The name LIDAR is an acronym of the descriptive term: light detection and ranging. The purpose of a LIDAR device is to determine the distance from the nearest surface in any chosen direction.
Just as in the case of the product presented today, the DF-DFR0315 module by DF Robot, this type of a sensor is commonly placed in a rotating head, as it enables 360°scanning of the surface determined by the laser beam. In this way, the device (e.g. an autonomous car) can create a virtual image of its surroundings, thanks to which it can move or drive more safely.
The DF-DFR0315 laser scanner makes it possible to gather data about obstacles located at a distance between 15 cm and 12 m from the sensor (with a resolution of 1°). The constructor can analyse such mapping information using any tool of their choice, to create a model of the environment or the object. The data does not have to be static – the rotating head runs clockwise with the speed of 2 Hz, 5.5 hz or 10 Hz, that is up to 600RPM (revolutions per minute), which means the device can respond to changing conditions, such as an obstacle that appears within the range of the sensor. The measuring time for each sample is 0.125 ms.
The module is equipped with a USB output and a built-in serial port. It is compatible with SLAMWARE SDK software and is available for Windows, Linux, Android and iOS systems; it can also be used with the open-source ROS platform (Robot Operating System). To operate properly, the device requires a 5 V DC power supply and 100 mA (0.5 W) current. It is important to note that the module does not operate properly in the presence of direct sunlight.
DFRobot laser scanner
| Specification |
| Type of sensor |
2D scanner |
| Kind of sensor |
laser |
| Interface |
USB - UART |
| Distance measurement range |
0.15...12 m |
| Measurement frequency |
2 Hz/5.5 Hz/10 Hz |
| Viewing angle |
360° |
| Resolution |
1° |
| Information |
the product is only a component |
| Application |
SLAM |