The SEP (Soldering Elimination Port) interface, and a real design case: MRPDB.
Although you can use any other PDB together with MindRacer, MRPDB is more recommended. The MRPDB (Specification) is re-designed of PX4 PDB under this pattern. The MRPDB is designed to be a soldering-free but plug-n-play PDB. The MindRacer mainboard + MRPDB is a minimum but complete system for a racing drone.
Fig.7 MRPDB - power distribution board for MindRacer (30A current rating for each SEP, Weight: 9g)
Fig.8 MindRacer + MRPDB, minimum complete racing core
In order to support soldering-free and quick replacement, MRPDB uses 2 bullet female headers for ESC power connection, and 2 2.54mm pin headers as PWM signal input. 2 female bullet headers and 2 2.54mm pin headers together makes one ESC output port (the Soldering Elimination Port - SEP interface). Total 4 SEP are laid on MRPDB. The PWM outputs from the mainboard are routed to its SEP interface through MRPDB’s WEP interface. The ports are numbered according to PX4 motor mapping.
Fig.9 The SEP interface on MRPDB
The mainboard is powered through the WEP directly, including voltage and current sensor input. To convenient assemble and design of extension boards both pin header has power input pins.
As a result, No wiring needed from the main board anymore.
The connection between MRPDB and ESC/motors becomes plug and play. No soldering work is needed when replacing or switching ESCs. This becomes extremely handy and a process of pleasure during a real match in field.