eVTOL Quadcopter Design Guide
eVTOL Quadcopter Design Guide
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
The PID controller adjusts how the quadcopter responds to control inputs. This is
where we fine-tune everything in simulation mode using Fast Fourier Transform,
simulating flight behavior, stability, and responsiveness before moving to real-world
testing.
An important advantage of the system approach is the reduction of lead time in the
design process.
Mathematical analysis is a tedious-job in which humans can and frequently do make
mistakes. Signs, decimal points, exponents, subscripts, and other elements must be
constantly checked and rechecked during the analysis. Except for the most basic
problem, this work should be given to a computer. This frees up the designer's time
to focus on more vital duties like formulation. Problem statements are used to make
design decisions based on computer findings.
To understand the physics of the problem, the designer must do some analysis using
mathematical models, which are a collection of algebraic vector and differential
equations that explain the behavior of the system when various inputs and design
parameters are changed.
1
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
After the virtual testing is over, we can then move on to real-world trials. The
quadcopter should be able to hover, take off, and perform precise maneuvers,
exactly like a standard drone, but with the extra complexity of carrying a pilot.
The information here in is provided "As Is” without any further warranty. The author
assumes no liability to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused, or
claimed to be caused, directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in this
article or by the software and hardware described herein. As the author has no
control over the use, setup, assembly, modification, or misuse of the hardware,
software, and information described in this manual, no liability is accepted or
assumed for any resulting damage or injury. By using, setting up, or assembling the
materials described, the user accepts full responsibility and liability for any resulting
consequences.
1. Conceptual Design
Purpose: Define the primary use (recreational, utility, transportation).
Passenger Capacity: Determine if it’s for one or multiple passengers.
2
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Payload Capacity: Estimate total weight (passenger + structure +
batteries/fuel).
Flight Duration & Range: Decide on flight time and range goals.
2. Regulatory Compliance
Aviation Rules: Research local aviation laws (e.g., FAA in the U.S., EASA in
Europe).
Certification: Ensure the design meets airworthiness standards.
Safety Features: Plan for redundancies, emergency landing systems, and fail-
safe mechanisms.
To build an experimental DIY aircraft, you need to follow these FAA requirements:
(a) Research and development. Testing new aircraft design concepts, new aircraft
equipment, new aircraft installations, new aircraft operating techniques, or new uses
for aircraft.
3. Structural Design
4. Propulsion System
Motors:
3
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Propellers:
o Design or select efficient propellers suitable for the desired thrust and
RPM.
o Ensure low noise and high durability.
Power System:
5. Control Systems
Flight Controller:
6. Power Distribution
Battery Management:
o Use a reliable BMS (Battery Management System) for monitoring and
balancing cells.
Wiring: Design efficient and insulated wiring for minimal losses.
Safety: Include circuit breakers, fuses, and voltage regulators.
7. Safety Mechanisms
4
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Shape Optimization: Ensure smooth airflow over the structure.
Propeller Placement: Optimize placement for minimal interference and
maximum thrust.
Energy Efficiency: Reduce weight and improve motor efficiency for extended
flight time.
CAD Modeling: Use software like SolidWorks or Fusion 360 for 3D modeling.
CFD Analysis: Perform Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations for
aerodynamic efficiency.
Flight Simulation: Test stability, control, and performance using simulation
tools like MATLAB/Simulink.
Prototype Testing: Build scaled or full-size prototypes for real-world trials.
Cabin Design:
5
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Developing a manned quadcopter requires equations of motion,
control laws, and propulsion calculations. Below are the key
components and equations to consider:
Total thrust = T1 + T2 +T 3 + T 4 = mg
Where:
T1, T2, T3, T4: Thrust generated by each rotor.
m: Total mass of quadcopter, including payload.
g: Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s2).
3. Translational Dynamics:
Newton’s second law governs the linear motion of the quadcopter in the x, y and z
directions:
m¨x = -T sin(θ)
m¨y = T sin(ϕ)
m¨z = -T cos(ϕ) cos(θ) - mg
6
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
7
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
A quadcopter must generate at least twice the total weight in thrust for stable flight
and maneuverability.
Weight Calculation
8
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
2. Motor Selection and Power Requirements
Each motor (8) must provide at least 75 lbs (34 kg) of thrust. This depends on:
A high-power BLDC motor like the T-Motor U15II KV80 (used in large drones)
operates at 12S (44.4V) and produces 80 lbs (36.5 kg) of thrust per motor with a 40-
inch propeller.
3. Battery Selection
A 48V (12S LiPo or Li-ion pack) is a practical choice for a high-power quadcopter.
Battery Specs
Conclusion
9
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Each motor must provide at least 150 lbs (68 kg) of thrust, so we need large, high-
efficiency, low KV motors.
Motor Recommendations
Best choice: T-Motor U15II KV80, since it provides 80 lbs thrust per motor with a 40-
inch propeller.
Each BLDC motor requires an ESC that can handle high voltage (12S) and high
current (80A+ per motor).
ESC Recommendations
ESC Model Voltage Range Max Current Features
T-Motor Alpha 80A HV 12S (44.4V) 80A High efficiency
APD 100F3-X HV ESC 12S (48V) 100A High-power drones
ZTW Mantis 85A HV 12S (44.4V) 85A Active cooling
Best choice: APD 100F3-X HV ESC, as it supports high current loads reliably.
3. Propeller Selection
Large carbon fiber propellers (36-42 inches) are necessary to generate high thrust
efficiently.
10
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Propeller Recommendations
4. Battery Configuration
A 12S (44.4V) LiPo or Li-ion battery with at least 30Ah capacity is required to
sustain flight.
Battery Recommendations
Battery: 40Ah
Total Draw: ~300A
40 × 60300 = 8 min
11
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
You need a custom Power Distribution Board (PDB) to handle 300A+.
Solution:
You can integrate the Battery Management System (BMS) into this PDB for
balance charging.
6. Frame Considerations
The frame must support 300+ lbs of total weight, so it should be:
Options:
12
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
It all starts with the concept. For a manned quadcopter, the primary goal is to ensure
stability, safety, and the ability to lift a human being while maintaining control. This
involves choosing the right motor power, propeller size, and battery capacity to
carry the load. Every component needs to be carefully chosen and modeled.
First, we focus on the propulsion system. In our case, we’re using BLDC motors
because they offer the perfect balance between power and efficiency. For a manned
quadcopter, you’ll need motors that can lift anywhere from 300 to 500 pounds. This
means selecting the right motor size, propeller type, and making sure the battery
can supply enough energy for flight times of around 20-30 minutes.
Once we have the components selected, we move to the frame. We need something
lightweight but incredibly strong. Carbon fiber is perfect for this—it's durable,
lightweight, and resistant to stress. The frame also needs to be designed to handle the
vibrations and forces generated by high-powered motors and propellers.
Now that the frame is ready, we add the flight controller. This is the brain of the
quadcopter, responsible for maintaining stability during flight. The ESCs (electronic
speed controllers) manage the power sent to each motor based on inputs from the
flight controller. These need to be carefully tuned to handle the heavy load and
provide precise control, especially during takeoff and landing.
But stability isn’t the only concern. For safety, we’ve integrated an emergency
parachute system. This parachute is designed to deploy automatically in the unlikely
event of a critical failure. Whether it's a motor malfunction, a loss of power, or any
other issue that could jeopardize the flight, the parachute ensures the pilot can land
safely, giving them a reliable last-resort safety mechanism.
Now comes the tuning phase. The PID controller adjusts how the quadcopter
responds to control inputs. This is where we fine-tune everything in simulation mode
using Fast Fourier Transform, simulating flight behavior, stability, and responsiveness
before moving to real-world testing.
13
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
After completing the virtual testing, we can finally move to real-world trials. The
quadcopter should be able to hover, take off, and perform precise maneuvers—just
like a regular drone, but with the added complexity of carrying a pilot.
14
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
testing the components in the first projects (except if you still need to solder headers
to your Teensy and sensors in order to test them on the breadboard).
15
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
16
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
17
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Voltage = 50V
Current = 19.1A
P = 50 × 19.1 = 955W
This is close to the given power value (995W), suggesting minor rounding differences
or additional system losses.
Where:
Torque (τ) = 4 Nm
Angular speed (ω) in radians per second is calculated as:
ω = (1843 × 2 × π) ÷ 60
ω = 193.1 rad/s
3. Motor Efficiency
Substituting values:
This indicates that 77.6% of the electrical power is converted into mechanical power,
with the rest lost as heat and other inefficiencies.
4. Thrust-to-Power Ratio
Given:
18
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Thrust = 8900 g
Power = 995 W
Given:
Torque = 4 Nm
Current = 19.1A
P = Voltage × Current
Given:
Voltage = 50V
Current = 19.1A
19
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
P = 50 × 19.1 = 955W
However, the test data states 995W, which is 40W higher. The difference could be
due to additional losses such as resistive losses, switching losses in the controller, or
measurement approximations. The power was likely measured using a wattmeter,
which accounts for real power drawn rather than just multiplying voltage by current.
Given:
Thrust = 8900g
Power = 995W
First, convert RPM (revolutions per minute) to angular speed in radians per
second:
Given:
RPM = 1843
ω = (1843 × 2 × 3.1416) ÷ 60
ω = 193.1 rad/s
20
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Now, using the formula:
This confirms that the 4 Nm torque value was obtained based on the mechanical
power and rotational speed.
Note: According to the manufacturer's test results, the T-Motor U15II produces a
maximum thrust of 36 kg at full throttle and 60 volts. The motor's maximum thrust is
prop-dependent. The 36 kg rating is not the motor's physical limit; rather, it
represents the highest thrust achievable with a certain propeller and voltage/current
input. Manufacturers typically publish this number using a safe. efficient prop
(e.g.34x11.8) at a conservative voltage/current for thermal safety. (110 degrees C).
By extending the prop diameter from 34" to 40" (T= 36 kg x (40/34) ^4 = 68.8 kg),
you may achieve 68.8 kg thrust while maintaining optimum rpm and sufficient
current safely without the risk of motor thermal damage which is the case I use here
with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The T-Motor U15II KV80 (used in massive
drones) runs on 12S (44.4V) and generates 75 kg of thrust per motor with a 40-inch
propeller. (as verified by ChatGPT). For a 95 kg pilot, the frame, battery, and
components weigh 41 kg each, for a total of 136 kg. The total thrust needed for a 2:1
ratio is 272 kg. The thrust per motor in a quad configuration is 68kg. Since 75 kg is
greater than 68 kg, not to include the 2:1 safety factor given, the T-Motor U15II
should produce sufficient thrust for liftoff. However, for redundancy in case of an
unlike motor failure 4 more motors should be added.
Final Summary
The 995W power likely includes system losses or was measured directly with
a wattmeter.
The 8.94 g/W efficiency was calculated as thrust (grams) divided by power
(watts).
The 4 Nm torque was obtained from the mechanical power and angular
velocity in radians per second.
21
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
22
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
23
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
24
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
25
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Total cost
1. Motors (4) 689.90 * 4 = $2759.60
2. Esc (4) 499.0 * 4 = $1996.00
3. Props (4 pairs) 448.9 * 2 = $ 897.80
Total = $5653.40
Design Targets
26
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Power MOSFET Selection
Alternative: STB200NF10T4
VDS: 100V
ID: 200A at 25°C
RDS(on): 2.8mΩ at 25°C
Package: TO-263AB
Gate Charge: 145nC
Bootstrap Circuit:
27
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Bootstrap diode: UF4007 (1A, 1000V, fast recovery)
Bootstrap resistor: 10Ω (current limiting)
ADC Interface:
Microcontroller Implementation
MCU Selection: STM32F407VGT6
Key Features:
28
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Peripheral Allocation:
// PI Controller structure
typedef struct {
float kp; // Proportional gain
float ki; // Integral gain
float integrator; // Integral term
float integrator_max; // Anti-windup limit
float output_max; // Output saturation
float output_min; // Output saturation
} pi_controller_t;
29
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
.output_max = 0.95,
.output_min = -0.95
};
void motor_control_loop(void) {
static motor_control_t motor;
float speed_error, current_error, current_magnitude;
// Read sensors
motor.hall_state = read_hall_sensors();
motor.current_feedback[0] = read_phase_current(0);
motor.current_feedback[1] = read_phase_current(1);
motor.current_feedback[2] = read_phase_current(2);
motor.speed_feedback = calculate_speed_from_hall();
// Six-step commutation
motor.commutation_step =
hall_to_commutation_table[motor.hall_state];
generate_pwm_outputs(duty_magnitude, motor.commutation_step);
// Safety checks
if (current_magnitude > 200.0) {
emergency_shutdown();
}
if (motor.speed_feedback > 4000) {
emergency_shutdown();
}
}
30
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
4, // Hall = 101 -> Step 4
5, // Hall = 110 -> Step 5
0 // Invalid
};
switch(step) {
case 0: // A+, B-
__HAL_TIM_SET_COMPARE(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_1, duty_counts);
HAL_TIM_PWM_Start(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_1);
HAL_GPIO_WritePin(GPIOB, GPIO_PIN_0, GPIO_PIN_SET); //
B- on
break;
case 1: // A+, C-
__HAL_TIM_SET_COMPARE(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_1, duty_counts);
HAL_TIM_PWM_Start(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_1);
HAL_GPIO_WritePin(GPIOB, GPIO_PIN_2, GPIO_PIN_SET); //
C- on
break;
case 2: // B+, C-
__HAL_TIM_SET_COMPARE(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_2, duty_counts);
HAL_TIM_PWM_Start(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_2);
HAL_GPIO_WritePin(GPIOB, GPIO_PIN_2, GPIO_PIN_SET); //
C- on
break;
case 3: // B+, A-
__HAL_TIM_SET_COMPARE(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_2, duty_counts);
HAL_TIM_PWM_Start(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_2);
HAL_GPIO_WritePin(GPIOB, GPIO_PIN_1, GPIO_PIN_SET); //
A- on
break;
case 4: // C+, A-
__HAL_TIM_SET_COMPARE(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_3, duty_counts);
HAL_TIM_PWM_Start(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_3);
HAL_GPIO_WritePin(GPIOB, GPIO_PIN_1, GPIO_PIN_SET); //
A- on
break;
case 5: // C+, B-
__HAL_TIM_SET_COMPARE(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_3, duty_counts);
HAL_TIM_PWM_Start(&htim1, TIM_CHANNEL_3);
HAL_GPIO_WritePin(GPIOB, GPIO_PIN_0, GPIO_PIN_SET); //
B- on
break;
}
}
31
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Input: 40-60V (battery voltage range)
Output: 12V ± 2% (gate driver supply)
Current: 5A (for gate drivers and auxiliaries)
Efficiency: >90%
Switching Frequency: 500kHz
Component Selection
Power Components:
Design Calculations
Thermal Management
Heat Sink Design
Power Dissipation per Phase: 95W MOSFETs per Phase: 6 Heat Sink
Requirements: 0.5°C/W or better
32
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Thermal Interface Materials
Temperature Monitoring
33
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Decoupling: 0.1μF ceramic every 10mm along power traces
EMI Mitigation
Shielding: Faraday cage around control electronics Filtering: Common mode chokes
on all power lines Layout: Minimize high-frequency current loops Grounding:
Single-point ground connection to chassis
Overcurrent Protection:
Overvoltage Protection:
Thermal Protection:
Software Protection
Redundancy Implementation
Testing Protocol
Component-Level Testing
34
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
1. MOSFET Testing: Vgs, Vds, thermal characteristics
2. Gate Driver Testing: Rise/fall times, deadtime verification
3. Current Sensing: Accuracy, bandwidth, noise
4. Buck Converter: Efficiency, ripple, transient response
System-Level Testing
Control Electronics
Power Supply
35
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Total Cost per Controller: ~$461 Complete eVTOL (8 motors): ~$3,688
This design provides a robust, efficient motor controller specifically optimized for
your 5520W, 50V motor specifications with comprehensive safety features and
thermal management suitable for aviation applications.
Professor Marcos Alonso is a distinguished educator and researcher known for his
Ability to bridge the gap between complex theoretical concepts and real-world
[Link] a deep passion for his field, he has dedicated his work to not only
advancingknowledgebutalsomakingitaccessibletoawideaudience.
Through his outstanding presentations, Professor Alonso has earned a reputation for
clarity,depth,and [Link] approach goes beyond traditional lecturing—he
Transforms intricate ideas into compelling narratives, allowing his audience to grasp
Challenging topics with [Link] discussing cutting-edge research,historical
breakthroughs,or emerging trends, his work consistently sparks curiosity and
Inspires intellectual exploration.
Test data results as published for the T-Motor U15II KV80 Bldc
Motor shall be used as a baseline
36
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
37
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
38
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
39
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
40
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
41
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
42
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
43
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
44
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
45
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
46
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
47
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
48
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
49
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
50
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
51
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
52
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
53
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
54
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
55
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
56
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
57
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
58
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
59
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
60
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
61
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
62
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
63
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
64
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
65
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
66
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
67
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
68
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
69
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
70
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
71
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
72
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
73
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
74
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
75
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
76
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
77
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
78
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
79
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
80
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
81
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
82
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
83
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
84
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
85
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
86
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
87
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
88
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
89
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Battery Pack → Buck Converter → Half-Bridge Inverters → BLDC Motors
↓ ↓ ↓
Microcontroller ← Current/Voltage Sensors ← Position Sensors
Key Requirements:
Each MOSFET requires a dedicated gate driver for proper switching control.
90
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Recommended Gate Driver ICs:
Recommended Microcontrollers
91
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
commutation_table[hall_position];
// Safety checks
check_overcurrent();
check_overtemperature();
}
Component Selection:
92
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
High-side sensing: Better control but complex
Inline sensing: Three-phase current measurement
Resistor Value: 0.1-1 mΩ for high current applications
Buck converters provide regulated lower voltages for control electronics while the
main battery feeds the motor inverters directly.
Design Calculations
Key Parameters:
93
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Switching Frequency: 500kHz
Duty Cycle: 12V/48V = 0.25
Overcurrent Protection:
Overvoltage Protection:
Thermal Protection:
94
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Thermal Modeling: Predict junction temperatures
Derating: Reduce power output with temperature
Control Protocols:
Test Procedures:
Test Setup:
95
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Performance Metrics:
Progressive Testing:
Data Recording:
Supplier Recommendations
Power Electronics Components
MOSFETs:
Gate Drivers:
STMicroelectronics:
96
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
Texas Instruments:
Passive Components
Magnetics:
Capacitors:
This comprehensive design guide provides the foundation for developing robust
motor control systems for your eVTOL. Each subsystem requires careful attention to
safety, redundancy, and performance optimization.
This code can be uploaded in Teensy ready to use. This code implements Kalman
filters for roll, pitch, and yaw angles using accelerometer and gyroscope data, and
97
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
then applies PID control for each axis to stabilize the quadcopter/UAP drone. You can
tune the PID parameters for each axis using the serial monitor.
#include <Wire.h>
#include <Servo.h>
#include "MPU6050.h"
// Dave's Flight Controller This code implements Kalman filters for roll, pitch, and
//yaw angles using accelerometer and gyroscope data, and then applies PID control
// for each axis to stabilize the quadcopter/UAP drone. You can tune the PID
//parameters for each axis using the serial monitor.
// MPU6050 initialization
MPU6050 mpu;
float P_roll[2][2] = {{1, 0}, {0, 1}}, P_pitch[2][2] = {{1, 0}, {0, 1}}, P_yaw[2][2] = {{1, 0}, {0, 1}};
float K_roll[2], K_pitch[2], K_yaw[2];
float y_roll, y_pitch, y_yaw;
float S_roll, S_pitch, S_yaw;
float Q_angle = 0.001, Q_bias = 0.003, R_measure = 0.03; // Process and measurement noise
void setup() {
[Link](9600);
[Link]();
[Link]();
98
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
// Timer interrupt to maintain regular PID loop
IntervalTimer pidTimer;
[Link](pidLoop, interval); // PID loop every 10ms
}
void loop() {
updateSerial(); // Optional PID tuning via Serial
readIMU(); // Get IMU values
}
void readIMU() {
// Read raw IMU data
int16_t ax, ay, az, gx, gy, gz;
mpu.getMotion6(&ax, &ay, &az, &gx, &gy, &gz);
// Kalman filter for yaw, pitch, and roll (using gyroscope and accelerometer)
gyroRate_roll = (float)gx / 131.0; // Convert gyro data (replace with your gyro scaling factor)
gyroRate_pitch = (float)gy / 131.0;
gyroRate_yaw = (float)gz / 131.0;
99
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
P00_temp = P_pitch[0][0];
P_pitch[0][0] -= K_pitch[0] * P_pitch[0][0];
P_pitch[0][1] -= K_pitch[0] * P_pitch[0][1];
P_pitch[1][0] -= K_pitch[1] * P_pitch[0][0];
P_pitch[1][1] -= K_pitch[1] * P_pitch[0][1];
P00_temp = P_yaw[0][0];
P_yaw[0][0] -= K_yaw[0] * P_yaw[0][0];
P_yaw[0][1] -= K_yaw[0] * P_yaw[0][1];
P_yaw[1][0] -= K_yaw[1] * P_yaw[0][0];
P_yaw[1][1] -= K_yaw[1] * P_yaw[0][1];
void pidLoop() {
// Calculate PID for each axis
// --- PITCH ---
float error_pitch = setpoint_pitch - input_pitch;
integral_pitch += error_pitch * (interval / 1000.0);
float derivative_pitch = (error_pitch - lastError_pitch) / (interval / 1000.0);
output_pitch = Kp_pitch * error_pitch + Ki_pitch * integral_pitch + Kd_pitch *
derivative_pitch;
lastError_pitch = error_pitch;
// Output to ESCs
100
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
int pwm_pitch = constrain(1500 + output_pitch, 1000, 2000);
int pwm_roll = constrain(1500 + output_roll, 1000, 2000);
int pwm_yaw = constrain(1500 + output_yaw, 1000, 2000);
void updateSerial() {
if ([Link]()) {
String cmd = [Link]('\n');
[Link]();
if ([Link]("Kp_pitch=")) Kp_pitch = [Link](9).toFloat();
else if ([Link]("Ki_pitch=")) Ki_pitch = [Link](9).toFloat();
else if ([Link]("Kd_pitch=")) Kd_pitch = [Link](9).toFloat();
}
}
tm
InstaSPIN - BLDC
101
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
102
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
103
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL): The Future of Aerial Transport David Delgado
7/14/2025
9/17/2025 Rev
104