The evolution of avionics: CAN bus actuators and their integration with Veronte Autopilot

The drone industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by advances in avionics and actuation systems. Among these advancements, CAN bus actuators have become a key element, offering precise control, simplified wiring, and enhanced reliability, particularly in eVTOL and unmanned aircraft systems. Brands such as Ultramotion, Volz,Pegasus or Contromax are leading the integration of CAN bus actuators into modern UAV avionics, all compatible with Embention’s Veronte Autopilot.

What are CAN bus Actuators?

CAN bus actuators are electromechanical devices that convert electrical signals into mechanical motion—either linear or rotary, depending on the application—and communicate using the CAN protocol. Used in UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), OPVs (Optionally Piloted Vehicles), and eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft), these actuators benefit from CAN bus technology, which enables efficient and secure data exchange over a shared network. This enhances system reliability, simplifies wiring and installation, reduces weight and space requirements, lowers costs, and allows for advanced features like real-time diagnostics and fault tolerance. Companies such as Volz, Ultramotion, Contromax, and Pegasus are adopting CAN bus due to its reliability, scalability, and real-time performance.

Why use CAN Bus over other communication protocols?

The CAN Bus is a high-speed digital communication protocol that offers strong immunity to electrical interference and the ability to self-diagnose and correct data errors. Its arbitration mechanism, which prioritizes messages to prevent data collisions, is a key factor behind CAN’s growing popularity across many industries, including aerospace.

One of the major advantages of CAN Bus is that it supports bidirectional communication, allowing both the control of actuators and the reception of telemetry data over the same connection. Additionally, multiple actuators can share the same CAN line, simplifying wiring and enabling scalable, modular architectures.

CAN Bus is especially valuable for UAVs, OPVs, and eVTOLs due to the following benefits:

• Speed – It supports fast data transmission and can handle multiple messages simultaneously.
• Flexibility – Fewer wires simplify installation and maintenance, and the ability to connect multiple actuators on a single line reduces system complexity.
• Reliability – It is less sensitive to magnetic and electrical interference than analog systems, and its robust error handling enhances fault tolerance.
• Redundancy – CAN enables the implementation of redundant architectures, which are critical for mission-critical systems that require high levels of safety and availability.
• Cost-effectiveness – Minimal wiring, reduced hardware requirements, and low signal processing needs help lower overall system costs.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out CAN Bus for UAVs: an essential communication protocol.

CAN Bus Actuators integration with Veronte Autopilot

Embention’s Veronte Autopilot is a state-of-the-art flight control system designed for a wide range of aircraft. It is capable of controlling up to 32 actuators either in simplex or redundant architectures. Thanks to Veronte’s compliance with CAN protocols, users can connect and operate multiple actuators on the same bus. This ensures control and telemetry feedback across a wide range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) platforms.

Its flexible configuration permits to enable user defined CAN bus protocols, so it can be compatible with most actuators in the market, having proven compatibility with leading actuators fro UAVs & eVTOL such as e Ultramotion, Volz, and Pegasus.

Veronte Autopilot also offers compatibility with traditional PWM control, being a proven solution for small drones; however, when it comes to larger vehicles with longer cable runs, CAN Bus becomes the preferred choice due to its robustness and reliability in communication.

Veronte CEX & MEX can also be used to extend actuator compatibility. Permiting to generate a robust CAN bus network along the aircraft and generating PWM signals near the actuator to minimize electromagnetic interferences.

Many advantages distinguish the CAN Bus interface from other communication protocols, such as high speed, high immunity to electromagnetic interference, and high reliability. Veronte Autopilots and the leading UAV actuator suppliers are aware of these advantages and are putting their best efforts to safely apply the CAN bus into the drone and eVTOL.

Leading brands in CAN Bus Actuators

VOLZ: cutting-edge actuator technology

German company with over 60 years of expertise in developing and manufacturing servo motors and drive technology. Known for its high-quality and innovative solutions, Volz specializes in CAN Bus actuators, which are integral to advanced industrial automation, robotics, and motion control systems. These actuators are designed for precise, efficient, and reliable performance, making them ideal for applications requiring seamless communication and integration within CAN Bus networks. Volz emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and customization, ensuring their products meet the specific needs of clients worldwide.

https://www.volz-servos.com/

Ultramotion: precision and reliability

Since 1994, Ultra Motion has designed and manufactured electromechanical linear and rotary actuators with integrated brushless DC motor control electronics and non-contact absolute position feedback. They are designed to meet the dynamic motion requirements of applications such as aerodynamic/hydrodynamic control surfaces, swashplate and tail rotor control, and rocket engine thrust vector control. Designed to withstand harsh environments, Ultra Motion actuators excel in conditions of high shock and vibration, fluid exposure, salt water immersion and EMI/EMC interference.

https://www.ultramotion.com/

Pegasus: innovating motion control solutions

Pegasus Actuators specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance CAN Bus actuators and motion control systems for industrial automation, robotics, and aerospace applications. With a focus on precision, reliability, and innovation, Pegasus offers customizable solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of its clients. Their advanced CAN Bus technology ensures seamless integration and communication within complex networks, enhancing efficiency and performance. Committed to sustainability and cutting-edge engineering, Pegasus Actuators delivers robust, energy-efficient products.

https://www.pegasus-actuators.com/home.html

The future of CAN bus Actuators in UAV avionics

CAN bus actuators represent a significant advancement in avionics, offering unparalleled precision, reliability, and efficiency. When integrated with Embention’s Veronte Autopilot, these actuators enable next-generation flight control systems that are scalable, adaptable, and future-proof.

For aviation professionals, the combination of CAN Bus actuators from Ultramotion, VOLZ, Contromax and Pegasus with Veronte Autopilot is a testament to the power of innovation in shaping the future of flight.