Data link uses a radio-frequency (RF) transmission to transmit and receive information to and from the UAV. These transmissions can include location, remaining flight time, distance and location to target, distance to the pilot, location of the pilot, payload information, airspeed, altitude, and many other parameters. This data link can also transmit live video from the UAV back to the GCS so the pilot and ground crew can observe what the UAV camera is seeing. There are various frequencies used in the data link system. The frequencies that are used are based on UAV brand as well as functionality of the UAV. For example, the DJI systems use 2.4Ghz for UAV control and 5Ghz for video transmission. This setup will give the user approximately 4 miles of range. However, if using 900Mhz for UAV control and 1.3Ghz for video, a distance of 20+ miles can be achieved. The Data Link portion of the UAS platform also happens to be the most vulnerable in detection and countermeasures. All data link systems in a UAS must comply with FCC Part 15 and Part 97. When discussing range limitations of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) the weak “link” in the system is the data link system. Many times, the aircraft can “outfly” the data link system but the range is restricted by the data link system. There are various combinations of data link systems available to the consumer that can be used for UAV operation. The three main components data links are used in the operation of the UAV are: A few things to be mentioned regarding specific radio frequencies commonly used in a data link system. The most popular of these frequencies being: These radio bands each have their common uses based on what they are capable of regarding range and penetration. The lower the frequency band the greater penetration into obstacles between the operator and the UAV. This is due to the wavelength of each of the bands. The longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency, and the longer the range. The figure below illustrates the wavelength of each of the four frequencies stated above. UAV Control The most popular data links used in a UAS are 2.4Ghz and 900Mhz. The most popular data links used in a UAS are 1.3Ghz, 2.4Ghz, and 5.8Ghz The most popular data link frequencies used in a UAS for telemetry are 400Mhz and 900Mhz. These frequencies have a benefit of long range without any data loss. However, due to the longer wavelengths these systems are unable to transfer large data rates.How do drones communicate with their operator?
What are the range limitations for a drone?
Advanced data link system
Video Transmission
Telemetry
FAQs
What is the data link in a drone? ›
The term data link is used to describe how commands are communicated back and forth between the ground control system and the autopilot.
How do drones communicate with each other? ›Drones can communicate with each other and with human operators through various methods, such as radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, or satellite networks. Depending on the type and range of the communication system, drones can transmit data, images, videos, or voice messages in real time or with minimal delay.
What communication system is used in drones? ›The most common method of drone communications uses radio – RF (radio frequency) signals in bands such as HF (high frequency) and UHF (ultra high frequency). RF datalinks may be analogue or digital, and provide greater range than Wi-Fi but are still limited to line-of-sight (LOS).
How do drones transmit data? ›Drone communication protocols usually use the same frequency bands used for WiFi transmissions, particularly in the 2.400–2.483 GHz and 5.725–5.825 GHz. A drone equipped with a camera usually transmits a video stream to its control unit through the same wireless channel.
What is DJI data link? ›It provides a connection between the Ground system and the Air system using DJI bidirectional data communication modules, allowing users to fly along pre-set waypoints.
What is a data link in aviation? ›The “Data Link” is the connection between end systems on the aircraft to an end system located on the ground, onboard another aircraft, or both. The data link is the communications “pipe” that transfers message content between the information applications that are operating in the respective systems.
How do drones communicate with phones? ›They transmit via WiFi, OcuSync, Lightbridge, and DJI Transmission for ranges up to 10 km. Additional tech includes ADS-B for aircraft awareness, RF sensors for tracking, and LTE/4G/5G for extended range. Multi-device connections enhance functionality.
What connectivity do drones use? ›Cellular connectivity for drones comes with two options: 4G/LTE and 5G. 4G allows for faster and higher volume data transfers than previous generations of network services and offers a good range over large distances.
How far can drones communicate? ›In general, consumer-grade drones typically have a maximum range of around 1-4 miles (1.6-6.4 km) before losing the signal or running out of battery. However, it is important to always keep your drone within your line of sight and follow local regulations and laws regarding drone use.
What is the frequency of UAV data link? ›Good examples of this include the DJI drone systems, which use the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands for uplink and downlink, 2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz and 5725 MHz - 5850 MHz, respectively.
What is data link system for UAV? ›
It is a system that enables data (telemetry, image, video, etc.) transfer from UAV to GCS, land and aerial platforms, also from GCS to UAV. Three types of data links are generally used for UAV communication; • Line of Sight (LOS) • Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) • Tactical data communication.
What is a wireless data link? ›Wireless datalinks transmit data from one point to another without the use of cables or other physically wired systems, and typically use frequencies in the radio and microwave portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
What type of data do drones use? ›Site survey data
Georeferencing: Every time a drone takes a picture, it records the precise coordinates (i.e. longitude, latitude, and relative altitude) in the image's EXIF data. These coordinates are then used to assist in scaling the model during processing and underpin the ability to capture accurate measurements.
Drone data is often processed into data products that can be accurately geolocated and/or measured, similar to a map or computer model. Thermal imagery also enables temperature measurements.
What is the C band data link? ›C Band UAV Data Link is a compact and high data rate digital data link for UAV Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. For downlink, video and telemetry data can be multiplexed inside the airborne module and demultiplexed by the ground module to be displayed on the user interface of the operator.
What is a lost link in drones? ›An interruption or loss of the control link, or when the pilot is unable to effect control of the aircraft and, as a result, the UA will perform a predictable or planned maneuver. Loss of command and control link between the Control Station and the aircraft.