Demystifying Flight Controller MCUs: F1, F3, F4, F7, and H7

Posted by sheryl from the Hobbies category at 13 Dec 2023 07:36:20 am.

Ever wondered about the brains behind your quadcopter's flight? It's the flight controller MCU, a powerful chip that interprets sensor data and commands, translating them into smooth, controlled flight. But with different MCU families like F1, F3, F4, F7, and H7, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here's a breakdown to help you navigate the world of flight controller MCUs:

The Heart of Your Drone: The Flight Controller MCU

Flight controllers rely on microcontrollers (MCUs), the central processing units that run dedicated firmware like Betaflight. These MCUs, from the STM32 family, handle data from sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers, and compasses, ensuring stable and controlled flight.

Understanding the STM32 MCU Families:

Each STM32 family offers distinct features, including clock speed, onboard memory, and peripheral interfaces. Here's a closer look at some key families relevant to flight controllers:

F1 Series: The pioneers, featuring the NAZE32 with the STM32F103CBT6 MCU. However, F1 MCUs are now considered obsolete, with Betaflight support discontinued in 2017.
F3 Series: Released in 2012, F3 MCUs boast faster clock speeds of up to 72 MHz and support cycle times of up to 8 KHz. Betaflight support for F3 MCUs ended with Betaflight 4.0 in 2017.
F4 Series: Launched in 2011, F4 MCUs offer even higher clock speeds and cycle times of up to 32KHz. Popular F4 MCUs include the STM32F405RGT6 and the STM32F411CCU6, ideal for compact boards (eg. AIO F4 flight controller).
F7 Series: Introduced in 2014, the F7 family boasts core speeds of up to 216MHz and ample flash memory. F7 MCUs are pin-compatible with the F4 family and offer features like the STM32F722RET6 with its 512Kb Flash and 128Kb RAM (eg. F722 mini flight controller).
H7 Series: Released in 2017, the H7 series represents the latest generation. These MCUs offer faster performance and are cost-effective alternatives to the F7 series. They achieve almost double the clock speed, reaching 400 MHz, while offering cost savings through reduced internal flash memory and reliance on external memory.
Inverted vs. Non-Inverted Serial Ports:

Another key feature to consider is the ability to invert serial signals. F3, F7, and H7 series MCUs possess this capability, simplifying the handling of signals like SBUS and S.Port. In contrast, F1 and F4 series MCUs require external inverters for signal inversion, adding complexity to the design.

Choosing the Right MCU for Your Needs:

The ideal MCU depends on your desired flight performance, budget, and technical expertise. If you're a beginner, an F4 series MCU may offer a good balance of performance and affordability. For advanced users seeking top-notch performance, the H7 series might be the best choice.

Understanding the nuances of flight controller MCUs empowers you to make informed decisions and build the perfect drone for your needs.

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