Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms used when choosing and specifying components.
A
- axial-flux motor
- An axial-flux motor is a machine where the magnetic flux crosses the air gap parallel to the shaft, between disc-shaped rotors and stators.
B
- Beamwidth
- Beamwidth refers to the angular width of the narrow beam produced by a directional antenna, where narrower beams provide higher gain but require more precise pointing.
C
- C-rate
- The continuous and peak discharge rate of a battery, which determines the power output capabilities for different aircraft types.
- Command and control (C2)
- Command and control is the system that carries telemetry and payload data, makes the vehicle visible to other airspace users, and connects it to the station from which the flight is planned and supervised.
D
- DC internal resistance
- DC internal resistance is a metric that determines the voltage sag and heat generated by a battery cell.
E
- electronic speed controller (ESC)
- An electronic speed controller is a device that converts DC power from a battery into three-phase AC current to drive a brushless motor.
F
- field-oriented control
- Field-oriented control parameters are set at the factory for the motor.
G
- ground sample distance (GSD)
- The ground sample distance is a specification determined by sensor resolution and size together with the lens at a given altitude.
I
- ingress protection rating
- The ingress protection rating is a specification to check regarding the electronics' exposure to water and dust.
L
- Latency
- Latency is a performance metric that is critical for manual control and video transmission.
P
- Power-to-weight
- A metric often above 1 kW/kg, describing the power output relative to the mass of a compact engine.
R
- RTCA DO-311A
- RTCA DO-311A is a standard for certified aircraft that defines the requirements for pack-level containment and thermal-runaway evidence.
S
- Slew rate
- Slew rate is a key specification for tracking antennas that defines the speed at which the antenna mount can move to follow an aircraft.
- specific energy
- Specific energy is a measure of the energy density of a battery, typically expressed in watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg).
- stack pressure
- Stack pressure refers to the external pressure applied to cells to manage the swelling of silicon anodes.
T
- thermal sensitivity (NETD)
- Thermal sensitivity is a key specification for thermal cameras that indicates their ability to detect heat differences.
- Time between overhauls (TBO)
- The expected operational lifespan of an engine before it requires a major maintenance service.
- trapezoidal control
- Trapezoidal control is a method used by electronic speed controllers to manage the operation of a motor.
U
- UN 38.3
- A mandatory testing standard for lithium batteries that determines their classification as dangerous goods for shipping purposes.
Y
- yokeless
- Yokeless refers to a double rotor, single stator configuration consisting of two magnet discs positioned around one stator.
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