MATEKSYS CAN-L4-BM

MATEK Mateksys CAN-L4-BM Digital Power Monitor

Model: CAN-L4-BM | Brand: MATEKSYS

1. Introducció

The MATEK Mateksys CAN-L4-BM is a high-precision digital power monitor designed for advanced RC applications, including airplanes and drones. It integrates an STM32L431XC microcontroller and a TI INA239 power monitor IC to provide accurate battery voltage and current measurements via the DroneCAN protocol. This module is compatible with flight controllers such as the H743 V3 and is an essential component for DIY drone and RC aircraft enthusiasts seeking reliable power telemetry.

Davant view of the MATEK CAN-L4-BM board with included JST-GH-4P wire
Figura 1: Frontal view of the CAN-L4-BM board with included JST-GH-4P wire.

2. Especificacions

Característica Detall
Microcontrolador STM32L431XC, 256KB flash memory
Power Monitor IC INA23985V, 16-bit, high-precision with SPI interface
Voltage Entrada 0 ~ 85V
Interval de detecció actual 0 ~ 204.8A
Load Current (Resistor) 150A (continuous), 204.8A (sudden)
Voltage Precisió ± 0.1%
Precisió actual ± 2%
Interfícies CAN (DroneCAN protocol), UART2 (backup DFU), ST DEBUG (SWCLK & SWDIO)
Font d'alimentació 4.5 ~ 5.5V @ 5V Solder pads/pins
Consum d'energia 10 mA
Temperatura de treball -40 ~ 85 °C
Dimensions del tauler 30 mm x 22 mm x 3 mm
Pes 4g (approx. 4.7g as shown on scale)
Dimensional drawing of the CAN-L4-BM board
Figure 2: Dimensional drawing of the CAN-L4-BM board.
The CAN-L4-BM board on a digital scale, displaying a weight of 4.7g
Figure 3: The CAN-L4-BM board on a digital scale, showing its weight.

3. Contingut del paquet

El paquet inclou els articles següents:

  • 1 × CAN-L4-BM board
  • 1 × JST-GH-4P to JST-GH-4P 20 cm silicon wire

4. Configuració i instal·lació

Follow these steps for proper installation of your CAN-L4-BM Digital Power Monitor:

4.1 Connexió física

The CAN-L4-BM board should be connected in-line between your battery and the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) or other load. Ensure the positive wire is welded as close as possible to both sides of the current detection resistor for optimal accuracy.

The CAN-L4-BM board connected in-line with battery and ESC/Load
Figura 4: Example of CAN-L4-BM connected in-line with battery and ESC/Load.

4.2 Esquemes de cablejat

Refer to the following diagrams for connecting the CAN-L4-BM to your flight controller:

Wiring diagram for Current + BATT VoltagSeguiment
Figure 5: Wiring diagram for Current + BATT Voltage monitoring. Connect the CAN-L4-BM to the flight controller's CAN bus (5V, CAN-H, CAN-L, GND) and ensure common ground between the flight controller and ESC/Load.
Wiring diagram for Current + BATT-1 Voltage monitoring with two batteries
Figure 6: Wiring diagram for Current + BATT-1 Voltage monitoring with two batteries. This setup includes an external BEC and separate battery connections.

4.3 Configuració del pont

If your CAN wire is excessively long, it is recommended to bridge the "120R" jumper on the CAN-L4-BM board. This activates a 120 Ohm termination resistor, which can improve signal integrity over longer CAN bus segments.

A baix view of the CAN-L4-BM board showing the 120R jumper
Figura 7: A baix view of the CAN-L4-BM board, indicating the "120R" jumper location.

5. Instruccions de funcionament

5.1 Firmware

The CAN-L4-BM uses ARDUPILOT AP_PERIPH MATEKL431-BATTMON firmware. Ensure your flight controller's firmware is compatible and updated. Firmware updates for the CAN-L4-BM can typically be performed through a drone GUI tool.

5.2 Configuració de paràmetres

After connecting the CAN-L4-BM, configure the following parameters in your flight controller's software (e.g., Mission Planner, QGroundControl):

  • CAN_S1_DRIVE=1: Set this parameter if the CAN-L4-BM is connected to CAN bus port 1.
  • CAN_S2_DRIVE=1: Set this parameter if the CAN-L4-BM is connected to CAN bus port 2.
  • BATTX.MONITOR=8: This parameter enables drone battery information monitoring. Replace 'X' with the battery number you are configuring (e.g., BATT1.MONITOR=8).

6. Consells d'usuari

  • The large cushion at the bottom of the board is a dead cushion, meaning there is no active circuit network above it. This area can be used for mounting or additional insulation if needed.
  • For optimal current sensing accuracy, weld the positive wire as close as possible to both sides of the current detection resistor.
  • The two mounting ears on the board can be cut off if they are not required for your specific installation, allowing for a more compact footprint.
  • If you are using a long CAN bus cable, bridging the "120R" jumper is recommended to ensure stable communication by providing proper bus termination.

7. Manteniment

The CAN-L4-BM Digital Power Monitor is a robust electronic component designed for durability. To ensure its longevity and reliable performance:

  • Mantingueu el mòdul net i lliure de pols i deixalles.
  • Avoid exposing the module to moisture or extreme temperatures outside its specified operating range (-40~85 °C).
  • Inspect all connections periodically for signs of wear or corrosion.
  • Do not attempt to repair the internal components unless you are a qualified technician, as this may void any potential warranty.

8. Solució De Problemes

The CAN-L4-BM board features LED indicators to help diagnose its status:

Indicador LED Estat Descripció / Acció
Blue (rapidly flashing) Començant The module is initializing. This is normal upon power-up.
Blue (slowly flashing) Treballant The module is operating correctly and communicating via CAN.
Vermell Indicador de 3.3V Indicates the presence of 3.3V power. If this LED is off when the module is powered, check the 5V input.

If the module does not function as expected, verify all wiring connections, ensure correct parameter settings in your flight controller, and check for proper power supply.

9. Garantia i Suport

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty inquiries, please contact the manufacturer or your point of purchase. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

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