The LW24/C is an IP67 LiDAR sensor designed for applications where communication interfaces Serial and I2C or RS232 are required.
The LW24/C LiDAR sensor uses a time-of-flight system to make very fast, accurate distance and speed measurements. The LW24/C LiDAR is effective in most weather conditions, even in direct sunlight.
Overview
The LW24/C is virtually immune to background light, wind, and noise, making it an ideal sensor to detect unexpected obstacles. The LW24/C can take up to 388 readings per second and the configurable features and multiple hardware interfaces make the LW24/C easy to connect with different types of controllers.
Looking for this sensor with a serial connector? Check out R481-LW24C-SI.
Dimensions
Installation
MOUNTING
Make sure the LW24/C is functional before installation. You can use LightWare Studio to verify operation. See the quick start with LightWare Studio for details.
The LW24/C requires a clear line-of-sight to measure distance to a target surface. It can be mounted with a vertical or horizontal lens orientation.
The LW24/C can be mounted in a downward facing orientation for altimetry, terrain following or precision landing applications. For terrain following, install the rangefinder at an angle to reduce lag time in reaction. The angle depends on the speed traveled, and the overall system lag, but should be between 20 and 45 degrees. The LW24/C can be mounted forward facing orientation for sense-and-avoid or position-hold applications.
Distance measuring
The LW24/C is a single point distance measuring LiDAR. It uses time of flight technology to determine the distance of a target at a configurable update rate of 48 Hz to 388 Hz.
The LW24/C can be connected to a host controller with the serial or I2C interface. The serial port (3.3 V logic level, 5 V tolerant) has a configurable baud rate. The I2C serial bus (3.3 V logic level and 3.3 k pull up resistors, 5 V tolerant) has a configurable address and is an alternative to the serial port when multiple devices are connected on a common bus.
Parameters
LW24/C parameters can be adjusted with LightWare Studio or from the platform of your choice through the serial or I2C communication interfaces.
Serial Interface
We suggest using the pre-built APIs for communicating with the LW24/C where possible.
The LW24/C uses a packet based binary protocol which can be accessed over the serial and I2C interfaces. All higher-level APIs (C, Python, JavaScript) use this protocol to function.
If you require more control than the existing APIs offer or need to port the protocol to a different platform, then you can use the information here to build a compatible system.
Communication is performed using encapsulated packets for both sending and receiving data. Every packet that is sent to the LW24/C is known as a request and a correctly formatted request will always be replied to with a response. There are cases where the LW24/C will send a request packet to the host, these packets are considered streaming packets as they arrive without a direct request from the host - they do not require a response from the host.
Streaming data is only available through the Serial interface.
Requests are made using one of the available commands and are either flagged as read or write. When a read request is issued then the response will contain the requested data. When a write request is issued then the contents of the response will vary depending on the command.
- Class 1M Eye safety classification
- 905 nm Laser wavelength
- 16 ns Pulse width
- 20 kHz Pulse frequency
- < 2.5 mW Average power
- 15 m NOHD
Applications
- AGL (Altitude above ground level)
- Position hold
- Terrain following
- IoT sensor
- Assisted takeoff and landing
Operating concepts
Distance measuring
The LW24/C is a single point distance measuring LiDAR. It uses time of flight technology to determine the distance of a target at a configurable update rate of 48 Hz to 388 Hz.
The LW24/C can be connected to a host controller with the serial or I2C interface. The serial port (3.3 V logic level, 5 V tolerant) has a configurable baud rate. The I2C serial bus (3.3 V logic level and 3.3 k pull up resistors, 5 V tolerant) has a configurable address and is an alternative to the serial port when multiple devices are connected on a common bus.
Safety
Safety overview
The LW24/C should not be disassembled or modified in any way. The laser eye safety rating depends on the mechanical integrity of the optics and electronics. There are no user serviceable parts and maintenance, or repair must only be carried out by the manufacturer or a qualified service agent.
Always observe the following safety precautions when operating the LW24/C. Failure to comply with these precautions or specific warnings given in this product guide violates the safety standards of the intended use for the sensor and may damage the sensor. LightWare LLC assumes no liability for failure to comply with these requirements.
Laser eye safety
The LW24/C emits ionizing laser radiation. The level of the laser emission is Class 1M which indicates that the laser beam is safe to look at with the unaided eye, but must not be viewed using binoculars or other optical devices.
Notwithstanding the safety rating, avoid looking into the beam and switch the unit off when working in the area.
The laser eye safety rating depends on the mechanical integrity of the optics and electronics, if these are damaged do not continue using the LW24/C.
The LW24/C is rated laser Class 1M eye safe. Class 1M laser is safe for all conditions of use however it is not safe to view the laser through magnifying optics such as microscopes, binoculars, or telescopes.
Package contents
The LW24/C box includes:
Components
Optical assembly
The optical assembly comprises the laser and receiver lenses.
Heatsink & EMI shield
The lid lowers EMI radiation entering or leaving the LW24/C. It also acts as a heatsink to draw heat away from the LW24/C.
Communication cable pinout
| Function | Notes |
|---|---|
| +5V | 4.5 V ... 5.5 V, 55mA I(typical) |
| RXD | RXD Serial RS232 |
| TXD | TXD Serial RS232 |
| GND | Ground |
Service & maintenance
The LW24/C is not field serviceable. For any repairs, the equipment should be completely isolated, removed then packaged carefully. Please visit LightWare LLC’s refund policy for Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) details, or contact support@lightwarelidar.com
| Characteristics | ||
| Performance | ||
| Range | 0.2 ... 100 m / 0.6 ... 328 ft (white wall in daylight conditions) | |
| Update rate | 48 ... 388 readings per second | |
| Resolution | 1 cm / 0.033 ft | |
| Accuracy | ±10 cm / ±0.33 ft | |
| Connections | ||
| Power supply voltage | 4.5 V ... 5.5 V | |
| Power supply current | 55 mA typical | |
| Outputs & interfaces | Serial and I2C (3.3 V TTL, 5V tolerant) | |
| Form Factor | ||
| Dimensions | 35 mm x 47 mm x 38 mm / 1.4” x 1.85” x 1.5” | |
| Weight | 28.7 g / 1.01oz (excluding cables) | |
| Enclosure rating | IP67 | |
| Optical | ||
| Approvals | FDA: 1710193-000 (2020/09) | |
| Laser safety | Class 1M (refer to www. lightware.co.za/safety for full details) | |
| Optical aperture | 10 mm | |
| Beam divergence | < 0.5° | |
| Environmental | ||
| Operating temperature | -10 ... + 50°C / 14 ... 122 °F | |
| Shipping temperature | - 40 ... + 80 °C / - 40 ... +176 °F | |
| Accessories | ||
| Main cable | Tensility International Corp Straight 4 position female to wire, 1.83 m (DigiKey: 839-1553-ND) |
|
| Optional | Tensility International Corp Right-angled 4 position female to wire, 1.83 m (DigiKey: 839-10-03635-ND) | |
| Default settings | ||
| Serial port settings | 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no handshaking | |
| I2C address | 0x66 (Hex), 102 (Dec) | |
| Update rate | 48 readings per second | |