Garmin LIDAR-Lite v4 LED - Distance Measurement Sensor

A lightweight, 10-meter optical ranging sensor powered by a Nordic nRF52840 processor, featuring built-in ANT® wireless for smart, standalone operation.


Description

The LIDAR-Lite v4 LED is the next step in the LIDAR-Lite line from Garmin™. While the v3 focuses on raw distance, the LIDAR-Lite v4 LED prioritizes intelligence and efficiency. It is the first optical ranging sensor to incorporate ANT® wireless networking, making it the smartest, most adaptable sensor in its class.

Next-Generation Capabilities

The v4 LED redefines what a compact sensor can do! By combining a safe LED emitter with a powerful onboard processor, it offers a versatile platform that goes far beyond simple distance measurement:

  • Smart & Wireless: The first optical sensor to feature built-in ANT® technology, allowing for wireless telemetry and communication with other ANT-enabled devices.
  • Programmable Core: Powered by a Nordic nRF52840 processor. Developers can write custom applications to run directly on the sensor, effectively turning it into a standalone device.
  • Eye-Safe & Efficient: This sensor ditches the laser and instead utilizes a focused 940nm LED emitter (Class 1), making it inherently safe for open environments while consuming only 85mA during acquisition.

Performance & Integration

Designed for short-range precision, the v4 LED delivers reliable readings from 5 cm up to 10 meters. It operates on a standard I2C interface but adds the flexibility of the ANT wireless protocol. Because it operates at a 3.3V logic level (with a 5V power input), it pairs well with modern microcontrollers. Its ultra-compact form factor makes it the ideal building block for robotics, IoT, and unmanned vehicles where size, weight, and power are critical.


Specifications

  • Resolution: 1 cm
  • Measurement repeatability:
    • As measured indoors to a 90% reflective target
    • 1 cm is equivalent to 1 standard deviation
    • Using “high accuracy” mode, with averaging:
      • +/- 1 cm to 2 meters
      • +/- 2 cm to 4 meters
      • +/- 5 cm to 10 meters
  • Range: 5 cm to 10 meters (as measured from back of unit)
  • Update rate:
    • I2C = >200 Hz typical
    • ANT® = up to 200 Hz to a 90% target indoors at 2m in normal operating mode
  • Interface: I2C or ANT; user configurable for SPI using the Nordic SDK
  • Power (operating voltage): 4.75 – 5.25 VDC
  • Current consumption: 2mA idle, 85mA during acquisition
  • Operating temperature: -20 to 60° C
  • LED wavelength: 940 nm
  • Beam divergence: 4.77°
  • Optical aperture: 14.9 mm
  • Unit size (HxWxD): 2.1" x 0.8" x 0.9" (52.2 x 21.2 x 24.0 mm)
  • Weight: 14.6 g (0.5 oz)

Which LIDAR-Lite is Right for You?

Choose the LIDAR-Lite v3 if you need a standard 40-meter range that works directly with 5V microcontrollers like the Arduino Uno.

  • Range: 40m
  • Interface: I2C / PWM
  • Key Feature: Low Power
  • Best For: General Robotics

Choose the LIDAR-Lite v3HP if your project requires reliable IP67 weatherproofing or faster sampling rates (>1kHz) for outdoor use.

  • Range: 40m
  • Interface: I2C / PWM
  • Key Feature: IP67 Waterproof
  • Best For: Outdoor / Drones

Choose the LIDAR-Lite v4 LED if you are familiar with the unique pin-out and need the lightest possible sensor (14.6g) with wireless capabilities.

  • Range: 10m
  • Interface: I2C / ANT®
  • Key Feature: Wireless / Smart
  • Best For: OEM Integration

Choose the LIDAR-Lite v4 Qwiic if you want to skip soldering and get a 10-meter range instantly with the Qwiic® ecosystem.

  • Range: 10m
  • Interface: I2C (Qwiic) / ANT®
  • Key Feature: Plug-and-Play
  • Best For: Rapid Prototyping

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