🌐 Navigating Through GNSS Challenges: A Dive into EMI/EMC Solutions for Dense Drones! 🚁🔧

I’ve been working on some exciting drone technologies recently, and had a moment of reflection on how far we’ve come in this field! 🚁😍

When it comes to designing drone electronics, the integration of GNSS modules is one of the most critical aspects!

🧭 First off, what is GNSS and how does it compare with GPS? 🤔 Well, GPS is just ONE segment of the broader GNSS umbrella ☂️ While GPS (USA) is well-known, GNSS includes other global constellations like GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China)! 🌎

Now, embedding GNSS in our drone designs can be a little bit of a pain! 😬

🛰️ Precision: The good news is, GNSS modules are evolving, becoming more compact WITHOUT compromising precision! Woo! 😎 Selecting the right module for your PCB size and weight constraints is vital! 👌🏽

🔌 Power Management: this is ALWAYS and issue! With GNSS being power-intensive, your drone's power budget needs lots of planning! 🪧 It’s super important to utilise the low-power options available by your components, and make sure there is a backup battery solely dedicated to the GNSS! 🪫

📡 Antenna Design: A well-placed and tuned antenna can make or break GNSS! Take care with your PCB layout, avoid interference, and ensure a clear signal path👌🏽 and PLEASE follow the datasheet 😂😂

🔄 Multi-Constellation Support: Multi-frequency GNSS receivers can track all the signals from all possible satellite systems, which means that the receiver “sees” as many satellite as possible! 👀👀👀 Modern GNSS modules that support this have better accuracy and redundancy! This is especially super important in places where some satellite signals may be weak or obstructed 🧱

🔍 Positioning: When a GNSS receiver is connected to at least 4 GNSS satellites it can calculate its position (longitude, latitude, height). By using corrections, such as RTK (real time kinematics), accuracy can be improved to the centimeter level 📏🤩

🔗 Interface & Integration: Make sure the rest of your components are compatible with your GNSS modules and your MCU, considering communication protocols - and make sure you have enough available pins for everything! 📍

🛑 EMI/EMC Challenges: Drones are DENSE with electronics. We’re trying to fit a lot of functions in a small and light space with good weight distribution. Proper grounding, component placement, and isolation techniques will help you prevent GNSS signal disruptions! 🚫 🛜