Power Distribution: PDH vs PDP
The job of the power distribution device
Section titled “The job of the power distribution device”The power distribution device (PD) takes the single 12V feed from the main breaker and splits it into many branch circuits , each protected by its own breaker. It is the central junction box of the robot. For 2026 the legal PDs are the CTRE PDP and PDP 2.0 , the REV PDH , and AndyMark Power Distribution (added to R609 in 2026). The two you will see most are the PDP and the PDH.
CTRE Power Distribution Panel (PDP)
Section titled “CTRE Power Distribution Panel (PDP)”Made by CTR Electronics , the original PDP has:
- 8 channels rated 40A continuous and 8 channels rated 30A continuous (16 channels, numbered 0-15).
- Dedicated terminals for the roboRIO and for the VRM/PCM/radio.
- A CAN interface that logs total current, per-channel current (in 0.125A increments), bus voltage (in 0.05V increments), temperature, power, and energy.
- Uses Snap-Action automotive blade breakers and ATM fuses.
There is also a PDP 2.0 with more 40A-capable channels that accepts ATC/ATO fuses but lacks the original PDP’s built-in per-channel current logging.
REV Power Distribution Hub (PDH)
Section titled “REV Power Distribution Hub (PDH)”Made by REV Robotics (P/N REV-11-1850), the PDH has:
- 20 high-current channels (40A max) , 3 low-current channels (15A continuous, 20A peak) , and 1 switchable low-current channel (24 channels total, numbered 0-23).
- Toolless WAGO lever terminals - no screwdriver needed, just lift the lever and insert the wire.
- An LED input-voltage display showing battery voltage at a glance.
- CAN and USB-C connectivity; USB-C works with the REV Hardware Client for live telemetry, firmware updates, and as a USB-to-CAN bridge.
- High-current channels accept ATO-size breakers/fuses; low-current channels accept ATM/APM breakers/fuses.
- The switchable channel can be turned on or off in code with
setSwitchableChannel(true).
Default CAN IDs
Section titled “Default CAN IDs”- CTREPDP defaults to CAN ID 0.
- REV PDH defaults to CAN ID 1.
WPILib’s PowerDistribution class auto-detects the module type; created with no arguments it expects CAN ID 0 for CTRE or 1 for REV.
Which should you choose?
Section titled “Which should you choose?”Both are excellent. The PDH’s toolless terminals and onboard voltage display speed up assembly and pit debugging; the original PDP’s per-channel current logging is invaluable for diagnosing brownouts. Many teams pick based on what’s in their Kit of Parts.
Sources
Section titled “Sources”Key takeaways
Section titled “Key takeaways”- The PDP has 16 channels (eight 40A + eight 30A) with per-channel current logging; default CAN ID 0.
- The PDH has 24 channels (20 high-current 40A, 3 low-current 15A, 1 switchable) with toolless WAGO terminals; default CAN ID 1.
- For 2026, AndyMark Power Distribution joins the PDP/PDP 2.0 and PDH as a legal PD.
- WPILib’s PowerDistribution class auto-detects the module and reports current (0.125A on PDP), voltage, power, and energy over CAN.
This lesson was adapted from learnfrc.com.