ERDI 905 nm Laser Rangefinder Module Solution
Eye-Safe | High-Precision | Compact DToF/ToF Architecture for UAVs, Vehicles, Robotics & Industrial Sensing
1. Hero Summary
ERDI 905 nm Laser Rangefinder Module
Semiconductor short-pulse, eye-safe Class 1 ranging from handheld and UAV payloads to vehicle and robotic platforms.
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2. Product Overview
The ERDI 905 nm Laser Rangefinder Module is a semiconductor, short-pulse distance sensor built for Direct Time-of-Flight (DToF/ToF) measurement. It combines a high-peak 905 nm transmitter, precision receiver optics, and a digital timing chain to deliver meter-class accuracy from 5 m to beyond 1–2 km, depending on the variant and target reflectivity. Its eye-safe Class 1 emission and lightweight, ruggedized packaging make it ideal for UAV gimbals, mobile robots, vehicle turrets, handheld instruments, EO/IR pods, and industrial automation.
3. R&D Highlights
Short-Pulse 905 nm Semiconductor Emitter
ERDI’s 905 nm LRFs use high-efficiency semiconductor diodes to generate nanosecond pulses for ToF. The 905 ± 10 nm band supports Class 1 eye safety and strong detector compatibility, enabling high SNR and low power.
4. Digital Timing Chain: MCU + ADC + FPGA 
A hybrid MCU+ADC+FPGA architecture captures the return pulse, performs real-time filtering and timing discrimination, and outputs stable distance results over UART-TTL (3.3 V) (and RS-422 on some models). ERDI provides PC configuration/test software and a standard command set, accelerating OEM integration.
5. Optics & Detection
Low-divergence transmit optics and a matched receiver FOV increase detection probability while suppressing background light. Typical divergence/FOV examples (3 × 6 mrad TX, ~8 mrad RX) deliver ≥98 % in-range detection on suitable targets. (Representative spec: 905 nm 2000 m module.)
6. Short-Pulse 905 nm Semiconductor Emitter
ERDI’s 905 nm LRFs use high-efficiency semiconductor diodes to generate nanosecond pulses for ToF. The 905 ± 5 nm band supports Class 1 eye safety and strong detector compatibility, enabling high SNR and low power.
7. Technical Specifications (Representative Models)
Values vary by variant. Consult model datasheets for guaranteed limits.
| Parameter |
Compact UAV/Robot Module |
Pulsed LRF 1200 Class |
Extended-Range 2000 Class |
| Wavelength |
905 nm |
905 nm |
905 ± 5 nm |
| Eye Safety |
Class 1 |
Class 1 |
Class 1 (IEC 60825-1) |
| Range (typical) |
10–1200 m |
5–1500 m |
≥ 2000 m (70 % reflectivity, building) |
| Accuracy |
±1 m |
±1 m class |
±0.7 m (≤200 m); ±(0.7+0.0004·d) m (d in m) |
| Pulse Width |
ns-class |
ns-class |
~40 ns |
| TX Divergence |
narrow |
narrow |
~3 × 6 mrad |
| RX FOV |
matched |
matched |
~8 mrad |
| Detection Prob. |
— |
— |
≥ 98 % (conditions apply) |
| Output Rate |
1–3 Hz typical |
Single/continuous |
model-dependent |
| Interface |
UART-TTL |
UART-TTL + PC tool |
UART-TTL / RS-422 (variant-dependent) |
| Form Factor |
Ø 23 × 40 mm, ≤ 18 g |
Compact PCB module |
Rugged OEM module |
Sources: compact 18 g module 10–1200 m ±1 m; 1200A/1500 m ToF module with UART-TTL & PC tool; 2000 m Class 1 module with detailed optical/electrical metrics.
8.System Integration
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Variant selection — choose compact UAV/robot module, 1200/1500 class, or 2000 m class based on range and SWaP.
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Mechanical/thermal design — secure line-of-sight, provide conduction path to chassis; protect from moisture/dust.
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Optical alignment — collimate TX, verify divergence; align RX FOV; conduct boresight with host camera/gimbal where applicable.
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Electrical interface — connect UART-TTL (3.3 V) or RS-422; implement command protocol; enable single/continuous modes.
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Software bring-up — use ERDI PC config/test software to set baud rate, acquisition windows, averaging, and data framing.
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Calibration & verification — validate ±1 m accuracy, multi-target behavior (if enabled), and detection probability under operational distances; confirm spec such as ≥98 % within conditions.
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EMC & environment — verify operation across the stated temperature range and under platform vibration.
9. Applications
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UAV / UGV / Robotics — altitude hold, terrain following, obstacle ranging, SLAM aiding, and target cueing in EO/IR gimbals where ≤ 18 g SWaP is decisive.
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Vehicle turrets / RCWS / EO-sights — ballistic ranging and target hand-off with meter-class accuracy at tactical distances.
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Industrial automation / surveying — conveyor profiling, stockpile monitoring, cranes, and site mapping via ToF integration with PLC/IPC.
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Security / perimeter / traffic — object detection, gate control, and trigger sensing with eye-safe emission.
10. Competitive Advantages
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Eye-Safe by Design — 905 nm Class 1 enables safer training and operation around people and assets.
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Proven Long-Range in Small Packages — 1.2 km–2.0 km performance with ±1 m class accuracy, even on compact modules.
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Fast Time-to-Integrate — UART-TTL/RS-422, standard command set, and PC tool shorten OEM schedules.
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Vertical Manufacturing — ERDI’s R&D-to-production control boosts repeatability and delivery confidence.
11. Compliance & Safety
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Laser Class: Class 1 (IEC 60825-1) 905 nm; follow safe-use practices; avoid direct exposure at close range while operating.
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EMC/Environmental: Qualified for field conditions; see model datasheets for operating temperature and shock/vibration.