Garmin LIDAR-Lite Optical Distance LED Sensor

Garmin's LIDAR-Lite LED V4 is the latest, ideal high-performance (but compact) optical distant measurement sensor solution for robotics, Internet of Things, and unmanned vehicles – or any application where an ultrasonic sensor might otherwise be used. Garmin makes high-quality sensors. They're renowned for their GPS sensors, and these distance sensors are nice and high-quality devices.

You can measure up to 10 meters away with an LED optics sensor that draws only 85 mA during an acquisition. You can easily adjust between accuracy, operating range and measurement time using the I2C command set.

Please note, despite having the word LIDAR in the name, this sensor does not use a laser. Instead, it has lensed LED light that is measured as it is bounced off of an object.

• Small, lightweight, very low-power optical ranging sensor in a compact form factor
• Communicate wirelessly over Garmin's ANT® technology profile with ANT connectivity-enabled devices and other ANT enabled products, or use the familiar I2C interface
• Highly configurable and customizable
• Interface and programming options allow operation as a stand-alone device or connected to an external micro-controller
• Example library code available for Arduino (C/C++)
• Internal nRF52840 processor means it works straight out of the box with preloaded stock application, or you can create your own custom applications (for experienced developers)
• Quick, over-the-air updates via Bluetooth® LE wireless technology (for experienced developers)

You will need a microcontroller or microcomputer to connect to the I2C pins to read the distance values when used in non-standalone mode (which is what most folks will use). Garmin's datasheet says you can take measurements at up to 200 Hz.

Garmin's LIDAR-Lite v4 LED sensor is the first to incorporate ANT profile wireless networking technology into an optical sensor. Its built-in nRF52840 processor means that developers can create custom applications, or LIDAR-Lite v4 can be operated as a stand-alone device right out of the box by using the preloaded stock application. And, like the LIDAR-Lite v3 and LIDAR-Lite v3HP sensors, it can also be directly connected to an external micro-controller running a custom user application. As such, it provides a highly adaptable option for OEM and maker applications in robotics, “internet of things” and unmanned vehicles — or any application where an ultrasonic sensor might otherwise be used. It’s perfect as the basic building block for applications where wireless capabilities, small size, lightweight, low power consumption, and high performance are important factors in a short-range, 10-meter, optical distance measuring sensor.

Note: The power supply for this device is 5V, and the logic levels are 3.3V so you may need level shifting on a 5V-logic-device or an external 5 VDC power source.