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onsemi Next-Gen Drone Design eBook

Next-Gen Drone Design eBook

Download onsemi's guide to building advanced sensing systems for safer, highly accurate flight.

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Complete System Solutions for Advanced Drone Design

Modern drones rely on seamless integration of vision systems, power, auxiliary sensing, communication, and control systems to deliver precision, efficiency, and operational autonomy. onsemi provides end-to-end semiconductor solutions across all drone subsystems—including image sensors & modules, power delivery & management, propulsion, navigation, and connectivity—enabling streamlined, time-to-market (TTM) development and optimized performance. With a portfolio covering majority of a drone’s semiconductor needs, onsemi empowers engineers to design smarter, more efficient unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Designed for the Most Demanding Drone System Challenges

Across complex and high-performance environments, engineers must balance sensing, control, power, and connectivity to achieve reliable, efficient, and autonomous flight.

Vision & Sensing Subsystem
  • Enables environmental perception, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous flight
  • Combines multi-camera vision, depth sensing (iToF), and sensor fusion with GPS
  • Uses global/rolling shutter image sensors for tracking, mapping (SLAM), and path planning
  • Supports operation in complex or GPS-denied environments
  • Integrates advanced sensing technologies (LiDAR, ultrasonic, radar, SWIR/Thermal imaging) for enhanced situational awareness
Gimbal / Payload System
  • Stabilized platform for imaging, transporting and data capture
  • Provides shake-free, high-quality video and still imagery (FPV and payload imaging)
  • Uses 3-axis BLDC motor control (yaw, pitch, roll) for precise orientation
  • Incorporates IMU sensors (gyro, accelerometer, magnetometer) and encoders for position accuracy
  • Supports multiple camera types (visible, infra-red, thermal, telephoto, LiDAR-based payloads)
Power Distribution system
  • Converts, regulates, and distributes power from the battery to all subsystems
  • Includes DC-DC converters, LDOs, and voltage supervisors for stable power rails
  • Ensures clean, low-noise power for sensitive components like image sensors
  • Provides protection via eFuses, load switches, and current sensing
  • Optimizes efficiency to extend flight time and reduce thermal losses
Motor Drive / Propellers System
  • Converts electrical energy into thrust through BLDC motors and propellers
  • Discrete motor drive with gate drivers and MOSFETs
  • Integrated motor drive with power module
  • Enables precise speed and torque control for stable flight
  • Supports high-efficiency, lightweight propulsion for extended endurance
Communication system (inside drone & with base station)
  • Enables data transmission between onboard systems and ground control
  • Supports wired and wireless communication (Bluetooth®, Ethernet)
  • Provides real-time telemetry, video streaming, and command/control signals
  • Connects internal subsystems (sensors, processors, memory) for coordinated operation
  • Ensures reliable connectivity for remote operation, monitoring, and updates
Flight Control & Processing system
  • Acts as the central “brain” of the drone
  • Processes sensor inputs and executes real-time control algorithms
  • Manages flight stabilization, navigation decisions, and system coordination
  • Interfaces with all subsystems (vision, motors, power, communication)
  • Uses MCU/SoC and memory for control loops, autonomy, and mission execution

Why onsemi

Energy Efficiency

Optimizes power conversion and motor drive to extend flight time, reduce thermal losses, and maximize battery performance.

Intelligent Vision

Delivers advanced imaging and sensing capabilities for autonomous navigation, obstacle detection, and high-quality data capture.

Reliable Power

Provides stable, protected power across all subsystems—ensuring safe operation and consistent system performance.

Stabilized Imaging

Supports precise gimbal and payload control for stable, high-resolution imaging in dynamic environments.

Efficient Propulsion

Enables high-performance BLDC motor control for smooth, responsive flight with improved efficiency and control.

Connected Systems

Ensures seamless communication and data flow between onboard systems and the base station for reliable control and telemetry.

Intelligent Sensing and Power for Autonomous Drones

Watch the webinar to see how onsemi enables up to 90% of the drone BOM, delivering a complete solution from power and intelligent sensing to connectivity and edge compute. Learn how onsemi supports the full sensor → compute → power → actuation chain to help customers design smarter, more efficient, and scalable drone platforms.

Webinar recording →

Drones Block Diagram

Drones Block Diagram