Power line and grid inspection
Run conductor, insulator and fitting detection on the aircraft as it flies the span, so defects are flagged before landing rather than after a review cycle.
Manifold 3 is DJI’s on-board computing module for the DJI Matrice 400, the Matrice 4 Series and the Matrice 4D Series. It puts up to 100 TOPS of dedicated AI processing — 60 TOPS on the GPU and 40 TOPS on the DLA — into a 120 g housing that bolts directly to the airframe. The aircraft can therefore run trained models, inspection software and real-time analysis at the point of capture, rather than streaming raw footage to a laptop or a back office and waiting.
For operators running power line, pipeline, solar, security and survey missions across Africa, that shift matters. Bandwidth stops being the constraint, latency stops being the problem, and classified or commercially sensitive imagery never has to leave the aircraft to be processed.
100 TOPSAI computing power
120 gFlight weight
IP55Ingress protection
33 WPeak rated power
Two Accelerators, Working In Parallel
The 100 TOPS headline is not a single engine running flat out. It is 60 TOPS from the GPU plus 40 TOPS from the DLA (deep learning accelerator), both addressable at once. Algorithm models can be split across the two so that, for example, detection runs on the DLA while heavier reconstruction or tracking work runs on the GPU — instead of both queuing behind the same processor.
Alongside the accelerators, Manifold 3 carries 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory and a 256 GB SSD for on-board storage, so models and captured data live on the aircraft rather than competing for the aircraft’s own storage.
High performance, minimal footprint
At 98 × 57 × 36 mm and 120 ± 5 g, Manifold 3 is deliberately small. DJI’s design intent is that mounting it changes the aircraft’s flight characteristics as little as possible — which is what makes it usable on long-endurance missions rather than only on short demo flights.
The package is rated to a peak of 33 W under direct sunlight at 40° C ambient. That is a peak, not an average: consumption tracks the workload, and the maximum the thermal design can sustain falls as ambient temperature rises.
Fits The Matrice Fleet You Already Operate
Manifold 3 is compatible with three current DJI enterprise platforms:
Mounting and interfaces
On the Matrice 400, Manifold 3 mounts to the aircraft’s underside mounting points and brackets. It supports the E1, E2 and E3 ports of the E-Port V2 only, and DJI recommends E3. On the Matrice 4 Series and Matrice 4D Series, it can additionally be mounted to the top E-Port, which suits docked operations where the underside is occupied.
The separate USB-C port runs USB 3.2 Gen 1, giving transfer rates up to 5 Gbps. That is the path for external storage, expansion docks and, with a Power Delivery adapter, an alternative power source. Note that the USB-C port does not output HDMI or DisplayPort.
Built to stay outside
An on-board computer on a working aircraft has to tolerate the same conditions as the aircraft. Manifold 3 carries an IP55 ingress protection rating and operates across −20° to 50° C, with a storage range of −20° to 60° C. That covers highveld winter mornings, coastal humidity and Karoo summer heat alike.
IP55 is measured under controlled conditions and, as DJI notes, is not permanently effective — it can degrade with wear. It is protection for real operations, not a licence to fly in a storm.
Power, docks and external storage
Over the E-Port V2 on the Matrice 400, Manifold 3 takes 24 V input from the aircraft. It can also be powered over USB-C from a Power Delivery adapter.
DJI lists the supported PD adapters as the DJI 65 W portable charger, the DJI 100 W desktop charger, and Apple 61 W and 140 W USB-C adapters. For expansion, the UGREEN CM512 Type-C dock and the Anker (A8380) 553 PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C hub are supported — both without display output. USB-C flash drives and portable SSDs connect directly; USB-A drives work through a USB-C OTG cable.
A Development Platform, Not Just A Box
Manifold 3 is aimed at two audiences, and it is worth being clear about which one you are.
If you are an operator
Commercially packaged Manifold PSDK Applications — installation packages carrying the .dpk suffix — can be installed through the DJI Pilot app. These cover scenario-specific work such as power grid, river and pipeline inspection, and they are sourced through DJI’s Ecosystem Products Catalogue or from local dealers and integrators. No development work is required.
If you are a developer
The PSDK open interface and the CUDA computing components Manifold 3 exposes are the building blocks for custom on-board AI. Applications are developed against the PSDK Function Set and API documentation, then submitted for DJI’s mass-production review so they can be listed in the Ecosystem Products Catalogue. During development and debugging, data can be moved over SSH or SFTP rather than through the operator-facing export routes.
GoUAV can advise on which route fits your requirement — packaged application, custom development, or a staged rollout — before you commit to hardware.
Where Manifold 3 Earns Its Place
On-board processing is most valuable where the decision has to be made at the aircraft, or where the imagery should not leave it. The workflows below are the ones DJI demonstrates on Manifold 3, and the ones GoUAV configures most often for operators across the continent.
Solar and renewables
Module-level thermal and visual analysis processed on board, keeping large plant datasets on site and reducing the volume that has to be moved or stored.
Construction and AEC
Compare as-built against as-designed while still on station, and detect deviation on the flight that captured it.
Geospatial and mapping
On-board reconstruction and 3D exploration cut the round trip between capture and a usable model, which matters on time-critical survey work.
Forestry and corridor survey
Automated detection along linear corridors and plantations, processed on board where connectivity is unreliable.
Public safety and emergency response
Detection of vehicles, vessels and people during search and rescue and routine patrol, run on the aircraft so the crew on the ground gets an answer, not a file.
Manifold 3 is usually quoted alongside the payloads and accessories that complete the mission — for example the Zenmuse H30T for dual thermal and visual imaging, the Zenmuse L3 or Zenmuse L2 for LiDAR, the AL1 Spotlight and AS1 Speaker for night operations, the D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station for positioning, and the AP100 Parachute where flight over people is part of the operation.
Manifold 3 Technical Specifications
| Weight | 120 ± 5 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 98 × 57 × 36 mm (L × W × H) |
| Rated Power | 33 W |
| Supported Model | DJI Matrice 400 DJI Matrice 4 Series DJI Matrice 4D Series |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Computing Power | Up to 100 TOPS1 |
| Interface |
E-Port Interface: Supports the DJI Matrice 400 E-Port V2 interface USB-C Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1 protocol, with transfer rates up to 5 Gbps2 |
| Operating Temperature | −20° to 50° C (−4° to 122° F) |
| Storage Temperature | −20° to 60° C (−4° to 140° F) |
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP553 |
| Power Supply |
E-Port Power Supply: Matrice 400 E-Port V2: 24 V input USB Power Delivery (PD): Can be powered through the USB-C interface with a PD-compatible adapter |
- 1. Measured using the INT8 computation precision standard, based on a sparse computing model.
- 2. On the Matrice 400, Manifold 3 only supports the E1, E2 and E3 ports of the E-Port V2, with E3 being the recommended option.
- 3. Measured under controlled conditions. The rating is not permanently effective and may decrease due to product wear and tear.
Manifold 3 Video Guides
DJI’s official walkthroughs and application demos. Videos load only when you press play, so nothing is downloaded until you ask for it.
Manifold 3 | Usage
An overview of Manifold 3 in operation on a DJI enterprise aircraft.
Manifold 3 | Installation
The full installation walkthrough, from mounting to first power-up.
Manifold 3 | Installation on Matrice 4D
Fitting Manifold 3 to the Matrice 4D docking platform.
Manifold 3 | Installation on Matrice 4
Fitting Manifold 3 to a Matrice 4 Series aircraft.
Manifold 3 | Smart 3D Explore
On-board 3D reconstruction and exploration running on Manifold 3.
Manifold 3 | AI Coding Assistant
Using an on-board AI coding assistant in the Manifold 3 development workflow.
Matrice 400 | Illegal Parking Detection
A worked application: automated illegal-parking detection set up and run on Matrice 400 with Manifold 3.
Manifold 3 Downloads
Firmware, manuals and supporting software, published by DJI. Note that system firmware upgrades are supported on the Windows version of DJI Assistant 2 only — there is no macOS path for firmware flashing.
- SoftwareDJI Assistant 2 (Enterprise Series) — Windows V2.1.202026-03-06 · exeDownload
- SoftwareDJI Assistant 2 (Enterprise Series) — Mac V2.1.202026-03-06 · pkgDownload
- SoftwareDJI Assistant 2 release notes v2.1.202025-11-04 · pdfDownload
- FirmwareManifold 3 offline firmware update v17.00.01.012026-03-31 · zipDownload
- FirmwareManifold 3 offline firmware update v16.01.01.012025-12-11 · zipDownload
- FirmwareManifold 3 offline firmware update v16.00.01.012025-11-04 · zipDownload
- ManualManifold 3 — user manual v1.22025-08-28 · pdfDownload
- ManualManifold 3 — product information2025-06-10 · pdfDownload
- ManualManifold 3 — release notes2026-03-31 · pdfDownload
- ManualManifold 3 — 3D model2025-09-23 · zipDownload
Frequently Asked Questions
Manifold 3 hardware and operation
What makes up the 100 TOPS of computing power?
The figure is split across two accelerators working in parallel: 60 TOPS from the GPU and 40 TOPS from the DLA. Because both engines can run algorithm models at the same time, inference workloads can be balanced across the GPU and the DLA rather than queued on one.
What can I actually run on Manifold 3?
Two routes. Commercially, you can install packaged applications from DJI's third-party ecosystem — for example power grid, river and pipeline inspection software — to add scenario-specific capability without writing any code. Alternatively, developers can build their own AI applications for DJI aircraft using the PSDK open interface and the CUDA computing components Manifold 3 exposes, then apply for mass-production review and listing in DJI's Ecosystem Products Catalogue.
How much power does Manifold 3 draw?
Consumption depends heavily on the workload being executed. Under direct sunlight at an ambient temperature of 40° C (104° F), Manifold 3 can reach a maximum of 33 W. As ambient temperature rises, the maximum power the thermal design can sustain decreases, so the figure should be treated as a peak rather than a constant.
Which drone platforms is Manifold 3 compatible with?
DJI Matrice 400, the DJI Matrice 4 Series and the DJI Matrice 4D Series.
Where does Manifold 3 mount on the aircraft?
On the Matrice 400 it mounts to the underside mounting points and brackets, and it supports only the E1, E2 and E3 ports of the E-Port V2 — E3 is the recommended option. On the Matrice 4 Series and Matrice 4D Series it can also be mounted to the top E-Port.
Which USB-C power adapters are supported for Power Delivery?
The DJI 65 W portable charger and DJI 100 W desktop charger, as well as Apple 61 W and 140 W USB-C power adapters.
Does the USB-C port output HDMI or DisplayPort?
No. The USB-C interface does not support HDMI or DisplayPort output.
Which USB expansion docks and external drives work with the USB-C port?
For docks, the UGREEN CM512 Type-C Dock and the Anker (A8380) 553 PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C Hub are supported — both without display output. For storage, USB-C flash drives and portable SSDs are supported, and USB-A external hard drives can be connected through a USB-C OTG cable.
How do I upgrade the firmware?
Install Manifold 3 on the aircraft platform, connect the platform to a computer through its configuration port with a USB cable, download the system firmware package from DJI's official website, then use DJI Assistant 2 to install or upgrade the firmware offline. System firmware upgrades are supported on the Windows version of DJI Assistant 2 only — the Mac version is not supported.
How do I export data from Manifold 3?
There are three routes. First, install Manifold 3 on the aircraft, connect a USB flash drive or portable SSD to its USB-C port, then use the DJI Pilot app to select the relevant application and export. Second, install Manifold 3 on the aircraft, connect the aircraft to a computer with a USB-C cable and open DJI Assistant 2, which mounts Manifold 3's system file directory so files can be copied through Windows Explorer. Third, use a third-party application — for example downloading playback from the Pilot media library or transferring to a specified cloud platform. Developers have a fourth option: transferring data over SSH or SFTP during development and debugging.
Manifold PSDK applications
What is a Manifold PSDK Application?
It is software developed specifically for Manifold 3 on the DJI PSDK interface. It is also known as a Manifold Application, and its installation packages carry the “.dpk” suffix.
How do I obtain and install a Manifold PSDK Application?
Commercially produced third-party packages are available through DJI's Ecosystem Products Catalogue or from local dealers and integrators. Installation and upgrades are carried out through the DJI Pilot app following the manufacturer's manual. If nothing off the shelf fits, DJI ecosystem developers can build a custom application to your requirements.
How do I develop a Manifold PSDK Application?
Start at developer.dji.com/payload-sdk and work through the PSDK Quick Start and development documentation. The Function Set and API documentation cover building a complete application; mass production and commercial use are then applied for against DJI's quality testing requirements.
How do I get my application listed in DJI's Ecosystem Products Catalogue?
Submit an application at enterprise.dji.com/ecosystem against the published certification requirements. Once approved, the solution can be listed in the Ecosystem Products Catalogue.
Get A Manifold 3 Quote For Your Fleet
We don’t publish DJI Manifold 3 pricing online, because the right configuration depends on the aircraft, the payloads, the application software and the support you need behind it. Tell us what you are flying and what you want the aircraft to decide on its own, and we’ll come back with a configured quotation.
Or call +27 11 557 9200 · sales@gouav.co.za
GoUAV is an authorised DJI Enterprise distributor for Africa. We handle Drone Enablement Program planning, fleet configuration, payload selection, training and DJI Enterprise repair and technical support across the continent.
Related Products
Manifold 3 is usually quoted with the aircraft it mounts to and the payloads that complete the mission.
DJI Matrice 400 Drone
DJI Matrice 4T Thermal Drone for Enterprise Operations
DJI Matrice 4D Drone
DJI Matrice 4TD Thermal Drone
DJI RC Plus 2 Controller
DJI D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station
DJI Zenmuse H30T
DJI AP100 Parachute
Looking for something else? Browse payloads and cameras, software and licences or the previous-generation Manifold 2.
Manifold 3 is a DJI product. Specifications, imagery and video are published by DJI and reproduced here by GoUAV, an authorised DJI Enterprise distributor for Africa. Product availability, application software and lead times are confirmed at quotation.