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microLiDAR™ all the way!


Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology has changed the operating landscape for many innovative businesses. The benefits of this revolutionary remote sensing technology are arming businesses with the perfect tool for both depth and perception requirements such as collision avoidance, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), smart production, and much more.

With LiDAR offering so many use-cases, it’s important to find the ideal fit for your job from the very beginning. It’s why LightWare manufactures the world’s smallest, lightest, scanning microLiDAR™ sensors that fit multiple applications. 

Your ideal microLiDAR™

Finding the perfect LiDAR to achieve required results can be stressful, so LightWare makes it easy for you by designing and manufacturing affordable microLiDAR™ sensors in various shapes, sizes, and weights. It’s also why we’ve dedicated this week’s LiDAR Matters to providing a snapshot of all our microLiDAR™ sensors and how they will benefit you. 


LW20/C microLiDAR™ sensor

The LW20/C is an IP-rated, small form factor microLiDAR™ sensor ideal for distance and height measurement. Suitable for use on drones, other UAVs, UGVs, and IoT applications, the LW20/C is dust and water (rain) resistant. The LW20/C microLiDAR™ is the answer where weight, size and power consumption are critical to your project design. 

Key features of LW20/C
Weight 20 grams / 0.71 oz (excl. cables)
Size 30 x 20 x 43 mm
Range 100 meters
Beam type Single, stationary beam
Update rate 48 to 388 readings per second 
IP rating Yes. This microLiDAR™ is housed in an IP67 enclosure
Integrates with Ardupilot, PX4, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and LightWare Studio
Special features Serial UART and I2C outputs
Suitability UAV | UGV | IoT
Applications Altitude | Height above ground | Position hold | Terrain following | Detect and avoid | SLAM | Collision avoidance

SF20/C microLiDAR™ sensor

Suitable for integration with any type of UAV, UGV or robot, the SF20/C is a robust microLiDAR™ sensor and a workhorse of the LightWare range. It is a small form factor microLiDAR™ sensor, weighing only 10 grams. The SF20/C has fast, high accuracy capabilities of up to 100 meters and works especially well in most light conditions, including fog and direct sunlight. This sturdy microLiDAR™ also features a configurable update rate of up to 500 readings per second, making it the essential choice where fast and accurate distance measurement is required. 

Key features of SF20/C
Weight 10 grams / 0.35 oz (excl. cables)
Size 30 x 20 x 32 mm
Range 100 meters
Beam type Single, stationary beam
Update rate 48 to 388 readings per second 
Integrates with Ardupilot, PX4, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and LightWare Studio
Special features Micro USB, Serial UART and I2C outputs
Suitability UAV | UGV | IoT
Applications Altitude | Height above ground | Position hold | Terrain following | Detect and avoid | SLAM | Collision avoidance

SF11/C microLiDAR™ sensor

Designed specifically for use on drones and other UAVs (multicopters, VTols or fixed wings), the SF11/C is a long-range and lightweight laser altimeter. It has a 100-meter range and an update rate of 20 readings per second, providing accurate and fast altitude AGL measuring capability. The SF11/C is the ideal choice for automated landings, precision hovering, and terrain following. 

Key features of SF11/C
Weight 35 grams / 1.24 oz 
Size 30 x 56.5 x 50 mm
Range 100 meters
Beam type Single, stationary beam
Update rate 20 readings per second 
Integrates with Ardupilot, PX4, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and LightWare Studio
Special features Micro USB, Serial UART, I2C and analog outputs
Suitability UAV | UGV | IoT
Applications Altitude | Height above ground | Position hold | Terrain following 

SF30/D microLiDAR™ sensor

With an update rate of up to 20 000 readings per second, the SF30/D is a fast and accurate microLiDAR™ sensor specifically designed for distance measurements. It has a range of 200 meters that provides real time, accurate altitude or AGL measurements for UAVs. The SF30/D is also ideal for UGVs and IoT applications. 

Key features of SF30/D
Weight 35 grams / 1.24 oz 
Size 30 x 56.5 x 50 mm
Range 200 meters
Beam type Single, stationary beam
Update rate 39 to 20 000 readings per second 
Integrates with Ardupilot, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and LightWare Studio
Special features Micro USB, Serial UART, I2C and analog outputs
Suitability UAV | UGV | IoT
Applications Altitude | Height above ground | Position hold | Terrain following | Detect and avoid | Collision avoidance

SF000/B microLiDAR™ sensor

The SF000/B is the world’s smallest and lightest microLiDAR™ sensor! Weighing just 8.8 grams and  smaller than a pencil sharpener, the SF000/B microLiDAR™ sensor has a range of 50 meters. It delivers up to 388 readings per second to provide superfast and precise measurements of speed and distance. Through multiple return signals, the SF000 microLiDAR™ works effectively in rain, dust, and “sees” through treetops up to 50 meters.

Being ‘a dynamite in a small package’ and outperforming many larger LiDAR models, the SF000/B has become a firm industry favorite! 

Key features of SF000/B
Weight 8.8 grams / 0.31 oz 
Size 22 x 34 x 21 mm
Range 50 meters
Beam type Single, stationary beam
Update rate 48 to 388 readings per second 
Integrates with Ardupilot, PX4, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and LightWare Studio
Special features Serial UART and I2C outputs
Suitability UAV | UGV | IoT
Applications Altitude | Height above ground | Position hold | Terrain following | Detect and avoid | Collision avoidance

SF45/B microLiDAR™ sensor

Weighing only 59 grams and measuring roughly the size of a golf ball, the SF45/B is the smallest, lightweight scanning microLiDAR™ sensor. The SF45/B is ideal for collision avoidance, navigation, detect and avoid, height above ground altitude, obstacle detection, as well as terrain-following by a wide range of unmanned vehicles (UVs). The SF45/B has a horizontal field of view that is adjustable up to 320°. This microLiDAR™ sensor has an update range of 50 – 5000 readings per second and works accurately in all light conditions, including direct sunlight.  

Key features of SF45/B
Weight 59 grams / 2.08 oz 
Size 51 x 48 x 44 mm
Range 50 meters
Beam type Single, scanning beam
Update rate 50 to 5000 readings per second 
Integrates with Ardupilot, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and LightWare Studio
Special features Micro USB, Serial UART and I2C outputs
Suitability UAV | UGV | IoT
Applications Altitude | Height above ground | Position hold | Terrain following | Detect and avoid | SLAM | Collision avoidance

SF40/C microLiDAR™ sensor

With an update rate of 20 000 readings per second, the robust SF40/C is specifically designed to provide drones and other UAVs with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) intelligence. The SF40/C has a range of up to 100 meters with a single, scanning beam type up to a full 360°. This LiDAR seamlessly integrates with ‘plug and play’ flight control tools and interfaces such as ArduPilot, Raspberry Pi, ROS, Arduino and LightWare Studio.   

Key features of SF40/C
Weight 256 grams / 9.03 oz 
Size 70 x 79 mm
Range 100 meters
Beam type Single, scanning beam
Update rate 20 000 readings per second 
Integrates with Ardupilot, Raspberry Pi, ROS, Arduino, and LightWare Studio
Special features Serial UART output
Suitability UGV | IoT
Applications Altitude | Height above ground | Position hold | Detect and avoid | SLAM | Collision avoidance

Partner with the microLiDAR™ experts

It’s more than just buying a sensor. LightWare is about being a partner for your project and to provide expert advice on microLiDAR™ solutions. We solve many technical challenges in multiple sectors, bringing a different perspective on exceeding your LiDAR requirements.Contact us on [email protected]

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