Pololu Digital Distance Sensor 25cm

This small lidar-based distance sensor detects the presence of objects within 25 cm. It has a single digital output that drives low when an object is being detected; otherwise, it is high. It works over an input voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V, and the 2.54mm pin spacing makes it easy to use with standard solderless breadboards and 2.54mm perfboards.

Please note that this sensor will only tell you if there is an object within the detection range along its line of sight, not how far away it is. As shown in the diagram above, there is hysteresis at the maximum range threshold to help ensure a clean transition as objects cross the threshold. The sensor can detect objects to within about 1 mm of the sensor face.

Unlike simpler optical sensors that use the intensity of reflected light to detect objects, this sensor 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. This allows the sensor performance to be largely independent of object reflectivity and ambient lighting conditions (though the range can be reduced for extremely low-reflectance objects).

Some example applications include:

• break-beam sensor or photogate alternative
• non-contact bumper or obstacle detector for a robot
• non-contact interface element for activating a device or process
• a counter or timer of objects as they pass by

Specifications:

• Operating voltage: 3.0 V to 5.5 V
• Current consumption: 30 mA (typical) when enabled, 0.4 mA when disabled
• Maximum range: 25 cm
• Minimum range: < 1 mm
• Minimum update rate: 100 Hz (10 ms period)
• Field of view (FOV): 15° typical; can vary with object reflectance and ambient conditions
• Output type: digital signal (low when detecting an object, high otherwise)
• Dimensions: 21.6 × 8.9 × 3.5 mm
• Weight: 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.