In February 2021, IEEE 1937.1-2020 (Standard of Interface Requirements and Performance Characteristics of Payload Devices in Drones), developed by the IPDD – Standard Interface for Payload Devices in Drones Working Group of IEEE, was officially released. The working group itself and the development of this standard are led by China Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI). Experts from DJI Innovation, State Grid, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research in Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiaomi, Senses Global Corporation, and other technical corporations are also involved.

The standard presents the general interface requirements and performance characteristics of payload devices in drones. Specifically, the drone payload interfaces are described in three categories:

  • Mechanical interface, used to fix the payload to the drone.
  • Electrical interface, an electromechanical device used to join electrical terminations.
  • Data interface, referringto the communication protocol.

The requirements and performance characteristics of the drone payload interface are detailed from the aspects of protection from temperature extremes, humidity, water, dust, vibration/shock, mold, salt spray, etc. Typical drone payloads, interface requirements, and performance characteristics of specific payloads are illustrated.

This standard is the first drone payload interface standard in IEEE. It marks that China’s standards for drone payload interface have successfully reached the international stage, and that China’s drone technology has started to reach a level in line with international industrial development.

IPDD will continue to conduct research on the interface standards of various payload devices, including infrared, multispectra, and lasar radar, and will promote the testing and conformity assessment of drone payload interfaces.

The Chinese news for reference is available at:

http://www.cesi.cn/202102/7258.html

IEEE 1937.1-2020 (Standard of Interface Requirements and Performance Characteristics of Payload Devices in Drones) is for sale at:

https://www.techstreet.com/ieee/standards/ieee-1937-1-2020?product_id=2114511#jumps