LightWare Optoelectronics, a designer and manufacturer of laser rangefinder (LRF) components, modules and systems, has released the SF30/B obstacle detection LRF, the company’s latest light weight laser product from LightWare designed specifically for use in unmanned vehicles.
The SF30/B features a maximum update rate of 36633 readings per second and has a range of 50m in all lighting conditions. It includes both a serial port and analog outputs along with a micro USB port for configuration. The update rate, resolution and baud rates can all be set to suit most types of aerial and ground based applications.
The SF30/B is designed to operate either stand-alone as a conventional LRF or as part of a scanning LIDAR system to create two-dimensional or three-dimensional maps. The very fast update rate of the SF30/B makes it ideal for locating potential hazards along the flight path of a UAV and the 50m range gives the flight controller plenty of time to take evasive action.
Additional products in the SF30 family include the SF30/C with a range of 100m for use in larger UAVs, helicopters and light aircraft. LightWare also manufactures the SF10 range of precision AGL altimeters.