BaseCam SimpleBGC 32-bit OEM v1.2

This is a compact but powerful and function-rich gimbal controller, suitable for small-, medium- and even large-sized gimbals. The main difference from other our controllers - it's designed to be built in into a customer's host controller or motherboard rather than used stand-alone.

Features

Built-in powerful (for their size) motor drivers with possibility to use external motor drivers*
Built-in IMU sensor, can be used as a second frame sensor or as the main sensor.
Full set of interfaces that are common for our top-level controllers: SPI/PWM, I2C, CAN, 3x UART, 7x SDIO, 3x ADC
Compact size and low profile
64-pin MCU with 256k FLASH and CAN bus support implements all the hardware and software functionality available in the "Extended" series of SBGC32 controllers while reducing the overall board size**
The on-board current sensor can measure a power consumption of OEM controller as well as host controller, due to the power supply pass-through routing option.
Components that are missed (to be located on the host controller): all connectors, 5V DC/DC regulator, USB-to-UART adapter for PC connection

* For maximum current capabilities good thermal dissipation should be provided;

** Supported functions depends on the license type. See Version comparison chart

To evaluate OEM controller, the "OEM Development board" is available. It exposes all ports to handy connectors, has 5V DC/DC regulator, USB-to-UART converter, buttons and power line filtering capacitors - all that is needed to use OEM board as any other Basecam controller.

The principle of the camera stabilization using brushless direct drive motors

In fact, gimbal based on BLDC motors is very similar to regular gimbal based on hobby servo. The main difference - each axis of rotation passes through the center of gravity (CG) of the "Camera + frame" system and rigidly connected to the BLDC motor. The absence of gear - a fundamental point that lets you use the inertia of the system is not to harm, but for good. In case of ideal balance of the camera, the rotor rotates freely without resistance and even without need of applying extra control force, which allows the camera to unleash from the disturbance from UAV frame. In addition, there is no backlash inherent gears or belts.

To control the motors, a special controller was designed. It receives information from gyroscopes and accelerometers mounted on the camera platform. A standard IMU algorithm is used to define camera inclination angles. With the remote control, operator sets desired tilt angle. PID-controller calculates the amount of compensation and send command to the power unit, which controls the current in the windings and thus the direction of the vector of magnetic field in the stator. Magnetic field moves the rotor to the right position.

Due to using IMU, mechanical part of the system is a very simple. There is no need in complex and expensive high-definition encoders for each axis. Just mount tiny IMU board on the camera platform, connect wires to controller and motors and all done!

It gives impressive quality of stabilization compared with regular servos.

Basic requirements for the mechanical design of gimbal frame

The possibility of precise balancing on three axes. The better the balance, the lower the current need for stabilization.
Mechanical rigidity of bearing elements to prevent resonances from working propellers in flight.
Minimizing friction in the joints. The better the gimbal axis are unleashed from UAV camera platform, the less effort is required from the engine to stabilize
Elimination of vibrations from the main UAV frame. The vibrations have a negative impact on the quality of the video. But another negative effect in this system is that vibration will lead to self-excitation of the closed-loop controller.

Specifications

Size of the board:	35×45x7 mm
Power supply voltage:	5–26 V (2s - 6s LiPo)
Maximum motor current:	5A peak, ~1.5A continuous per motor*
+5V supply requirements:	4.0V x 200mA min, 5.0V x 500mA recommended**

* Board dissipates heat through a dedicated PCB layer and soldering pads on the bottom, directly connected to the drivers, allowing an external heat-sink on the host controller to be used;
** If CAN bus is used, pay special attention to +5V voltage stability in board and connected modules, avoiding excessive voltage drop on cables or connectors

Downloads

General Connection Diagram for Boards ver.3.0 (97Kb 16.05.2014) 3D CAD files (STEP) (1Mb 28.03.2022) Schematics & footprint (Altium) (4Mb 13.06.2023) More downloads

Support

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WARNING: the motor drivers used in this controller are more compact and efficient but produce more EM interference compared to "Regular" and "Extended" boards; special actions are required to prevent interference on digital signal lines (I2C or PWM) and nearby electronics:
- installing filters on the power supply cable (several turns on a ferrite ring); limiting its length to 70 cm;
- installing filters on motor outputs and/or shielding the cable:
- LRC-filter (see schematics)
- ferrite ring on the cable
- installing filters on the digital signal lines (several turns on a ferrite ring); using twisted pairs for I2C (SDA+VCC, SCL+GND) and/or shielding them;