Pololu offers a compact, lidar-based distance sensor that measures the distance of objects up to 130 cm away. It uses a pulsed signal similar to a hobby servo control signal, and the measured distance is encoded in the length of each high pulse. This can easily be timed using a digital microcontroller pin. The sensor operates within an input voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V, and its 2.54mm pin spacing makes it compatible with standard solderless breadboards and 2.54mm perfboards. This Pololu distance sensor is ideal for a range of applications, including robotics, automation, and interactive art installations. It can help a robot to avoid obstacles, or be used in an automated system to detect when an object has moved into a certain area. Its small size and low power consumption make it a versatile tool for any project requiring distance measurement.The sensor's maximum range of 130 cm is achievable under optimal conditions - this means high-reflectance objects and good ambient conditions. If the target has lower reflectivity or the ambient conditions are poor, the maximum range will be reduced. This makes the sensor most suitable for environments where conditions can be controlled and consistent.What sets this Pololu distance sensor apart is its use of lidar technology, which offers high accuracy and resolution compared to other distance sensing methods. Additionally, its compatibility with standard solderless breadboards and 2.54mm perfboards allows for easy integration into a wide range of projects. The sensor's ability to encode the measured distance into a high pulse also makes it easy to interface with a digital microcontroller, further enhancing its usability.