Pololu Distance Sensor with Pulse Width Output, 300cm Max

This small lidar-based distance sensor reports the distance of objects up to about 300 cm (120″) away with a pulsed signal similar to a hobby servo control signal.

A digital microcontroller pin can be used to time the length of each high pulse, which encodes the measured distance. The sensor works over an input voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V, and the 0.1″ pin spacing makes it easy to use with standard solderless breadboards and 0.1″ perfboards.

Note: The maximum range of 300 cm is only achievable for high-reflectance objects in good ambient conditions. Lower-reflectivity targets or poor ambient conditions will reduce the maximum range.

This compact sensor makes it possible to measure the distance of objects up to about 300 cm (120″) away using a simple digital pulse width interface (similar to a hobby servo control signal). It uses a short-range lidar module to precisely measure how long it takes for emitted pulses of infrared, eye-safe laser light to reach the nearest object and be reflected back, allowing for 2 mm resolution. As long as the sensor is enabled, it takes continuous distance measurements and encodes the ranges as the widths of high pulses, which can then be timed by a microcontroller using a single digital input.

Specifications

• Operating voltage: 3.0 V to 5.5 V
• Current consumption: 30 mA (typical) when enabled, 0.4 mA when disabled
• Maximum range: approximately 300 cm (120″) (for high-reflectivity targets in good ambient conditions; lower-reflectivity targets or poor ambient conditions will reduce the maximum detection range)
• Minimum range: 4 cm (for accurate measurement); < 1 mm (for detection)
• Update rate: 30 Hz to 33 Hz (33 ms to 30 ms period)
• Field of view (FOV): 15° typical; can vary with object reflectance and ambient conditions
• Output type: digital pulse width
• Dimensions: 0.85″ × 0.35″ × 0.136″ (21.6 × 8.9 × 3.5 mm)
• Weight: 0.014 oz (0.4 g)

Important note:

This product might ship with a protective liner covering the sensor IC. The liner must be removed for proper sensing performance.