Choose between 905 nm and 1535 nm by the measurement, not by the wavelength label. Define distance, target reflectivity, update rate, supply voltage, size and eye-safety documentation first, then compare module manuals under the same conditions. ERDILRF is a 905 nm line; 1535 nm requirements are reviewed case by case through the contact page.
Define the measurement first
A wavelength is one design variable among many. Two modules at the same wavelength can differ widely in weight and range, and two modules at different wavelengths can behave alike on a short, bright, high-reflectivity target. Write down the following before you open any datasheet:
- Minimum and maximum distance, and how large and how reflective the target is at those distances.
- Required accuracy and update rate across the working distance, including whether the platform is moving.
- Sunlight, visibility, rain, dust and the protection level the installed system needs.
- Interface, supply voltage, mounting envelope and mass allowance.
- Sample quantity, destination and expected production volume.
Once these are fixed, the wavelength question usually shrinks to a short list of trade-offs. The table below lays them out. Where the 905 nm column carries numbers, they come from named ERDILRF models and the manual of each model. The 1535 nm column is deliberately general: ERDILRF does not sell a 1535 nm module, so it cannot quote 1535 nm weight, power, range or price.
Decision dimensions compared
| Dimension | 905 nm (ERDILRF catalog) | 1535 nm |
|---|---|---|
| Detector type | The ERDILRF manuals do not state the detector type, so none is claimed here. Confirm it with the datasheet or with us if your design depends on it. | Generally uses a different detector technology from 905 nm designs. Depends on the specific product; not part of the ERDILRF 905 nm catalog. |
| Eye-safety classification | Manuals declare Class 1, for example LRF100H and LR1000E2 (IEC Class 1), and LRF3000A1 (905 ± 10 nm, Class 1, IEC 60825-1). These are the manual’s self-declaration. LRF50H adds a switchable 650 nm visible aiming light listed as Class 2. | Class depends on the emitted power and optics of the specific product. A wavelength alone does not set the class; read the product’s own declaration. |
| Atmospheric and solar factors | LRF100H lists 100 kLux ambient light immunity. LRF3000A1 ties its 3000 m figure to clear weather with visibility of at least 4 km. Strong sunlight or low visibility may reduce range (SPD1200S2 technical note). | Atmospheric and solar behaviour differs from 905 nm in general. Depends on the specific product; not part of the ERDILRF 905 nm catalog. |
| Power | LRF100H: 0.7 W average, 9–36 V DC. LR1000E2: maximum ≤ 1 W at 3.3–5 V. SPD1200N0: about 0.45 W average, ≤ 0.75 W maximum. LRF22VB: below 0.2 W at 3.0–3.6 V. | Depends on the specific product; not part of the ERDILRF 905 nm catalog. |
| Size and weight | LRF100H: 33 × 34 × 18 mm, 20 ± 2 g. LR1000E2: 25.65 × 13.2 × 24.6 mm, ≤ 10 g. LRF3000A1: 13.5 × 25.1 × 27.8 mm, 12 ± 0.5 g. LRF50VB: 18.7 × 11.8 × 13.3 mm, 1.3 g. | Depends on the specific product. Compare the mass and envelope in that product’s own datasheet. |
| Cost drivers | Published prices are on each model page. Compare LRF50VB with LRF1500H on their pages for the published difference between a 50 m and a 1,500 m model. | Depends on the specific product; ERDILRF does not publish a 1535 nm price. Quotations for a 1535 nm requirement are confirmed in writing after review. |
| Integration | UART-TTL or UART with I²C on most models. The H series takes 9–36 V DC; the LR, SPD and A series take 3.3–5 V; the VB series ranges from 3.0–3.6 V (LRF22VB) to 4.5–5.5 V (LRF10VB). | Interface, supply and mechanical envelope depend on the specific product. |
Compare model-specific evidence, not the family label
A maximum-range figure needs its target conditions. For example, the LRF100H technical record gives 0.05–100 m for a 90% reflective target and 0.05–30 m for a 10% reflective target. Those figures describe two different test conditions; they are not interchangeable guarantees for an arbitrary object. The same pattern repeats across the H series: LRF300H lists 0.05–300 m at 90% and 0.05–100 m at 10%, and LRF1500H lists 0.05–1500 m at 90% and 0.05–300 m at 10%.
The catalog is centred on 905 nm modules, but read the exact model’s wavelength before applying a family label. The LRF10VB record specifies 940 nm, and that value is kept as written in its datasheet. Units differ between families too: the VB series reports in millimetres, while the H series reports in centimetres, so a driver written for one family needs checking before it is reused on the other.
905 nm models by range
The table lists twelve representative models across the series, ordered by range. Range figures are as printed in each model’s technical table, with the reflectivity condition where the table gives one. Class is the manual’s own statement and not a third-party certificate. For the full set of fields, open the model page or the model directory.
| Model | Range | Weight | Class per manual |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRF22VB | 0.05–20 m (90%); 0.05–10 m (10%) | 1.5 g | Class 1 |
| LRF50VB | 0.05–50 m (90%); 0.05–20 m (10%) | 1.3 g | Class 1 |
| LRF50H | 0.05–50 m (90%); 0.05–15 m (10%) | 15 ± 2 g | Class 1 (aiming light: Class 2) |
| LRF100H | 0.05–100 m (90%); 0.05–30 m (10%) | 20 ± 2 g | Class 1 |
| LRF300H | 0.05–300 m (90%); 0.05–100 m (10%) | 20 ± 2 g | Class 1 |
| LRF600H | 0.05–600 m (90%); 0.05–200 m (10%) | 20 ± 2 g | Class 1 |
| LR1000E2 | 4–1,000 m | ≤ 10 g | IEC Class 1 |
| SPD1200N0 | 0.2–1,200 m | about 5 g | IEC Class 1 |
| LR1500E2 | 4–1,500 m | ≤ 10 g | IEC Class 1 |
| LRF1500H | 0.05–1,500 m (90%); 0.05–300 m (10%) | 20 ± 2 g | Class 1 |
| LR2000E2 | 4–2,000 m | about 10 g | IEC Class 1 |
| LRF3000A1 | at least 3,000 m at 70% reflectivity, building target, clear weather, visibility of at least 4 km | 12 ± 0.5 g | Class 1 (IEC 60825-1) |
Two readings of this table are worth stating. First, range alone does not predict size: the 3,000 m class LRF3000A1 weighs 12 g, less than the 100 m LRF100H. Second, the range for the LR and SPD families comes with distance-dependent accuracy formulas in the model pages, and those formulas matter more to your tolerance budget than the headline range.
Check the safety classification of the product
Neither 905 nm nor 1535 nm is a safety classification. Review the product’s class declaration and instructions for the intended configuration. The FDA overview of laser hazard classes explains that laser products have different hazard classes and that viewing conditions matter. A class stated in a module manual does not establish the classification of an assembled instrument: optics added in front of the module, a second emitter, or a change in beam shaping can all move the final product into a different class, so the integrator carries the classification of the finished device. For the 905 nm background, see 905 nm Class 1 eye safety and IEC 60825-1 explained.
Where the wavelength choice shows up in practice
For fixed or slow platforms measuring bright, reasonably reflective surfaces inside a few hundred metres, 905 nm modules in the table above are a direct fit, and the deciding factors are mass, supply voltage and interface rather than the wavelength. For camera, handheld and observation instruments, the compact LR, SPD and A series fit tight housings. For aerial payloads, the question is usually gimbal mass, update rate on a moving platform, and the range you need on low-reflectivity ground; our UAV gimbal laser rangefinder module guide and the article 905 nm vs 1535 nm for UAV gimbal payload selection go through that case. The general hub for the product family is the laser rangefinder module page.
Do not read this section as a claim that one wavelength is better. It says that in the ERDILRF catalog the 905 nm models come with published figures you can check, and a requirement that truly needs a different wavelength is a conversation about your conditions, not a catalog lookup.
Decision checklist
- Write the farthest distance you must measure and the reflectivity of the weakest target at that distance.
- Pick the catalog models whose range at that reflectivity covers the distance with margin; use the 10% row, not the 90% row, if your target is dark.
- Check update rate on your platform. The H series lists 20 Hz–10 kHz or an automatic 1 kHz / 50 Hz selection; the LR E2 models list 2–10 Hz or 3–10 Hz adaptive.
- Check supply voltage and interface against your board: 9–36 V for the H series, 3.3–5 V for LR and SPD, and the VB series’ own ranges.
- Check mass and envelope against the mount or gimbal.
- Read the class statement in the manual, then decide what class your finished device needs and who certifies it.
- Check sunlight and visibility conditions at the installation site against the model’s stated test conditions.
- Order a sample and test against your real targets before committing to production; request one from the sample and quotation form.
- If the list above cannot be satisfied by any 905 nm model, send the conditions to ERDILRF for review rather than guessing at a 1535 nm figure.
Review a 1535 nm requirement with ERDILRF
For a 1535 nm project or a requirement beyond the listed models, send your operating conditions to ERDILRF. Include the target, working distance, timing, interface and mechanical limits so the applicable model documentation and configuration can be checked. Price, availability and performance for your installation are confirmed during that review, in writing with the quotation. ERDILRF does not publish a 1535 nm product number, range or price.
Prepare for integration
Confirm the mechanical drawing, connector and delivered configuration before design-in. Keep the technical document revision with the evaluation record, and validate the module against representative targets and conditions for your application. For wiring and protocol work, the UART-TTL integration guide is the starting point, and the downloads page lists the technical documents.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 1535 nm always safer than 905 nm?
No rule of that kind holds for a product. The class depends on the emitted power, optics and the product’s own declaration. Read each module’s class statement and treat the wavelength as one input. See the 905 nm Class 1 explainer.
Does ERDILRF sell a 1535 nm rangefinder module?
No 1535 nm model is part of the ERDILRF catalog, and we do not quote 1535 nm range, price or lead time. A 1535 nm requirement can be sent through the contact page and is reviewed case by case.
Which 905 nm model reaches the longest distance?
LRF3000A1 lists at least 3,000 m at 70% reflectivity on a building target in clear weather with visibility of at least 4 km. Range depends on those conditions, so compare it with your own target. See LRF3000A1.
Why does the same module show two range figures?
Because reflectivity changes the result. LRF100H lists 0.05–100 m for a 90% reflective target and 0.05–30 m for a 10% target. Use the row that matches your darkest realistic target when sizing a design.
Is every ERDILRF module 905 nm?
The catalog is a 905 nm line, but read each model’s own record. LRF10VB specifies 940 nm in its datasheet. Check the wavelength field on the model page before assuming a family value.