIVE LP platform can be optionally provided with NDAA compliance – what does this process entail?
The NDAA regulations are complex and change every year, but the main part of compliance involves sourcing specific critical components outside of non-allied countries of the United States. Even non-NDAA units will benefit from all of our engineering, manufacturing, and testing occurring in Australia.
Does microDRIVE LP need to be calibrated? If so, can this be easily performed by the end user?
GateKEEPER is designed to work with almost any motor out of the box, continuously optimising the drive parameters to get the most from each motor. Our controllers can be paired with our cross-platform Configurator tool, allowing you to change a number of different settings, such as drive modes, data logging rates, and protection responses, as well as update the firmware. These functions are all accessible through DroneCAN.
Hargrave Technologies’ new product line also includes integratable ESCs such as the nanoDRIVE 4LPi, as well as high-voltage 120V ESC and power supply solutions.
