PhotonDrive PDB 500 HotSwap

PhotonDrive PDB 500 is a high-end battery power distribution board with HotSwap function. PDB is designed for powerful drones or Cinelifters. PhotonDrive is a company from Czech Republic, where the board was also designed.

The PhotonDrive PDB 500 can handle a total current of 500A and a current for each ESC of 125A. Input voltage is available in the range of 6-15S battery (25-60V). The PDB is constructed of 2.5mm thick 8-layer PCB with 4oz copper. The PDB also includes three independent BECs with output voltages of 5V, 12V and 15V. BECs are suitable for powering a flight controller, FPV system, gimbal or recording camera. The mounting holes of the PDB are 30.5x30.5mm M4. This allows the PDB to be mounted in place of a standard stack with softmounts.

The PDB also includes a HotSwap module. This allows safe connection of two batteries at the same time. This will allow you to either use two batteries for flight and increase the total capacity, or use a hotswap when replacing a discharged battery, where you connect the charged battery and then disconnect the discharged battery. The drone will then not shut down during the battery swap. This is especially important if the main battery is also powering the recording camera, which does not need to be switched on again after a battery change. The PDB also measures the current from each battery.

Manufacturer documentation