Hitec DPC-20 programmer configures PWM, CAN, DroneCAN actuators

Hitec Commercial Solutions releases the DPC-20, a USB-C programmer that configures and tests its digital servo actuators over PWM, TTL, RS-485, CAN and DroneCAN. It replaces three earlier programmers, the DPC-11, DPC-485 and DPC-CAN, so integrators with mixed actuator lines use one tool.

By SamPublished November 12, 2026Updated November 12, 20262 min read

The DPC-20 links a PC to the actuator through USB-C. A 3-pin interface serves PWM and TTL actuators, and a 4-pin interface serves RS-485 and CAN units. Configuration runs on a web-based platform. Users get new features and security enhancements automatically. Connections are encrypted and require user authentication, which protects stored data against unauthorized access.

All standard DPC functions are available: end-point adjustment, direction, fail-safe, dead band, speed reduction, soft-start rate, overload protection, data save and load, and program reset.

The programmer supports the HS-5/7/9XXX, D/MD, D/MD-485 and CAN/DroneCAN actuator series. Each series needs its own UI program because protocols differ, and the USB cable is unplugged and reconnected when switching. For 5/7, 9 and D/MD series servos, the actuator goes on the 3-pin port while power connects to the BAT- and BAT+ pins of the 4-pin port, observing polarity. Wiring diagrams sit in the DPC-20 UI Hub documentation. The UI software runs on Windows only.

Among the supported actuators is the BD10BL-CAN-DroneCAN, a 10 mm brushless unit with magnetic encoder that weighs 11.80 g and is rated to 500 hours MTTF. It supports CAN and DroneCAN commands with 32-bit digital programmability, and both the DPC-20 and DPC-CAN programmers give full parameter access.

Why it matters

Hitec Commercial Solutions, based in San Diego, California, builds COTS rotary and linear servo actuators for unmanned systems (UAS, UGS and UUS), robotics, industrial automation, defense and medical equipment. Its lines carry DroneCAN, CAN 2.0A/B, RS-485, TTL and PWM command protocols, with manufacturing and testing offices in the United States, South Korea and the Philippines.

The DPC-20 spans PWM servos through CAN and DroneCAN actuators, so integrators running legacy PWM units alongside bus-controlled ones configure and test both with the same hardware. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and offers off-the-shelf as well as purpose-built custom actuators. For defense programs it pairs DroneCAN actuators with an integrated ground controller using 256-bit AES encryption.

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