For system integrators and solution providers, selecting the optimal LiDAR sensor necessitates careful consideration of detection range, a fundamental parameter influencing system performance and application suitability. Accurate distance measurement, whether near or far, is critical, and any misjudgment of range requirements can lead to inefficient designs, compromised safety, and increased operational costs. This article will elaborate on the key factors that govern LiDAR detection range and underscore the importance of aligning this range with specific application demands for successful implementation.

What Determines LiDAR Detection Range?

The maximum detection range of a LiDAR system is not a static number. It is influenced by a combination of sensor characteristics and environmental conditions. Understanding these factors is key to selecting a sensor that will perform reliably in the field.

Key Influencing Factors

· Target Reflectivity: The properties of the object being detected play a significant role. A highly reflective target, like a white wall, can be detected from a much greater distance than a low-reflectivity target, such as dark asphalt or black fabric. Manufacturers often specify range based on a standard target with a certain percentage of reflectivity (e.g., 90%).

· Laser Power and Wavelength: The power of the laser emitter directly affects how far the light pulse can travel and return with sufficient strength to be registered by the detector. The laser's wavelength also matters, as different wavelengths interact with atmospheric particles (like dust, rain, or fog) in distinct ways.

· Detector Sensitivity: The sensitivity of the sensor's photodetector determines the minimum amount of returning light required to register a valid measurement. A more sensitive detector can pick up weaker signals from distant or low-reflectivity objects.

· Ambient Conditions: Environmental factors such as bright sunlight can create background noise that interferes with the detector. Likewise, atmospheric conditions like rain, fog, and dust can scatter or absorb the laser beam, reducing its effective range.

Matching Range to Your Application

Choosing the correct detection range is about balancing performance requirements with cost-effectiveness. A sensor designed for short-range indoor robotics would be unsuitable for long-range highway monitoring, and vice versa.

· Industrial Automation: In logistics and manufacturing, applications like level measurement in large silos or collision avoidance for overhead cranes require sensors with a moderate to long-range capability to cover expansive areas and provide timely alerts.

· Smart Transportation: For applications like V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication, holographic intersection monitoring, and highway obstacle detection, long-range perception is non-negotiable. These systems need to identify vehicles, pedestrians, and hazards from hundreds of meters away to ensure safety at high speeds.

· UAVs and Drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles rely on LiDAR for critical functions like terrain following and obstacle avoidance. A longer detection range provides the UAV with more time to react to an obstacle, enabling safer operation at higher speeds and altitudes.

Introducing the TF-A1500: Kilometer-Level Perception

For applications demanding exceptional long-range performance, Benewake offers the TF-A1500 Kilometer-Level long range time of flight sensor. This advanced single-point LiDAR sensor is engineered to provide reliable detection over vast distances, making it an ideal solution for the most challenging environments.

Key Specifications:

l Maximum range: 1500 m

l Maximum update rate: 800 Hz (at close range)

l Minimum update rate: 60 Hz (at long range)

l Accuracy: ±0.5 m (≤ 80 m), ±1.0 m (> 80 m)

l Field of View (FoV): ~6 mrad (~0.34°)

l Weight: 11 ± 0.5 g

The TF-A1500 is built for demanding applications in smart transportation, shipping, rail transit, and industrial automation where precision and long-distance perception are paramount.

As a global technology company with hundreds of patents and a presence in over 90 countries, Benewake empowers industries with innovative and reliable LiDAR solutions. Our products are trusted by top 500 enterprises worldwide to achieve safer, more intelligent systems.

Discover how Benewake's cutting-edge technology can enhance your next project. Contact our team to learn more about our full range of LiDAR sensors and customized solutions.