Adafruit
Garmin LIDAR-Lite Optical Distance LED Sensor - V4
The Garmin LIDAR-Lite V4 LED is a compact, low-power optical distance sensor that measures up to 10 metres using lensed LED light (not a laser, despite the n...
The Garmin LIDAR-Lite V4 LED is a compact, low-power optical distance sensor that measures up to 10 metres using lensed LED light (not a laser, despite the name). Drawing only 85 mA during acquisition with measurement rates up to 200 Hz, it's an ideal alternative to ultrasonic sensors for robotics, IoT, and unmanned vehicles.
Connect via I²C to read distance values from any microcontroller, or use Garmin's ANT wireless protocol for cable-free operation. The built-in nRF52840 processor runs a preloaded stock application out of the box, or experienced developers can create custom firmware and push over-the-air updates via Bluetooth LE.
Key Features
- 10m Range – LED-based optical distance measurement (not laser)
- Up to 200 Hz – Fast measurement rate with adjustable accuracy/range/speed trade-offs
- Dual Connectivity – I²C interface plus Garmin ANT wireless profile
- Built-In nRF52840 Processor – Works standalone with preloaded firmware, or develop custom applications
- Bluetooth LE Updates – Over-the-air firmware updates for custom applications
- Ultra-Low Power – Only 85 mA during acquisition
- Compact & Lightweight – Small form factor suitable for space-constrained builds
Specifications
- Sensor Type – LED optical distance (non-laser)
- Range – Up to 10 m
- Measurement Rate – Up to 200 Hz
- Current Draw – 85 mA during acquisition
- Interfaces – I²C, Garmin ANT wireless
- Processor – nRF52840
- Power Supply – 5V
- Logic Level – 3.3V
Ideal For
- Robotics and obstacle avoidance
- Unmanned vehicles and drones
- IoT proximity and distance sensing
- Replacing ultrasonic sensors with faster, more accurate optical measurement
Package Contents
- 1× Garmin LIDAR-Lite V4 LED Sensor
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- IoT
- Short for Internet of Things, meaning physical devices that connect to networks or the internet to send data or be controlled remotely. It matters if you want projects such as connected sensors, remote controls or classroom data-logging activities.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.
- LiDAR
- A sensing method that uses laser light to measure distance and build a 3D picture of the surroundings. It matters for robotics and autonomous systems because LiDAR data can help with mapping, navigation and obstacle detection.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a chip that runs your program and controls connected inputs and outputs. For this product, it is the part that reads buttons and sensors, drives the display and speaker, and communicates over Bluetooth.
- nRF52840
- The nRF52840 is a Nordic Semiconductor microcontroller commonly used in maker boards, especially where Bluetooth Low Energy is needed. Seeing it listed tells you the USB host software may support boards based on this chip.
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Brands
Sensors & Input
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
