Remote-Control Airplanes: From Toys to High-Tech Systems

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Remote controlled airplanes can hardly be seen as the toys they once were. With weights up to hundreds of kilograms, nitro- and jet-engines, and speeds of over 250 miles an hour these planes are pure high-tech. Moreover, remotely controlled planes also have to be equipped with the most precise and reliable wireless communication technologies, to guarantee connection to its own controller only, and for the safety of spectators and the high end material.

Without advanced mixed-signal chips as delivered by semiconductor companies like NXP these high tech machines would never go air-bound. Chips are applied for power management, high-speed wireless communication, bus-networks, multi-antenna receivers, advanced jet-engine motor management, sensors, data loggers, camera- and display technologies and much more.

To further increase safety levels, new semiconductor technologies are expected to be introduced soon. Chips originally developed for car-to-car communication will probably be applied too, as well as gyros to enhance stability of flight controls, GPS receivers to avoid entering no-flight zones and encryption of the wireless communication.

Check out the spectacular video to see what today’s semiconductors enable in remote controlled airplanes.

Have a safe flight, with NXP

Did you know that mixed-signal chips are being used in remote controlled airplanes? Check out the video to find out why these toys are high-tech systems. NXP Semiconductors

Posted by NXP Semiconductors on Thursday, December 8, 2016

Tags: Technologies

Author

Rene Jansen

René Jansen

Research and Development Communications Manager, NXP Semiconductors

At NXP Semiconductors my specialization is communications for Research and Development. In that role I help the R&D management with developing communication strategies and key messaging. I also execute all kinds of communication activities, to all our target audiences: Press, customers, partners, government representatives and many other external parties. But also our own employees form an important target group. Media used are presentations/demos, internet and intranet, social media, newsletters, gatherings and events, brochures, direct mailings, video, surveys etcetera. My technical background as an engineer and technical manager allows me to easily relate to the content, as well as to the engineering world and its people. Expanding my scope from engineering to communications, about ten years ago, allowed me to develop competencies in creativity, in tailored message development, in copy-writing and event management, as well as in high level networking. Working directly for NXP's Chief Technology Officer and his management team, I operate at the heart of the R&D organization, close to strategy development and decision making. As one of Europe's top chip manufacturers, NXP is an extremely dynamic company. Business challenges can change overnight: never a dull moment!