4in1 vs individual ESC decision

Status

Not started

Contributors

Approved

Due date

Decision

On this page

Overview

Each ESC is its own PCB, and must be provided with its own power, signal, and ground wiring as well as connection to the motor. Typically they are mounted on the arms of the drone.

All 4 motors are driven from the same PCB. It only needs one set of power leads, and typically all 4 motor input pins are broken out into a single connector. They are typically mounted in the center of the airframe, equidistant from all motors.

Screenshot

Link

Benefits and risks

Should one motor’s ESC break, only that ESC has to be replaced.

They are typically mounted on the arms where they are more easily accessible.

The cost of 4 individual ESCs is typically greater than the cost of one equivalent 4-in-1 ESC.

Cost is lower

Less wiring, easier to manage

Harder to replace (and more expensive, as all 4 ESCs will need to be replaced even if only one dies) since the ESC has more wiring connected to it, and is most likely nestled inside the airframe as opposed to on the arms.

Criteria

The 4-in-1 ESC will be used, but design considerations must be made such that the component is still replaceable as needed. Notably, all wiring should use connectors rather than having any component directly soldered to the ESC.

decided