In a drone system, the flight controller receives sensor data, runs control algorithms, and sends commands to motors and actuators. Whether for consumer drones, FPV drones, or industrial drones, the flight controller directly affects flight stability, control accuracy, and safety. Understanding its basic functions, use cases, and setup is the first step in building and using a drone.
As drone applications continue to expand, higher performance and reliability are required from flight controllers. Ande Electronics focuses on drones and embedded control systems, and provides key electronic components for flight controllers. These solutions help developers and engineers build more stable and efficient drone systems. This article offers a quick introduction to the basics of drone flight controllers.
What Is a Flight Controller?
The flight controller (FC) is the “brain” of a drone. It is the core electronic control system that enables the drone to fly stably, perform maneuvers, and respond to pilot commands. Its main functions are to collect sensor data, process flight information, and output control signals to the ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers) and motors according to flight algorithms, enabling stable hovering, turning, acceleration, and other movements.
Components Included:
l Main Control Chip (MCU/CPU): Processes flight algorithms and sensor data.
l Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU): Composed of a gyroscope and an accelerometer, used to detect the drone’s attitude.
l Sensor Interfaces: Connects GPS, barometer, optical flow modules, etc.
l Output Interfaces: Controls the ESCs, motors, gimbal, and other devices.
How Do Flight Controllers Work in a Drone?
The working principle of a flight controller can be understood as a sense–process–execute loop. During flight, the flight controller continuously adjusts the drone’s attitude and power using algorithms to achieve stable flight.
1. Data Sensing
l The flight controller collects data in real time from various sensors:
l Gyroscope: Measures the drone’s angular velocity to determine rotation direction and speed.
l Accelerometer: Measures acceleration, used to calculate attitude and tilt angles.
l Magnetometer: Provides directional reference to ensure stable heading.
l Barometer: Measures air pressure for altitude control.
l GPS: Provides the drone’s position for precise hovering and route planning.
2. Data Processing
The flight controller’s main chip processes the sensor data using flight algorithms, such as a PID controller, to generate control output signals. These algorithms are primarily used for attitude control, calculating adjustments for pitch, roll, and yaw angles.
In addition, the flight controller manages speed and altitude control, combining barometer and GPS data to regulate vertical and horizontal movement. It also performs stability corrections, fine-tuning motor speeds in real time to counteract wind, center-of-gravity shifts, and other disturbances, ensuring smooth and reliable flight.
3. Execution Control
The processed control signals are sent via PWM or other communication protocols to the ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers), which adjust each motor’s speed. This changes the thrust, enabling the drone to ascend, descend, turn, hover, and adjust its heading.
4. Intelligent Assistance and Safety Functions
l Modern flight controllers also support advanced features such as:
l Return-to-Home (RTH): Uses GPS to locate the drone and automatically return to the takeoff point if signal is lost.
l Obstacle Avoidance: Detects obstacles using front-facing or downward sensors and adjusts the flight path.
l Mission Planning: Executes automated patrols, waypoint flights, or aerial photography tasks.
What Does a Flight Controller Do in a Drone?
One of the main functions of a flight controller is flight stability control. It gets the drone’s attitude information from sensors like the gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer. Then it adjusts the motor speeds in real time to keep the drone balanced and flying steadily in different conditions.
Another key function is flight mode management. The flight controller supports multiple modes, such as manual mode, angle mode, self-leveling mode, GPS hover mode, and return-to-home mode. These modes make flying more flexible, easier to control, and safer.
In addition, the flight controller manages sensors, peripherals, and advanced tasks. Modern flight controllers can connect to a barometer, GPS, optical flow sensor, obstacle sensors, and more to control altitude, hold position, and avoid obstacles. They can also manage camera gimbals, plan aerial photography missions, and execute automatic flights or waypoint navigation. Flight controllers are the key foundation for smart drone operation.
What Are the Use Cases of a Flight Controller?
As the core control system of a drone, the flight controller not only determines the drone’s flight stability but also supports various intelligent functions. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in all kinds of drone applications. Whether for consumer-grade aerial photography drones, racing drones, or industrial drones used for inspection, surveying, and logistics, the flight controller provides basic flight control and extended functions, enabling diverse applications of drones.
Aerial Photography and Filmmaking
The flight controller allows the drone to hover steadily in the air and achieve precise positioning using GPS and vision sensors, enabling smooth video and photo capture. With a three-axis gimbal, the flight controller can execute complex flight paths for aerial photography, such as orbiting around points, push/pull shots, or time-lapse filming, ensuring stable and clear footage.
Industrial Inspection and Surveying
For industrial inspection and surveying, the flight controller can connect to GPS, barometers, LiDAR, or optical sensors to fly automatically along preset routes. It precisely controls the drone’s altitude, speed, and attitude, ensuring efficient and comprehensive inspection of equipment, pipelines, or buildings. It also supports geospatial mapping, 3D modeling, and data collection.
Agricultural Crop Spraying
The flight controller can plan automated flight paths and spraying routes according to field terrain and task requirements. Working with the spraying system, it can adjust flight attitude and spray volume in real time, improving application accuracy and reducing chemical waste.
Logistics and Delivery
The flight controller integrates automatic route planning and obstacle avoidance systems to safely transport cargo. It continuously monitors the flight environment, adjusting attitude and speed to avoid obstacles and wind interference, ensuring stable delivery. For last-mile delivery, the flight controller can precisely control landing points for safe drop-offs and supports remote monitoring and task management.
How to Set Up a Flight Controller? (Step-by-Step Guide)
The flight controller is the core control system of a drone. Proper installation and setup are essential for stable flight and safe operation. Here are the detailed steps:
Step 1: Preparation
Make sure the flight controller is compatible with the ESCs, motors, and sensors. Prepare tools like screwdrivers, soldering tools, a USB cable, and the flight controller software.
Step 2: Installing the Flight Controller
Mount the flight controller near the drone’s center of gravity. Use vibration-damping pads to reduce vibration. Connect the power supply carefully, checking voltage and polarity.
Step 3: Connecting Sensors and Peripherals
Connect the ESCs and motors in the correct order to the flight controller. Add modules like GPS, barometer, optical flow, and obstacle sensors. For aerial photography, connect the gimbal and camera.
Step 4: Software Setup
Connect the flight controller via USB, install drivers, and open the configuration software. Calibrate the gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, and barometer. Set flight modes, PID values, and other control parameters.
Step 5: Pre-Flight Check
Check that motor rotation directions are correct. Verify that the transmitter is bound and all channels respond properly. Perform a low-altitude hover test in an open area to ensure everything works.
Step 6: Optimization and Tuning
Adjust PID values and flight modes based on flight performance. Optimize return-to-home, GPS accuracy, and obstacle avoidance. Record flight data for future tuning and improvements.
Ande Electronics: Your Partner for Intelligent Drone Upgrades
Ande Electronics is dedicated to providing comprehensive electronic component solutions for all types of drones. We offer essential chip support to meet the needs of drones in flight control systems, navigation, image processing, and multi-sensor data fusion.
With a stable supply chain and professional technical services, Ande Electronics delivers high-quality chip products and provides full-process support in component selection, system design, and performance optimization. Through flexible inventory management and rapid delivery, Ande helps drone manufacturers accelerate product iteration and technology implementation, driving intelligent upgrades and innovative applications in mapping, inspection, logistics, and security.
