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Board Layout, Dimensions, and Mounting

Board Layout Overview​

JTA-01 follows a standardized Pixhawk FMU v6x RT physical layout, designed to ensure compatibility with widely used mounting systems, enclosures, and vibration isolation solutions in the Pixhawk ecosystem.

The board layout is organized to achieve:

  • Physical separation between high-noise and low-noise circuits
  • Short, symmetric signal paths for inertial sensors
  • Clear connector grouping for power, I/O, and peripherals
  • Predictable airflow and thermal behaviour

Key layout characteristics:

  • Inertial sensors are placed close to the geometric centre of the board
  • Motor/actuator outputs are routed away from sensor regions
  • Power input and high-current paths are isolated from sensitive analog circuitry

This layout strategy improves sensor stability, EMI robustness, and long-term reliability.

Board Dimensions and Mounting Pattern​

JTA-01 uses a Pixhawk-standard mounting footprint, allowing it to be installed in:

  • Commercial drone frames
  • Custom UAV enclosures
  • Pixhawk-compatible vibration isolation mounts

General characteristics:

  • Square or near-square PCB form factor
  • Four mounting holes arranged symmetrically
  • Mounting holes designed for soft isolation grommets or standoffs

⚠️ Important

Always use the provided mounting holes. Do not clamp the PCB edges or apply uneven mechanical stress to the board.

Exact mechanical drawings and hole dimensions are provided in the JTA-01 Mechanical Reference document.

Orientation Rules and Reference Direction​

Correct orientation of JTA-01 is critical for accurate attitude estimation and control.

Orientation Reference​

  • JTA-01 includes a clearly marked orientation arrow on the top side of the board
  • The arrow indicates the forward direction of the vehicle

Installation Rules​

  • The arrow must point exactly toward the nose of the vehicle
  • The board should be mounted as level as possible relative to the airframe
  • Minor deviations can be compensated by software, but correct physical alignment is strongly recommended

If JTA-01 must be mounted in a rotated orientation due to mechanical constraints:

  • The rotation must be configured in firmware during setup
  • Avoid upside-down or inverted mounting unless absolutely necessary

Vibration Isolation and Mounting Best Practices​

Flight controllers are highly sensitive to vibration. Proper mounting is essential for stable flight and accurate sensor readings.

  • Use soft vibration-damping mounts or grommets
  • Avoid rigid metal-to-metal mounting
  • Do not overtighten mounting screws
  • Ensure uniform compression across all mounting points

What to Avoid​

  • Hard-mounting directly to carbon fiber or metal frames
  • Mounting near motors, ESCs, or high-current wiring
  • Using uneven or mismatched dampers

Poor vibration isolation can result in:

  • Noisy IMU data
  • Unstable control loops
  • Poor altitude and position hold performance

Environmental Placement Considerations​

When selecting a mounting location for JTA-01:

  • Place the board near the centre of gravity of the vehicle when possible
  • Maintain distance from:
    • High-power ESCs
    • Power distribution boards
    • RF transmitters and antennas
  • Ensure adequate airflow for thermal stability
  • Avoid exposure to direct exhaust, dust, or moisture

JTA-01 is designed for enclosed installation but should not be sealed without airflow unless the enclosure is thermally managed.

Installation Checklist (Mechanical)​

Before proceeding to electrical wiring:

  • JTA-01 is securely mounted using all four mounting points
  • Orientation arrow points forward
  • Board is level and not under mechanical stress
  • Vibration dampers are correctly installed
  • No cables are pulling or twisting the board

Once these checks are complete, electrical connections can be made safely.