ESPFlight Docs v1
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System Architecture

Separate responsibilities so hardware, firmware, networking, and user interface can be tested independently.

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# Layer responsibilities

Layer Primary responsibility
Hardware Power, sensing, physical motor outputs, mechanical system.
Firmware 250 Hz control loop, stabilization, safety state, communication and telemetry.
Network / Protocol Discovery and real-time exchange between controller and application.
Application User control, configuration, tuning, connection and status presentation.

# Why separation matters

When a test fails, identify which layer failed before changing unrelated parts. A wrong IMU axis is a hardware/configuration problem; a discovery failure is a network problem; a UI display issue is not fixed by changing motor PID.