Sentinel Automatic Trigger System
(SATS-MINI)

The Sentinel Automatic Trigger System (SATS-MINI) provides unparalleled ability to quickly and reliably detect a drone failure as well as the ability to guard against false triggers, making it safe to use with high energy deployment systems that use CO2 or pyro gas ejection. The SATS-MINI supports many configurable features to allow tight integration between the autopilot and the SATS-MINI system.

At the core of the SATS-MINI is a 9-DoF (Degrees of Freedom) IMU employing sensor fusion with absolute orientation capability. The SATS-MINI can be calibrated at any arbitrary position in order to set the Z-axis orientation (primary axis). This means the device can be mounted at any position or orientation on the drone.

Drawn design of the Sentinel Automatic Trigger System, the SATS-MINI

The SATS-MINI can discern between panning rotation along the Z-axis (yaw) being normal and other rotation along the X and Y-axes being a dangerous rotation. Dangerous rotation detection is based on a rotation of a given number of degrees occurring within a given time period, typically 360 degrees or more in 2 seconds or less.

Automatic Trigger System and parachute launcher on DJI Mavic 2 drone

The IMU can also detect a free fall condition by analyzing accelerometer data to trigger the parachute. The pre-set parameters for the SATS-MINI are optimized for fast detection while allowing safe handling on the ground to avoid a false trigger.

Even with the SATS-MINI armed, casual handling of the drone on the ground before flight will not accidentally trigger the parachute.

Highlights

Four Programmable IO Channels
Four Channel Features that can be assigned to any channel
Internal LiPo battery for over 6 hours of continuous operation
Charge by USB or by external power
Onboard flash memory for detailed flight and event logging (Black Box)
Has all features required for ATS per ASTM 3322-18 Drone Parachute Systems
NEW! Support for fixed-wing aircraft via absolute angle detection algorithm
NEW! Support for VTOL via two independent trigger configurations that can be switched between while in flight
Internal support for the TBS Nano receiver

Features summary for the SATS-MINI

Core System Features

Cortex M0 core processor
9-DoF IMU with sensor fusion
Altimeter to support auto arm / safety
EEProm and Flash memory for configuration and support black box system logging
Bluetooth LE to support mobile app for monitoring and configuration
Micro USB Connector for charging and configuration by Windows UI

Power Management

Internal 1S / 500mAh LiPo Battery
Charge via USB or external input power
Internal LiPo power charge and management with 5V boost converter
Channel aggregate power out rated at up to 2.5 amps (12.5W), burst up to 3 amps (15W)
Automatic option so SATS can be turned on and off via the Autopilot power control

IO Channels

4 Configurable IO Channels
Flexible signal pin configuration for PWM or DC levels
Two channels provide 5V power out, two channels provide external 5V power in
Expansion port to facilitate Autopilot integration and support add-on modules

User Interface

Single button operation
Beeper for audible feedback of button operation
Multi-color LED to display operational state
Three LED show power status
Two LED show Bluetooth LE status

Rescue Radio Support

The TBS NanoRX and the new Nano Diversity RX can be mounted directly to the SATS-MINI PCB to support an external rescue radio to trigger the parachute release