Laser Rangefinder Modules for OEM Integration

A laser rangefinder module (LRF module) is a small board-level sensor that fires a laser, times the light returning from a reflective target and reports the distance over a serial link such as UART-TTL. ERDILRF supplies 26 listed models for OEM integration, from 0.05 m short-range sensors to modules with a source-stated range of 3,000 m or more.

What a laser rangefinder module is

An LRF module is the ranging engine without a housing, display or battery. It contains a laser emitter, a receiver, timing electronics and a microcontroller that handles the serial protocol. Your host board (a flight controller, a robot computer, a handheld instrument, a camera head) supplies power, sends a command or listens for a data stream, and reads back a distance value.

Most ERDILRF modules use direct time-of-flight (DToF) ranging at 905 nm. The module measures how long laser light takes to travel to a target and back, then converts that time into distance. Our explainer on 905 nm DToF ranging covers the principle in more detail. The interface on the listed models is a serial UART (the table gives the interface wording from each model’s record, and the logic level must be confirmed in the datasheet); some H and VB models also list I²C (see the table below).

Two points matter before you compare numbers. First, the wavelength differs by model: the LRF10VB datasheet states 940 nm, so check the wavelength in each datasheet. Second, the laser class quoted for a module is the manufacturer’s statement in that model’s manual (IEC 60825-1 Class 1 where stated), not a third-party certificate. See 905 nm Class 1 eye safety explained.

Other names for the same part type are laser ranging module, laser distance sensor module and laser distance measurement module. They all describe a board-level rangefinder that you build into your own product. All ERDILRF models are for civil use: UAV payloads and altimetry, industrial sensing, handheld and field instruments, site monitoring and optical observation.

How to choose by range band

Start with the longest distance you must measure on your real target, not the figure on the cover of a datasheet. Every range in the KB is tied to a reflectivity, target size and visibility condition. A 1,000 m module on a dark, small or angled surface will not reach 1,000 m. Our article on spec range versus real range explains how to read these conditions.

Short range, up to 50 m: VB and H series

The VB series covers LRF10VB (0.05–9 m), LRF22VB (0.05–20 m) and LRF50VB (0.05–50 m). LRF50H, in the H series, also lists 0.05–50 m. These suit robots, AGV and AMR obstacle sensing, level and height measurement, and compact industrial devices. Each lists a second, shorter figure for a lower-reflectivity condition; the datasheet states the conditions. See the VB series and short-range DToF sensors for industrial robotics.

Mid range, 100 to 600 m: H series

LRF100H, LRF200H, LRF300H and LRF600H list 0.05–100, 0.05–200, 0.05–300 and 0.05–600 m at 90% reflectivity. The H series runs from a 9–36 V DC supply, which is different from the 3.3–5 V of most other ERDILRF modules, and it reports distance in centimetres. See the H series page.

Long range, 1,000 to 2,000 m: LR E2/E4, SPD1200, D23

The LR series lists LR1000E2/E4 (4–1,000 m), LR1200E2/E4 (4–1,200 m), LR1500E2/E4 (4–1,500 m) and LR2000E2/E4 (4–2,000 m). LR1000D23 and LR1500D23 are in the same series. The SPD1200 variants (N0, N2, N4, Z2, S2) list 0.2–1,200 m with weights of about 5 to 10 g where the manual gives one. See the LR series, the SPD series and 1000 m LR series compared.

Extended range, 1,200 to 3,000 m: LRF A1 and LRF1500H

LRF1200A1 lists 5–1,200 m against a building target, and LRF3000A1 lists at least 3,000 m at 70% reflectivity on a building target in clear weather with visibility of at least 4 km. LRF1500H, from the H series, lists 0.05–1,500 m at 90% reflectivity. See the A series and the LRF3000A1 deep dive. For a broader view of the 300–3,000 m band, read long-range laser rangefinder modules, 300 to 3,000 m.

Selection table: all 26 models

Values below are copied from each model’s KB record. A dash means the field is not stated there; confirm it in the datasheet before design-in. “See datasheet” is used where the source documents disagree for a field, so we do not print one value. The laser class column is the class declared in the model’s manual.

Three things in this table catch integrators out. The H series needs 9–36 V, while the VB models take 3.0–3.6 V (LRF22VB), 3.3–5 V (LRF50VB) or 4.5–5.5 V (LRF10VB). Distance units also differ: VB modules report millimetres and H modules report centimetres, and the LR E-series reports the actual value multiplied by 10. Never assume a unit across a family; the driver provenance notes in our open-source repository record the basis for each model. The supply voltage is also a separate question from UART logic level, so confirm the I/O level of your delivered unit.

Integration checklist

1. Interface and protocol family. The LR, SPD, LRF1200A1 and LRF3000A1 models listed in our driver repository use an 8-byte command and response frame beginning 55 AA at a default 115200 bps. The H and VB models stream 5C data frames at a default 460800 bps (adjustable). LRF10VB is listed in the catalogue without a published communication manual in the driver repository. Read the UART-TTL integration guide and serial protocol and checksum basics.
2. Baud rate. Use the value in the manual for the unit you are buying. LRF3000A1 lists 115200 bps default or 9600 bps. For SPD1200D03 the manual itself contains two baud values, so the delivered configuration must be confirmed before you fix a host baud rate.
3. Power. Check supply range, operating power and inrush current in the datasheet, and budget for peak current on your regulator. Where a datasheet gives a recommended minimum inside the range (LR1000D23 and LR1500D23 list ≥3.5 V), design to that figure.
4. Logic level and pinout. Use the pin table in the model’s own manual. Do not assume wire colours from another model. See pinout and wire colours.
5. Mechanics. Compare dimensions, weight and connector with your enclosure. Ask for the mechanical drawing or 3D file during evaluation and confirm the drawing for the delivered version.
6. Window. A protective window in front of the optics costs signal and can add stray reflections. Read protective window acceptance and the optical window notes in the manual.
7. Blind zone. Every module has a minimum measuring distance (0.05 m on VB and H entries, 0.2 m on SPD entries, 1 m on LRF3000A1, 4 m on LR E-series entries as listed). See minimum measuring distance and blind zone.
8. Conditions behind the range figure. Record the reflectivity, target size, visibility and sunlight assumed by the datasheet and compare them with your real scene. Read understanding accuracy specs and update rate on moving platforms.
9. Datasheet fields. Datasheet fields explained lists what each row means and what to ask about when it is blank.

Datasheets, drivers and samples

Published datasheets and protocol documents are on the downloads page. Open-source drivers for Python, Arduino and ROS 2 are in the erdi-lrf-drivers repository on GitHub, with archived references at the technical note (Zenodo) and the driver software archive v0.1.0 (Zenodo). The drivers page on this site lists the driver downloads. Where a manual is silent or contradicts itself, the drivers say so rather than guess.

For the UAV and gimbal use case, see laser rangefinder modules for UAV and gimbal payloads. Companies building products around these modules can start at integrators. For supplier details, see our company page. Evaluation samples and quotations go through the sample and quote form; lead time, minimum order and sample terms are confirmed in writing with the quotation. You can also write to tommy@erdimail.com or WhatsApp +86 133 0819 5790.

More reading: UART-TTL integration, reading a module with Arduino, I²C support, high repetition rate ranging modules, OEM and ODM customization, and the model finder at all models. Questions that are not covered here are on the FAQ page or support page, and buying steps are on how to buy.

Frequently asked questions