Category · 100 m distance sensors
100 m Laser Distance Sensor: Models, Accuracy & Price
A 100 m laser distance sensor is a pulsed time-of-flight sensor for medium distances. ERDILRF lists 6 models up to 200 m (905 nm / 940 nm, UART/I2C), with published prices from $6 including shipping.
100 m class models compared
Values come from each model's catalog record. The 100 m figure is the stated maximum on the stated target; plan for less on dark or small surfaces.
| Model | Wavelength | Max range | Accuracy | Update rate | Interface | Weight | Published price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRF10VB | 940 nm | 9 m | ±5 cm (<5 m); 1% (≥5 m) | 50 Hz | UART | 1 g | $6, shipping incl. |
| LRF22VB | 905 nm | 20 m | ±5 cm (<5 m); 1% (≥5 m) | 200 Hz (alternatives: 100/50/20/10/1 Hz) | UART/IIC | 1.5 g | $8, shipping incl. |
| LRF50H | 905 nm | 50 m | ±5 cm (<10 m); 1% (≥10 m), 2σ | 20 Hz-10 kHz (default: 1 kHz) | UART | 15 ± 2 g | $50, shipping incl. |
| LRF50VB | 905 nm | 50 m | ±5 cm (<5 m); 1% (≥5 m) | 100 Hz | UART/IIC | 1.3 g | $20, shipping incl. |
| LRF100H | 905 nm | 100 m | ±10 cm (<10 m); 1% (≥10 m) | 20 Hz-10 kHz (default: 1 kHz) | UART, IIC | 20 ± 2 g | $80, shipping incl. |
| LRF200H | 905 nm | 200 m | ±10 cm (<10 m); 1% (≥10 m) | 20 Hz-10 kHz (default: 1 kHz) | UART, IIC | 20 ± 2 g | $100, shipping incl. |
Which one to pick
Up to 50 m and the smallest board: LRF50VB (single-point LiDAR, UART/I2C). Up to 100 m in a sensor body: LRF100H. Margin beyond 100 m: LRF200H in the same footprint. The lowest published price in this group is $6 (LRF10VB).
Why a 100 m sensor may not reach 100 m: the figure assumes a large, light target. The 100 m spec vs real range article works through reflectivity and target size.
Accuracy at 100 m, worked through
The LRF100H record states ±10 cm (<10 m); 1% (≥10 m). Applied to a few distances:
| True distance | Stated accuracy | Reading window |
|---|---|---|
| 5 m | ±0.1 m | 4.9–5.1 m |
| 25 m | ±0.25 m | 24.75–25.25 m |
| 50 m | ±0.5 m | 49.5–50.5 m |
| 100 m | ±1 m | 99–101 m |
Two practical consequences: a percentage spec means absolute error grows with distance, so at 100 m expect a reading within about a metre; and averaging several readings reduces random noise but not a systematic offset, so check a known distance during commissioning.
Power, interface and update rate
The two families are wired differently. The VB boards run from a low-voltage logic supply and talk 3.3 V-level UART (plus I2C on some), so they connect straight to a microcontroller. The H-series sensors take a wide 9–36 V DC supply, which suits 12 V and 24 V machine and vehicle power, and output UART/I2C. Check the logic level on the model page before wiring a 5 V Arduino.
| Model | Supply | Interface | Update rate | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRF10VB | 4.5–5.5 V DC | UART | 50 Hz | 12 × 7.5 × 9.1 mm |
| LRF22VB | 3–3.6 V DC | UART/IIC | 200 Hz (alternatives: 100/50/20/10/1 Hz) | 21 × 15 × 7.43 mm |
| LRF50H | 9–36 V DC | UART | 20 Hz-10 kHz (default: 1 kHz) | 38 × 20 × 30 mm |
| LRF50VB | 3.3–5 V DC | UART/IIC | 100 Hz | 18.7 × 11.8 × 13.3 mm |
| LRF100H | 9–36 V DC | UART, IIC | 20 Hz-10 kHz (default: 1 kHz) | 33 × 34 × 18 mm |
| LRF200H | 9–36 V DC | UART, IIC | 20 Hz-10 kHz (default: 1 kHz) | 33 × 34 × 18 mm |
Update rate matters for moving platforms: at 10 m/s a 50 Hz sensor reports every 0.2 m of travel; at 1 kHz the H series reports every 1 cm.
Typical uses for a 100 m sensor
- Drone altitude and landing: a VB board on a small drone, or LRF100H/LRF200H for higher terrain following. See drone altimeter laser rangefinders.
- Silo, bunker and tank level: non-contact distance to the material surface; see the laser level sensor guide.
- Crane, hoist and AGV positioning: distance to a reflector or wall at tens of metres with a fast update rate; see AGV obstacle avoidance sensors.
- Robot and conveyor sensing: the 1–2 g VB boards fit where an ultrasonic sensor's wide cone would see the wrong object.
Related pages
All laser distance sensors · ToF distance sensor guide · long range laser sensors · Arduino UART code
FAQ
How far can a 100mW laser go?
Optical power alone does not set ranging distance: a distance sensor's range depends on pulse energy, receiver sensitivity, optics and the target. The sensors on this page are rated by measured range on a stated target (up to 200 m here), not by laser power.
What is the price of a 100m laser distance sensor?
Published unit prices in this group run from $6 to $100 at the first quantity tier, shipping included.
How accurate are laser distance sensors?
The H series and VB boards state ±5 cm or ±10 cm below 5–10 m and 1% of distance beyond that, so about ±1 m at 100 m. The exact figure and test conditions are in the table above and on each model page.
What is the most accurate type of distance sensor?
For single-point distance over metres to hundreds of metres, laser time-of-flight is more accurate and has a narrower beam than ultrasonic or radar. At millimetre scale over short distances, laser triangulation sensors are more precise.
Related model records
Open the exact model page for current specifications, conditions and integration documents.