Magnetometer CAN-L4-3100
1. Product Summary
1.1. Product Description
The Matek CAN-L4-3100 is a professional-grade digital magnetometer module equipped with a high-precision PNI RM3100 geomagnetic sensor and STM32L431 microcontroller. It communicates via the CAN interface using the DroneCAN protocol, providing accurate heading information for UAVs, robots, and navigation systems. With its low power consumption, wide operating temperature range, and compact design, it is ideal for integration into flight controllers and autopilot systems.
1.2. Product Features
- Equipped with PNI RM3100 industrial-grade magnetometer sensor.
- Powered by STM32L431 microcontroller (256 KB Flash).
- Supports CAN communication with DroneCAN protocol.
- Includes UART2 (MSP) and UART3 for external GNSS module.
- Low power consumption (~22 mA typical at 5 V).
- Wide operating temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C).
- Compact and lightweight (36 × 25 × 10 mm, ~6 g).
- Supports ArduPilot AP_Periph and PX4 CAN peripheral firmware.
- Firmware upgrade via DroneCAN GUI Tool or ST-Link.
1.3. Applications
- UAV / Drone Systems: Provides stable heading reference for autopilot navigation.
- Robotics: Enables magnetic field-based heading detection for autonomous movement.
- Industrial Navigation: Suitable for mapping, surveying, and guidance systems.
- Research & IoT: Used in sensor fusion applications requiring precise magnetic data.
2. Technical Specifications
Table 2-1. CAN-L4-3100 Magnetometer Specifications
| Manufacturer | Matek Systems |
| Model | CAN-L4-3100 |
| Magnetometer Sensor | PNI RM3100 geomagnetic sensor |
| Microcontroller | STM32L431xC (256 KB Flash) |
| Interface | CAN (DroneCAN), UART2 (MSP), UART3 (for GNSS module) |
| Protocol | DroneCAN / ArduPilot AP_Periph compatible |
| Power Supply | 4.5 V – 5.5 V (nominal 5 V) |
| Current Consumption | ~22 mA typical |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C ~ +85 °C |
| Dimensions | 36 × 25 × 10 mm |
| Weight | ~6 g |
| Firmware | AP_Periph (ArduPilot) / PX4 CAN peripheral |
| Firmware Upgrade | Via DroneCAN GUI Tool, Mission Planner, or ST-Link |
3. Electrical Characteristics
Table 3-1. Power and Signal Parameters
| Parameter | Min | Typ | Max | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply voltage (VCC) | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | V |
| Operating current | - | 22 | 25 | mA |
| CAN bus voltage | - | 5.0 | - | V |
| UART logic level | 3.3 | 3.3 | 5.0 | V |
4. Mechanical Characteristics
Table 4-1. CAN-L4-3100 Dimensions
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 36 × 25 × 10 mm |
| Weight | ~6 g |
| Mounting Holes | 4 × M2.5 |
| Connector | JST-GH 4-pin CAN interface |
NOTE: Mount the magnetometer away from motors, ESCs, or ferromagnetic materials to prevent interference.
5. Performance
Table 5-1. Magnetometer Performance
| Sensor Type | Three-axis fluxgate magnetometer (PNI RM3100) |
| Resolution | 0.1 µT typical |
| Heading Accuracy | ±1° ~ ±2° (after calibration) |
| Update Rate | Up to 100 Hz (via CAN bus) |
| Interface Latency | 5 ms |
6. Integration and Applications
6.1. Integration Notes
- Connect via CAN (C-H, C-L) to the flight controller DroneCAN bus.
- Enable DroneCAN drivers (CAN_P1_DRIVER = 1) in ArduPilot or PX4 firmware.
- Ensure proper CAN bus termination (120 Ω) if used as the last node.
- Perform compass calibration after installation to ensure accuracy.
- For UART2 output, configure MSP data stream if used outside DroneCAN networks.
6.2. Typical Applications
- Drone autopilot systems requiring accurate magnetic heading.
- Ground robotics and autonomous vehicles.
- Navigation and mapping platforms.
- Scientific and geophysical measurement equipment.
7. Environmental Conditions
Table 7-1. Environmental Ratings
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C ~ +85 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -45 °C ~ +90 °C |
| Humidity | 5 % ~ 95 %, non-condensing |
| Shock Resistance | 25 g / 11 ms half sine wave |
| Vibration Resistance | IEC 60068-2-6 compliant |
8. Precautions
- Do not install near power cables, motors, or ESCs to avoid magnetic interference.
- Use twisted-pair cables for CAN signals to minimize EMI.
- Ensure proper calibration after each installation or major mechanical change.
- Use only regulated 5 V DC power supply to avoid damage.
- Verify firmware authenticity — Matek warns about counterfeit CAN-L4-3100 units.
There are no reviews for this product.
There are no reviews for this product, be the first to leave your review.