1535nm Mini Eye-Safe Laser Rangefinder Module

Product Description

LRF0305C 1535nm Mini Eye-Safe Laser Rangefinder Module for UAV Navigation, Robotics and EO/IR Payloads

The LRF0305C is a 1535nm eye-safe laser rangefinder module designed for embedded integration in UAV gimbals, mobile robots, compact EO/IR cameras and industrial sensing platforms. It uses time-of-flight (TOF) measurement with a Class I 1535±5nm erbium-glass laser to deliver precise distance data while staying compliant with eye-safety standards, making it suitable for man-in-the-loop and densely populated environments. 

The module covers a measurement range from 10m to 4000m, with typical performance of ≥4000m on high-reflectivity building targets (60% reflectivity), ≥3000m on NATO 2.3×2.3m targets at 30% reflectivity, ≥1500m on human-size targets and ≥800m on small 0.2×0.3m objects when visibility exceeds 8km. Minimum range is ≤10m, ranging accuracy is ±1m, and up to three targets can be reported simultaneously, with a valid hit rate ≥98% and false alarm rate ≤1%.

Ranging frequency is adjustable from 1Hz to 10Hz, with support for single-shot and continuous modes. Built-in algorithms provide first-target, last-target and multi-target results, and distance gating allows minimum and maximum range limits to be set for clutter suppression—useful in urban canyons, border surveillance lines and cluttered machine-vision scenes.

Electrically, the LRF0305C runs from a 3–5V DC supply and uses a UART interface at TTL 3.3V levels. Standby power consumption is ≤10mW with POWER_ON pulled low, while typical operating power is about 0.9W at 1Hz and <1.5W at 10Hz, with peak power <3W at 5V. The startup time is ≤350ms and response time after startup is ≤20ms, making the module a good fit for low-power UAV payloads, battery-operated handhelds and always-on smart sensors.

Mechanically, the module is extremely compact, with dimensions ≤27×25×15.5mm and weight ≤14g, so it can be embedded directly into small gimbals, mobile mapping cameras, compact turrets or robot heads without major mechanical redesign. It is qualified for −40 to +70°C operating temperature and −45 to +70°C storage, with 1200g shock and 5–50–5Hz / 2.5g vibration, meeting the environmental demands of UAVs, unattended ground sensors and mobile platforms.

Through the UART protocol, the host can perform device self-test, trigger single or continuous ranging, stop ranging, configure baud rate, adjust ranging frequency, set minimum and maximum gate distances, switch between first/last/multi-target modes and query FPGA, MCU, hardware versions and serial number. This makes it straightforward to integrate the LRF0305C into flight controllers, robot navigation computers, vehicle ECUs or industrial PLCs using a simple command set.

For front-end protection, the datasheet recommends an external optical window with AR coating optimised for 1525–1545nm and ≥99% transmittance, with total system transmittance ≥97% after environmental coatings (hydrophobic or hard coating) and mechanical integration. Window thickness is typically kept within 2–4mm, the emission axis is aligned within 2–4° of the window normal, and the air gap is minimised to reduce loss and back-reflection, which is particularly important for UAV, vehicle and mast-mounted systems exposed to dust, rain and icing.

Beyond conventional rangefinding, 1535nm eye-safe modules like the LRF0305C are used in tactical UAV navigation, obstacle detection, mobile mapping, industrial inspection, perimeter security and robotics, where accurate distance information, low power and compact size are critical. The wavelength is invisible to night-vision intensifiers, has low atmospheric attenuation and is eye-safe under IEC 60825-1 Class I, allowing deployment in both defense and civilian environments that require strict safety margins.