UCSB CE Capstone × AeroVironment
AeroVironment
Integrated RPi
Companion Computer
A custom carrier board that mates a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 with AV's Varmint flight controller — simple, robust, and open-source.
Abstract
We are building a companion board to interface a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) with AeroVironment's flight controller. The CM5 replaces a costlier Jetson Orin NX while keeping essential I/O and performance. To validate the design, we'll integrate ROSflight and demonstrate control of an airborne drone.
External Behavior & Interfaces
Flight Controller Integration
SODIMM edge connection with SPI, I2C, UART, USB 2.0/3.0, GbE, and GPIO routing for optimal signal integrity.
CM5 Support
Direct compute offloading with RPi pinout adaptation replacing Jetson Orin NX requirements.
Peripheral Interfaces
MIPI cameras, HDMI display, and USB devices connected exclusively to the CM5.
ROSflight Integration
Linux/ROS-based control and telemetry system for autonomous drone operations.
Power Management
12V to 5V DC-DC conversion providing stable power rails for CM5 and peripherals.
Open-Source Design
Fully documented hardware and software for community collaboration and improvement.
📊System Architecture
🎯Project Objectives
Achieving stable high-speed signal routing, clean power delivery, and successful ROSflight integration for autonomous drone control with CM5 handling compute-intensive tasks.
Risk Analysis
Signal Integrity
Reliable routing for high-speed signals with minimal EMI and solid return paths.
MITIGATION STRATEGY
PCB design with controlled impedance traces and proper grounding techniques.
Mechanical Fit
SODIMM connector tolerances and flight controller integration constraints.
MITIGATION STRATEGY
3D modeling and iterative prototyping with AeroVironment specifications.
Thermal Management
CM5 thermal performance while maintaining compact form factor.
MITIGATION STRATEGY
Heat sink integration and airflow analysis within flight controller enclosure.
System Integration
ROSflight integration and end-to-end drone control demonstration.
MITIGATION STRATEGY
Modular testing approach and collaboration with AeroVironment team.
Meet the Team
Loren Ashfield
Project Lead
David Chang
Hardware Engineer
Zachary Duckering
Software Engineer
Vishal Seenivasan
Systems Engineer
Adit Suman
Embedded Engineer
UCSB Computer Engineering Capstone Project
Industry Partner
Global leader in unmanned aerial systems and autonomous technologies
👔Project Leadership
🌐Company Overview
AeroVironment pioneers unmanned aircraft systems for both military and commercial applications, delivering innovative solutions for reconnaissance, surveillance, and autonomous operations.
🔗Visit Website→Get in Touch
Have questions about the project? Interested in collaboration or feedback? We'd love to hear from you!
Located at UC Santa Barbara • Electrical and Computer Engineering Department