General Overview

The Power Cube series was developed together with the new Pixhawk 2.1 to address the increasing power demands of large UAVs. Heated IMUs, flow sensors, OSD, dual GPS, companion computers, gimbals, and more require additional and more reliable power supplies.

With all the aforementioned consumers, standard power modules can become overloaded or operate at their upper limits, increasing the risk of failures, malfunctions, and system overheating.

The new Power Cube series takes care of all onboard equipment. Each output current is regulated up to 10A with short peaks of 15A (current cutoff at 20A).

The design is based on the reference design of the LM5116 from Texas Instruments without any cost-cutting, featuring further improved component selection, such as oversized FETs and SPEC capacitors from Panasonic, etc.

What's New in "V3":

• Each output stage has an independent undervoltage protection circuit (13.5V).
• Feedback loop for overvoltage protection for all outputs.
• Oversized FET in the input stage -> nearly spark-free connection.
• Soft start (20 ms) to ensure proper startup from ground.
• Can be used without anti-spark plugs.
• Now compatible with benchtop power supplies.
• Arming of FET via switch or PWM (receiver or RFD900x and optional PWM module). If no external switch is installed (and no PWM is present), the FET is automatically activated after 2 seconds, and the Power Cube powers up.
• Dual (redundant) 100V linear voltage regulators for FET drivers and digital circuits.
• If the digital part fails, the Power Cube will self-activate within 3 seconds -> This emergency power supply runs parallel to the main controller and is fully independent.
• Once the Power Cube is activated, it can only be deactivated by a positive signal from the switch and/or a PWM signal over 1500µs -> This prevents accidental shutdown in case of a wire break or loss of the PWM signal.

Specifications:

• Input power: 13.5V - 60.0V (14S LiPo)
• Cooling fan
• Power ON / LED for each power supply unit (a.k.a. BEC)
• Output ripple voltage maximum 5.3V at 5A -> very stable voltage with low noise
• All outputs are rated for continuous current of 10A, with short peaks of up to 15A (current cutoff at 20A)
• All output connectors are Molex / Clik-Mate 2.0mm / 6p connectors (with 6x 24AWG wire)
• On-board power supply for PL-xxx sensor boards and/or Sensor Hub X2 and X8
• Standard Molex 4p sensor output connector -> Compatible with all parts of the PL series
• Unique enclosure design with 1mm CFK cover plate and fan to ensure optimal airflow
• The Power Cube can be mounted to the vehicle's frame using the 4x M3 screws of the enclosure
• All Power Cubes are delivered with a complete cable set for easy Installation

• (*1) Output 1 is fixed to 5.3V and cannot be changed.
• (*2) Other output voltages (5.3V-12.0V) are available upon customer request during ordering.
• (*3) The weight includes the input cable (2x 20cm 16AWG), the enclosure, and the fan.

Operation without Power-Switch:

Power supply is a 60V/3A PSU with no anti-spark plugs. -> The LED will flash fast to indicate that there isn't any power switch installed, then will automatically power on after 2 seconds.
REM: The power switch is optional and the V3 can be used without it !

Operation with Power-Switch:

Power supply is a 60V/3A PSU with no anti-spark plugs. -> The LED and switch will flash every 2 seconds to indicate that the power switch is installed.
The Power-Cube can be powered up by pressing the switch firmly.

Safety rules for operation:

Don't use the Power-Cube to power up any high inductive loads, such as DC motors and any other high inductive load:
If you plan to use any output, to power up DC motors (brushed and brush less), then the maximum output allowable is 5A.
Never connect any output in series or parallel to other outputs.

Installation:

All Power-Cubes can be screwed down to the vehicle's frame. Removing the 4 bottom M3 screws and drill holes into the frame. Reinstall the screws trough the frame.

DXF / Power-Cube 1 "V3" DXF / Power-Cube 2 "V3" DXF / Power-Cube 3 "V3" DXF / Power-Cube 4 "V3"

Connectors:

Molex / Clik-Mate / 1.25mm / 4p (5023800400)

This cable is standard delivery and comes with any Power-Cube "V3".
Use this cable to connect the Power-Cube "V3" to any PL-xxx Sensor board or Sensor Hub X2 / X8
Length = 150mm

Molex / Clik-Mate / 2.0mm / 6p (5024390600)

This cable is standard delivery and comes with any Power-Cube "V3".
Connect one connector to the Power-Cube's output "1" and the other one to Pixhawk 2.1 (The Cube)
Power 1 Input.

Molex / Clik-Mate / 2.0mm / 6p (5024390600)

This cable is standard delivery for Power-Cube 2, 3 and 4.
Connect the connector with 6 wires to the at the Power-Cube's output "2" and the one with 4 wires to the Pixhawk 2.1 / Power 2 input.
The JR connector can be connected to the Pixhawk 2.1 servo rail to power up opto ESC's or any other equipment.
Please do not use it to power up digital servos, or any other high current consumption equipment.
Note: For a custom order Power-Cube 2 with voltage higher than 5.3V (for example 12.0V) this cable will be replaced with one of the cables from position 3 or 4 with 3x JR connectors.

Molex / Clik-Mate / 2.0mm / 6p (5024390600)

This cable is standard delivery for Power-Cube 4. If you order Power-Cube 3 with 5.3V at output 3, then this cable will be delivered.
Connect it to any high power consumption equipment.
For example connect 2x JR to the servo rail to power up digital servos and the 3rd JR for LED-s or anything else.

Molex / Clik-Mate / 2.0mm / 6p (5024390600)

This cable is standard delivery for Power-Cube 3 and 4.
Connect it to any equipment which requires 12.0V