Embedded System¶

An embedded computer must be added to each aircraft in order to communicate with the Pixhawk autopilot and with the computers embedded in the other aircraft through a modem responsible for receiving and transmitting information. The microprocessor must process the information obtained through the modem and pass on instructions to the Pixhawk autopilot.

Embedded computers are digital microprocessed systems in which the computer is entirely encapsulated or dedicated to the system it controls. Unlike general-purpose computers, such as the personal computer, an embedded system performs a set of predefined tasks, usually with specific requirements. The predefined activities to be carried out allow the embedded computers to have a smaller size, weight, price and processing capacity than ordinary computers that perform similar functions.

However, there are disadvantages in its application due to the same reason that make them attractive. Because they are very specific, these devices cannot change their initial function without changing a good part of their software or hardware structure, in some cases these devices do not even have a user interface.

This chapter will explain the first steps and procedures that had to be performed to operate the microprocessor.