The E88 drone is a popular low-cost foldable quadcopter designed mainly for beginners. While it looks simple from the outside, this E88 drone teardown reveals how basic electronic components work together to provide stable flight, wireless control, and camera functionality at a very low price point.
Internal Layout and Design
Inside the E88, all electronics are built around a single main PCB. The board connects to four motors, a camera module, sensors, and the battery. This single-board design reduces manufacturing cost, weight, and complexity, which is essential for toy-grade drones.
Flight Controller and Sensors
The core of the drone is an STM32-based microcontroller, which acts as the flight controller. It continuously reads data from onboard sensors and adjusts motor speeds to keep the drone balanced.
A 3-axis gyroscope is used for orientation and stability, while a barometric pressure sensor enables basic altitude hold. These sensors allow the drone to maintain a steady hover and respond smoothly to user inputs.
Motor Control and Propulsion
The E88 uses coreless DC motors, each driven through MOSFETs on the PCB. These motors are lightweight and inexpensive, making them suitable for entry-level drones. Motor speed is controlled using PWM signals from the flight controller, allowing precise control of lift and direction.
Communication and Camera System
Wireless control is handled by a 2.4 GHz RF transceiver, providing low-latency communication between the drone and its remote controller. The front-mounted Wi-Fi camera module creates a separate wireless network that streams live video to a smartphone app. Although the video quality and latency are basic, it adds an FPV-style experience.
Power System
The drone runs on a 3.7 V Li-ion battery, typically offering 8–10 minutes of flight time. A dedicated charging IC manages USB charging, while voltage regulators ensure stable power for sensitive components.
The E88 drone teardown shows how simple electronics, efficient firmware, and low-cost components can deliver stable flight in a budget drone. While it’s not suitable for advanced modifications, it serves as a good reference for understanding the basics of consumer drone hardware and flight control systems.
