Raspberry Pi Single Board Computers for Drones
Raspberry Pi turned a credit-card-sized Linux computer into the default tool for makers, and drone builders picked it up fast. On a drone it works next to the flight controller as a companion computer — the part that thinks while the FC keeps the aircraft stable. R5D5 carries the current Raspberry Pi 5 in four memory sizes, the Raspberry Pi 4 B and the Compute Module 4.
What a Companion Computer Does
The flight controller handles motors and sensors. Everything heavier goes to the Pi. It talks to ArduPilot or PX4 over a single UART using MAVLink, streams camera video, logs data and runs computer vision with OpenCV or similar tools. That split keeps flight control fast and simple while the drone gains a full Linux system on board.
Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and CM4 Compared
- Raspberry Pi 5: a quad-core Cortex-A76 at 2.4 GHz, two to three times faster than Pi 4. It adds a PCIe connector for fast NVMe storage and two camera ports.
- Raspberry Pi 4 B 8 GB: the proven previous generation. It draws less power and runs cooler, with years of software support behind it.
- Compute Module 4: Pi 4 performance on a compact module without ports. It plugs into a carrier board, so it fits custom electronics where a full board won't.
For an alternative with a built-in NPU, see the Orange Pi range.
Choosing Raspberry Pi Memory for the Job
RAM decides how much the board can run at once. Raspberry Pi 5 comes in four sizes:
- 2 GB: a telemetry bridge or simple data logger.
- 4 GB: video streaming plus telemetry.
- 8 GB: computer vision with several processes running together.
- 16 GB: large neural models and heavy multitasking.
Other boards are listed in the single board computers category.
Power and Cooling on a Drone
A Pi 5 under load wants a stable 5 V at up to 5 A. Feed it from a weak regulator and the voltage sags — the board throttles or reboots mid-flight. A dedicated BEC solves that, and the Matek range has several. Heat is the second limit. In a closed frame a Pi 5 needs the active cooler, or it slows down exactly when the vision code needs it most.
FAQ
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Which software turns a Raspberry Pi into a companion computer?
Start with Raspberry Pi OS, then add a MAVLink tool such as mavlink-router, Rpanion-server or BlueOS. ArduPilot's documentation lists ready setups for each.
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Do Pi 4 cases and cables fit the Raspberry Pi 5?
Mostly not. The port layout changed, and Pi 5 uses smaller 22-pin camera connectors, so older camera cables need an adapter or a new cable.
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Is the Raspberry Pi 4 still worth buying?
Yes, for low-power projects. Raspberry Pi plans to keep the Pi 4 in production until at least January 2034, so spares and software support won't disappear soon.
