What is a PPM receiver?
In the field of radio remote control and communications, PPM (Pulse Position Modulation) receiver is a common device and is widely used in drones, model aircraft, remote control cars and other scenarios. This article will introduce in detail the definition, working principle, application scenarios and comparison with other receivers of PPM receivers to help readers fully understand this technology.
1. Definition of PPM receiver

A PPM receiver is a radio receiving device that obtains control instructions by analyzing pulse position modulation signals. It is usually paired with a PPM transmitter to convert the received signal into multi-channel control instructions to drive actuators (such as servos, ESCs, etc.).
2. Working principle of PPM receiver
The working principle of the PPM receiver can be divided into the following steps:
1.signal reception: Receive radio signals through the antenna and demodulate the PPM encoded pulse sequence.
2.Signal decoding: Analyze the position of each pulse in the pulse sequence and convert it into the corresponding channel control signal.
3.Output control: Output the decoded signal to the actuator to complete the remote control operation.
The following is a comparison of PPM signal and PWM signal:
| Features | PPM signal | PWM signal |
|---|---|---|
| Signal type | pulse position modulation | pulse width modulation |
| Number of channels | Multi-channel (usually 8-12 channels) | single channel |
| Transmission efficiency | High (all channels are transmitted via one signal) | Low (each channel requires independent signal) |
3. Application scenarios of PPM receivers
PPM receivers are widely used in the following fields due to their high efficiency and multi-channel support:
1.Model aircraft and drones: Used to control the rudder surface, throttle, etc. of the aircraft.
2.remote control car and boat: Achieve precise control of multiple channels.
3.Industrial remote control: Used for remote operation in cranes, robots and other equipment.
4. Advantages and disadvantages of PPM receivers
Here are the main pros and cons of PPM receivers:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Supports multiple channels, saving wiring | Signal anti-interference ability is weak |
| High transmission efficiency | High requirements for signal synchronization |
| Wide compatibility | Latency slightly higher than digital signal |
5. Comparison between PPM receiver and other receivers
Common receiver types currently on the market include PPM, PWM and digital receivers (such as SBUS, IBUS). Here's how they compare:
| Type | Number of channels | Transmission method | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPM | 8-12 channels | Analog signal | Traditional model aircraft |
| PWM | single channel | Analog signal | Simple remote control device |
| SBUS | 16 channels | digital signal | High performance drone |
6. How to choose a PPM receiver
When selecting a PPM receiver, consider the following factors:
1.Compatibility: Make sure the receiver and transmitter protocols match.
2.Number of channels: Select a model with enough channels according to your needs.
3.Transmission distance: Select a receiver with appropriate power according to the usage scenario.
4.Anti-interference ability: Prefer anti-interference models in complex environments.
Summary
The PPM receiver is an efficient, multi-channel remote control device that is widely used in model aircraft, drones and other fields. Although its anti-interference ability and delay are slightly inferior to digital receivers, it still has advantages in compatibility and cost. With the development of technology, digital receivers are becoming more and more popular, but PPM receivers are still the first choice for many traditional applications.
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