PDB / BEC
Power distribution boards and BECs for multirotors, fixed-wing UAVs, and UGVs with batteries up to 12S. Power for motors, flight controllers, and onboard peripherals.
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HOW PDBs AND BECs DIFFER
A PDB distributes power to connected devices, while a BEC converts voltage for onboard electronics. These functions may be combined on one board, but they are not interchangeable.
A PDB helps organize power connections. Its outputs may pass through battery voltage without regulation. A BEC provides a specified output voltage within the conditions stated by the manufacturer. Having a PDB therefore does not automatically mean that 5, 9, or 12 V power is available.
Input and output voltages are separate specifications
For the input, check the operating voltage range and compatibility with a fully charged battery. For the output, check the voltage, its tolerance, and the requirements of each device. A similar cell-count label is no substitute for checking the specifications, especially when using different battery types.
Current and thermal conditions
Compare continuous current, peak current, and the allowable duration of peak loads. For boards with multiple outputs, check whether the stated limit applies to an individual rail or to several outputs combined. The actual operating limits also depend on temperature, ventilation, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Current sensing, filtering, transient overvoltage protection, and redundant inputs are separate features of specific models. The PDB/BEC label alone does not confirm that they are present. Before choosing a board, compare its specifications, dimensions, and the power architecture of the entire electronics system.
FAQ
No. A PDB’s main purpose is power distribution. Regulated outputs are available only on models with a suitable converter. Check which terminals carry battery voltage and which are BEC outputs.
The input range determines which power sources are supported; the output voltage determines compatibility with the connected device. These are different specifications. For example, support for a high input voltage does not mean that the same voltage will appear at the regulated output.
For normal operating loads, use the continuous current rating and account for the operating conditions. The peak rating is permitted only within the manufacturer’s stated limits. Do not treat it as a continuous operating rating, and check whether the limit is shared by multiple outputs.
It depends on the voltage and current requirements of the peripherals. The built-in BEC may be sufficient if its output rail matches the devices and can handle their combined load. For other voltages or higher current, choose a separate compatible converter.
No. Protection features vary by model, and different types of protection serve different purposes. A TVS does not, by itself, confirm protection against reverse polarity or sustained overvoltage. Rely on the features explicitly specified by the manufacturer and their stated limits.