BLHeli_32 is out. Welcome new king of ESC!

A popular BLHELI firmware family has new member – BLHeli_32. It is so called “third generation” of BLHeli software, but despite the “heritage” from BLHeli and BLHeli_S, this code was rewritten from scratch completely. Unfortunately BLHeli_32 source code is closed and will be not released to the community, and probably will be licensed to different manufacturers.

BLHeli_32 runs on an ARM 32bit MCU, initially it will be on a Cortex-M0 running at 48MHz, but there are MCUs out there that can run a lot faster. BLHeli_32 will not run on 8 bit MCU’s from Atmel or Silabs, that operate with BLHeli and BLHeli_S firmware.

As far as we know BLHeliSuite will require the internet connection in order to Update/Upgrade firmware. This is done because of the licensing system.

So what can the increased MCU speed do? First of all, it can run input signals with lower latency at faster rates.  Dshot up to at least Dshot1200, and at rates up to at least 32kHz are now supported.

Secondly it allows packing of more functionality.
– Programmable pwm frequency, up to 48kHz, that can run motors even smoother, and also allows for moving of small but potentially disturbing humps in the throttle response. All ESCs have these bumps, with BLHeli_32 they can now be moved in the rpm range, to a place where the system has low sensitivity to them.

– Auto timing. Which is not the option to choose if you’re after max power. But if you want the most efficient running with very good robustness against desync, it is the perfect choice.

– Voltage and current limiting. Which is implemented in the code, and will be supported on some ESCs. Voltage limiting is desirable for fixed wing crafts. And current limiting adds protection against ESC failure.

– Programmable brake on stop force. Which allows control of the braking of fixed wing props.

– Improved direction change in bidirectional mode.

– More to come in the future. Such as setup from the FC by using Dshot commands. Such as telemetry functionality. There is room to grow performance and functionality.

BLHeli_32 ESC’s will be a direct competitors for other 32bit ESC’s that are in the market now – KISS ESC, Gemfan Maveric, DJI Snail ESC.

First ESC’s supporting BLHeli_32 are already out. These are Airbot Wraith32 and Wraith32 Plus 

Wraith32 is 2-6s LIPO input capable 35A ESC, driven by 32bit Cortex-M0 microprocessor

Wraith32 Plus is 2-6s LIPO input capable 50A ESC, driven by the same 32bit Cortex-M0 microprocessor and of course BLHeli_32

Thats the screenshot of BLHeliSuite with BLHeli_32 settings page. Notice “Current protection” and “LED Control” setting.