DJI MINI 3 by SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.: In-Depth Teardown, Specs, and FCC ID SS3-MT3PD22 Regulatory Analysis

Introduction

The DJI MINI 3 by SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. represents the fusion of advanced aerial imaging technology with a compact, user-friendly design. As one of the latest entries in DJI’s renowned MINI series, the MINI 3 (Model: MT3PD) is engineered for both hobbyists and professionals seeking high-quality aerial photography and videography in a portable package. Central to its market presence is its FCC certification under FCC ID SS3-MT3PD22, which ensures the device meets stringent US electromagnetic interference and RF emission standards—making it legal for sale, operation, and integration with wireless networks in the United States.

This article delivers a comprehensive, expert-level analysis of the DJI MINI 3, covering its standout features, deep-dive technical specifications, wireless and RF capabilities, internal hardware architecture, and regulatory compliance. Whether you’re a remote drone operator, a tech enthusiast, or a consumer considering your next UAV purchase, this teardown and regulatory review will provide the authoritative detail you need to understand what sets the DJI MINI 3 apart.

Key Features & Specifications

The DJI MINI 3 is meticulously engineered, balancing lightweight construction with robust functionality. Its feature set is tailored to deliver exceptional user experience and performance in real-world aerial scenarios.

Key Features

• Record Button: Instantly start or stop video capture for seamless shooting.
• Downward Vision System: Enhances altitude hold, stability, and safe landing by enabling the drone to sense the ground below.
• Zoom Dial: Allows users to dynamically adjust camera zoom for creative framing and detailed shots.
• Customizable Buttons: Personalize control inputs for faster access to preferred functions.
• USB-C Port: Supports fast charging and high-speed data transfer, future-proofing connectivity.
• Gimbal Camera: Precision-stabilized camera for smooth, shake-free video and crisp photos.
• Power Connector (USB-C): Facilitates convenient charging and power management.
• Control Sticks: Ergonomically designed for precise, responsive flight control.

Technical Specifications

Aircraft Wireless & Power:
– Transmitter Power (EIRP):
– 2.4 GHz: <26 dBm (FCC), <20 dBm (CE/SRRC/MIC)
– 5.8 GHz: <26 dBm (FCC/SRRC), <14 dBm (CE)
– Operating Frequency: 2.4000–2.4835 GHz, 5.725–5.850 GHz
– Wi-Fi Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
– Bluetooth Version: 5.2 (Aircraft)
– Battery:
– Type: Li-ion (LiNiMnCoO2)
– Capacity: 2453 mAh
– Standard Voltage: 7.38 V

Remote Controller (Model: RM330):
– Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n
– Wi-Fi Transmitter Power (EIRP):
– 2.4 GHz: <23 dBm (FCC), <20 dBm (CE/SRRC/MIC)
– 5.1 GHz: <23 dBm (FCC/CE/SRRC/MIC)
– 5.8 GHz: <23 dBm (FCC/SRRC), <14 dBm (CE)
– Transmitter Power (EIRP):
– 2.4 GHz: <26 dBm (FCC), <20 dBm (CE/SRRC/MIC)
– 5.8 GHz: <26 dBm (FCC), <14 dBm (CE), <23 dBm (SRRC)
– Operating Frequency: 2.4000–2.4835 GHz, 5.150–5.250 GHz, 5.725–5.850 GHz
– Bluetooth Version: 4.2 (Controller)
– Battery Standard Voltage: 7.38 V

Additional Highlights:
– Dual-Band Operation: Both aircraft and remote support 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands for optimal range and minimal interference.
– Advanced Vision & Sensing: Integration of multiple vision modules for precision navigation and obstacle avoidance.
– Robust Power System: High-capacity Li-ion battery ensures extended flight times without compromising weight or portability.

Practical Benefits:
– Long-Range, Interference-Resilient Control: Dual-band Wi-Fi and advanced RF design enable stable connections in crowded or noisy environments.
– High-Definition Imaging: Powered by a precision gimbal camera and robust image transmission pipeline.
– Flexible, Fast Charging: USB-C interface aligns with modern charging standards, reducing downtime.

Operating Frequencies

The DJI MINI 3’s RF design is validated by its FCC filing under ID SS3-MT3PD22, ensuring legal operation within the US and compliance with wireless standards. Below is a summary of its certified frequency ranges and output power:

These frequency allocations and output powers cover the critical Wi-Fi and Bluetooth bands, supporting robust, low-latency control and video transmission while conforming to US regulatory requirements for unlicensed wireless devices.

Technology Deep Dive

The DJI MINI 3 leverages state-of-the-art wireless technologies to deliver reliable performance in diverse environments. Its primary connectivity relies on dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz) for high-throughput, low-latency video streaming and command/control, with support for 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards on the aircraft and 802.11a/b/g/n on the controller. Bluetooth 5.2 (aircraft) and 4.2 (controller) further enhance device pairing, peripheral connectivity, and auxiliary communication.

Operating across these frequency bands enables the MINI 3 to dynamically select the optimal channel for minimal interference—a critical advantage in urban or congested RF environments. The output power levels, as per the FCC filing, balance transmission range and battery efficiency, enabling extended flights without sacrificing connectivity integrity.

The absence of cellular technology aligns with the device’s focus on direct, low-latency links between drone and controller, vital for real-time piloting and video feedback. The use of advanced modulation and error correction techniques, as inferred from the technical design, contributes to resilient links even at long distances or in RF-dense areas.

Internal documentation and test reports confirm that the MINI 3’s RF emissions and susceptibility are within regulatory limits, ensuring both user safety and coexistence with other wireless devices. The integration of these technologies underscores DJI’s commitment to delivering professional-grade performance in a consumer-friendly form factor.

In-Depth Internal Component Analysis / Teardown

A close examination of the DJI MINI 3’s internal hardware reveals a sophisticated blend of miniaturization, modularity, and robust engineering—hallmarks of DJI’s design philosophy. Below, we analyze individual modules and subsystems, based on detailed component photographs.

Precision Vision Sensor Module

This sophisticated, miniaturized sensor module is dominated by three precisely aligned lens elements, indicative of a stereo vision or depth sensing system. The black PCB and gold-plated mounting holes signal high-end manufacturing standards. Absence of major ICs on the visible side suggests image processing is handled elsewhere, while high-density FPC/FFC connectors enable rapid sensor data transmission to the main board. The robust mechanical mounts and compact form factor allow seamless integration into the drone’s forward or downward vision system, directly supporting obstacle avoidance, autonomous landing, and stable hover features. The design prioritizes reliability, easy replacement, and high data throughput—crucial for advanced navigation and user safety.

GNSS Receiver and Ceramic Patch Antenna Module

This module features a dedicated ceramic patch antenna, essential for high-precision GNSS (GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou) reception. The compact black PCB, multi-layer design, and robust mounting indicate a focus on RF performance and mechanical durability. While the antenna dominates the visible side, the reverse likely houses the GNSS receiver IC and RF front end. This separation of the GNSS module enables optimal placement within the drone for signal clarity, enhancing real-time positioning accuracy and overall flight stability. The use of a ceramic patch ensures minimal signal loss, critical for reliable navigation and return-to-home features in the MINI 3.

Compact Optical Sensor PCB

A compact, black PCB with a central lens or sensor opening, this module is likely part of the vision or navigation system. The presence of a primary IC (possibly a sensor ASIC or controller), fine-pitch components, and FPC connector highlights its role as a high-speed interface for optical sensing. The carefully managed ground pours and impedance-controlled traces suggest attention to signal integrity and EMI suppression. Integration of this board within the drone enables advanced features like downward vision positioning or obstacle detection, working in tandem with the primary flight controller for enhanced autonomy and safe operation.

Densely Integrated Sensor/Interface Module

This small, densely populated PCB incorporates at least two major ICs, one shielded for EMI protection. The presence of a MEMS sensor (likely an IMU or barometer), local power regulation, and a high-density FPC connector point to its role in navigation or stabilization. The modularity, with gold mounting holes and robust shielding, reflects design for reliability and serviceability. This module likely feeds real-time motion and orientation data to the flight controller, ensuring precise flight dynamics and stable hover, especially in GPS-denied environments.

Power Management and Sensor Interface Board

This densely populated black PCB integrates multiple medium-sized ICs, large inductors, capacitors, and a gold-finger edge connector. The variety of connectors supports modular integration with batteries, sensors, and possibly the main controller. High component density, extensive ground pours, and careful trace routing indicate a focus on signal integrity and EMI control. Likely serving as the power management and sensor aggregation hub, this board ensures efficient power distribution and reliable data collection from various subsystems—enabling the drone’s telemetry, battery management, and sensor fusion capabilities.

Main Processing and RF PCB

This high-density PCB is the nerve center of the MINI 3, featuring multiple large ICs (under thermal and EMI shields), extensive ground vias, and state-of-the-art power regulation. The presence of blue thermal interface material underscores the thermal demands of the main processor and RF front end. Board-to-board and FPC connectors enable direct integration with vision modules, antennas, and batteries. Robust shielding and controlled impedance routing ensure reliable RF performance, while the modular design supports both manufacturing efficiency and field serviceability. This board orchestrates flight control, image processing, and all wireless communications, underpinning the MINI 3’s advanced capabilities.

System Controller and RF Power Board

Another core PCB, this assembly features major ICs under EMI shields, a microSD slot for storage, and a USB-C port for data and charging. High-layer count, black FR4 material, and dense via stitching reflect advanced signal and power management. The board balances processing, storage, and RF tasks, with connectors for cameras, sensors, and external antennas. Its design ensures robust RF containment, efficient power delivery, and seamless integration of digital and analog domains—key for the MINI 3’s real-time flight operations and high-definition video transmission.

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) Module

This compact, green PCB is almost certainly an ESC module, responsible for precise, high-frequency control of the drone’s brushless motors. The central microcontroller or motor controller IC is flanked by multiple MOSFETs and power passives, arranged symmetrically for multi-phase motor driving. Heavy-gauge soldered wires and large mounting holes ensure robust power delivery and mechanical stability. The high-quality soldering, dense ground via stitching, and careful layout minimize EMI and maximize efficiency—critical for flight stability, responsiveness, and battery life in the MINI 3.

Regulatory Insights & FCC Filing

Certification under FCC ID SS3-MT3PD22 is a cornerstone of the DJI MINI 3’s compliance strategy for the US market. This FCC ID, registered by FCC.gov, signals that the device has passed rigorous regulatory testing for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), RF emissions, and user safety. Such certification is mandatory for legal sale and operation of wireless devices in the United States.

The FCC filing for the MINI 3 encompasses a comprehensive suite of documentation, including test reports for RF exposure and EMC, internal and external photographs, user manuals, operational block diagrams, and schematics. These documents collectively demonstrate the device’s adherence to all relevant FCC rules, including limits on spurious emissions, conducted/radiated emissions, and safe RF exposure levels.

The user manual provides a clear overview of the drone’s components, operational guidelines, and safety instructions, emphasizing its ease of use and robust feature set. Internal documentation details the technical architecture, specifying the wireless standards, output powers, and frequency ranges validated in the FCC test reports. This thorough regulatory process ensures that the DJI MINI 3 operates safely alongside other wireless equipment and offers reliable performance across diverse environments.

Potential Use Cases & Target Audience

The DJI MINI 3, with its advanced wireless specs, modular vision systems, and robust regulatory compliance, is tailored to a range of demanding scenarios:

• Aerial Photography & Videography Enthusiasts: The stabilized gimbal camera, customizable controls, and high-definition video transmission make the MINI 3 ideal for capturing stunning landscapes, events, or creative projects. Its compact form factor and extended battery life support on-the-go content creation.

• Remote Drone Operators & Surveyors: With reliable GNSS positioning, obstacle avoidance, and robust RF links, the MINI 3 is well-suited for real-time inspection, mapping, and monitoring tasks. Compliance with both FCC and EU (Directive 2014/53/EU) standards ensures broad operational flexibility.

• Recreational Users & Tech Hobbyists: Easy-to-use controls, customizable buttons, and automated safety features make the MINI 3 accessible to newcomers, while its advanced internals and modularity appeal to technically savvy users interested in upgrades or repairs.

The device’s adherence to essential regulatory directives and thorough testing instills confidence in both professional and consumer markets, ensuring safe, reliable, and legal operation.

Conclusion

The DJI MINI 3 by SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (Model: MT3PD) stands out as a compact yet highly capable aerial imaging platform, meticulously engineered for performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Its FCC certification under FCC ID SS3-MT3PD22 assures users of safe, interference-free operation in the US, while its sophisticated internal architecture and robust wireless capabilities set a high standard in the consumer drone market. Whether for creative, professional, or recreational use, the MINI 3 exemplifies DJI’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric design—cementing its place as a leading choice for next-generation aerial exploration.

Related Documents

• Product Manual
• Product Internal
• Product External
• Product Label