LiDAR sensor

01

Read range, resolution and accuracy on the right basis

Ouster's OS1 datasheet (rev 7) gives range of 90 m on a 10% Lambertian target and 170 m on an 80% target, each at over 90% detection probability in 100 klx sunlight in 1024 × 10 Hz mode, with configurable minimum range down to 0 m. It offers 32, 64 or 128 vertical channels over a 42.4° vertical field, 360° horizontal at 512, 1024 or 2048 columns and 10 or 20 Hz, 1.31 to 5.24 million points per second, up to two returns, a false-positive rate of 1 in 10,000, range precision of ±0.5 to ±3 cm (1σ of 100 measurements) and range accuracy of ±2.5 cm on Lambertian and ±5 cm on retroreflective targets. [1]

Hokuyo's UST-10LX and UST-20LX 2D scanning rangefinders cover a 270° scan in 25 ms at 0.25° (or 0.125° on H01 versions), detecting 0.06–10 m or 0.06–20 m on white Kent sheet but only 4 m or 8 m at 10% diffuse reflectance, with maximum detection of 30 or 60 m, accuracy of ±40 mm and ambient light limits of 80,000 lx (15,000 lx on H01 versions); direct sunlight should be avoided. [2]

Editorial calculation: 128 channels × 2,048 columns × 20 Hz is 5,242,880 points per second, matching the OS1's top figure; at 1,024 columns its horizontal step is about 0.35°. The UST's 270° at 0.25° is 1,080 steps per scan, and at 25 ms per scan (40 scans per second) about 43,200 points per second. The OS1's 10%-target range is about 53% of its 80%-target range, and the UST-10LX's about 40%. [1] [2]

A non-repetitive-scan sensor from a third maker states range the same way. Livox's Mid-360 user manual (2024) gives detection range of 40 m on a 10% target and 70 m on an 80% target at 100 klx, a 0.1 m close blind zone (0.1–0.2 m returns are for reference only), a 360° × −7° to 52° field of view, 200,000 points/s at a 10 Hz frame rate, distance random error (1σ) of ≤ 2 cm at 10 m and ≤ 3 cm at 0.2 m on an 80% target, angular random error ≤ 0.15°, and a false-alarm ratio below 0.01% at 100 klx. [3]

Editorial calculation: at the same 10% reflectivity the Mid-360 reaches 40 m and the OS1 90 m, so range on a dark target differs by more than two times between products; and 200,000 points/s is about 4% of the OS1's 5,242,880 top figure (200,000 ÷ 5,242,880 ≈ 0.038). Compare range at the reflectivity and sunlight your targets present. [3] [1]

Hesai's XT series page shows how channel count trades against point rate and vertical resolution in otherwise matched units. The 32-channel XT32 and 16-channel XT16 both list a 0.05–120 m ranging capability, 0.5 cm (1σ) range precision, ±1 cm accuracy, 0.18° horizontal resolution and a Φ76 × 103.2 mm, 800 g body; the XT32 gives 640,000 points per second (single return) over 360° × 31° at 1° vertical resolution, and the XT16 320,000 points per second over 360° × 30° at 2°. Hesai states a detection probability above 90% on 10% reflectivity targets at 80 m for the XT32, a blind range of zero (objects touching the enclosure are still detected), Class 1 eye safety, an IP6K7 test in its reliability list and a designed lifetime over 30,000 hours. [4] Editorial calculation: 31° spread over 32 channels gives 31 / (32 − 1) = 1° between beams, and 30° over 16 channels gives 30 / 15 = 2°, matching the stated vertical resolutions; halving the channels halves the point rate.

Give the supplier the application, required range on a stated reflectivity and sunlight level, field of view and angular resolution, point rate or scan rate, accuracy and precision needs, minimum range, number of returns, eye-safety class, supply voltage and power budget, interface and time synchronisation, IP rating, shock and vibration, operating temperature, certifications, software and drivers, and quantity.

02

Check eye safety, power, interfaces and ruggedness

The OS1 uses an 865 nm laser certified Class 1 eye-safe to IEC/EN 60825-1:2014 and FDA 21 CFR 1040; it streams UDP over gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T or automotive 1000BASE-T1) with data latency under 10 ms, an IMU, and time sync by PTP, gPTP, NMEA or PPS. It runs from 9.5 to 51 V for 12–24 V systems (not 48 V battery systems), draws 14–20 W (16 W nominal, 28 W peak when starting at −40 °C, with at least a 30 W supply recommended in cold), is IP68 (1 m for 1 h) and IP69K, weighs 430–522 g, is 87 mm in diameter, and is tested to IEC 60068-2-27 shock (100 g) and -2-64 vibration (3 g rms). [1]

The Hokuyo UST-10/20LX uses a 905 nm Class 1 laser (IEC 60825-1:2007), runs on 12 or 24 V DC (10–30 V) at 150 mA (450 mA at start-up), outputs over 100BASE-TX Ethernet with synchronous output, operates from −10 to +50 °C below 85% RH, is IP65 and weighs 130 g in a 50 × 50 × 70 mm body, with shock resistance of 20 g. [2]

The same manual lists a 905 nm Class 1 laser (IEC 60825-1:2014) with 25.2° × 8° beam divergence whose internal peak power may exceed 70 W, 100BASE-TX Ethernet with IEEE 1588-2008 (PTP v2) or GPS synchronisation, a built-in IMU, IP67, 6.5 W at 25 °C from 9–27 V DC rising to 14 W peak in self-heating mode between −20 and 0 °C, operation from −20 to 55 °C with automatic shutdown on over-temperature, 65 × 65 × 60 mm and about 265 g. [3]

03

Compare what suppliers offer

Suppliers linked to this page list LiDAR sensors or LiDAR-based scanners; each card links to the page reviewed.

Listings include high-frequency LiDAR ranging modules, 2D and 3D LiDAR sensors, 2D safety LiDAR scanners and navigation LiDAR for AGVs and forklifts, handheld 3D laser scanners and surveying laser scanners; ask each for range on a 10% target in sunlight, accuracy and precision definitions, laser class certificate and interface documentation.

04

Trace the sensor construction

This is a functional reference built from the sources cited; it is not one maker's specification.

05

Fill the specification fields with values for your system

A LiDAR quotation needs values for your system. The table explains each field, gives published values where a reviewed source states them, and says what to obtain from the supplier.

06

Send the range, field and integration needs together

Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.

Range: [distance; target reflectivity; sunlight]
Field: [2D or 3D; FOV; resolution]
Rate: [points or scans per second]
Accuracy: [accuracy; precision]
Safety: [laser class; safety-rated scanner?]
Integration: [voltage; power; interface; time sync]
Environment: [IP; temperature; shock; vibration]

See manufacturer records Send an enquiry through CNFX