Project Overview

Developing a Modular Communication System for UAVs Using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology

This project focuses on the design and implementation of a modular communication system for drones using UWB technology. The system enables real-time communication between the flight controller and ESCs, overcoming traditional wiring limitations. It is suitable for advanced logistics applications and highly customizable UAV configurations.

Key Features

Modular Design (Scalability)

Supports tricopter, quadcopter, hexacopter setups — flexible for multiple UAV applications.

UWB Communication

Decawave DWM1001C @ 6489.6 MHz, 499.2 MHz bandwidth, up to 6.8 Mbps for reliable low-latency links.

Latency Optimization

End-to-end delay within ~5 ms for motor control, validated via simulation and real-world tests.

System Architecture

The architecture includes a master module that captures PWM signals from the flight controller, and multiple slave modules (each with ESC, motor, UWB receiver). Slaves synchronize motor control using PWM triggered by a master sync signal.

UWB system architecture diagram

Performance Results

Experiments show stable flight despite introduced wireless delays. Hardware-in-the-loop simulations confirm robust control even around the 5 ms delay threshold, consistent with real-world outcomes.

Resources

Published at the 2024 IEEE International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering (CASE): design and experimental validation of a wireless modular UAV architecture.

Paper page