The Garmin LIDAR-Lite 3 is a compact, lightweight, and high-performance single-beam laser rangefinder designed for drones, robotics, automotive safety, industrial measurement, and countless other demanding applications. Measuring 48mm x 40mm x 20mm and weighing just 16g (with housing), it delivers 0–40m range with ±2.5cm accuracy and 1cm resolution, while consuming minimal power — ideal for battery-operated systems.
This upgraded version of the legacy LIDAR-Lite offers 5× faster measurement speeds, improved I2C communication, and user-assignable addressing, making it easier than ever to integrate into multi-sensor systems.
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Key Features & Upgrades
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Measurement Speed: Up to 500Hz for rapid scanning and tracking.
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Accuracy: ±2.5cm for precise distance measurement.
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Dual Interface Options: I2C (100/400kbit/s) or PWM output for flexible integration.
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Improved I2C Protocol: Real-time data reads without waiting for sensor readiness, plus broadcast control for multi-unit setups.
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User-Assignable I2C Addresses: Default 0x62 address plus custom address options.
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Low Power Consumption: 105mA idle, 130mA continuous operation at 4.75–5VDC (6V max).
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Wide Operating Temperature: -20°C to 60°C for indoor and outdoor use.
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Compact & Lightweight: Multiple sensors can be installed without significant weight or power penalty.
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Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±2.5cm |
| Range | 0–40m |
| Resolution | 1cm |
| Power Supply | 4.75–5VDC (6V max) |
| Current Consumption | 105mA idle; 130mA continuous |
| Measurement Rate | 1–500Hz |
| Interface | I2C or PWM |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 60°C |
| Laser Wavelength / Power | 905nm / 1.3W peak |
| Beam Divergence | 8 mrad |
| Optical Aperture | 12.5mm |
| Beam Width | 0.5° |
Configuration Details
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Optics: 14mm optics (Class 1 laser product)
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Laser Sensor PCB
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Detector (PIN diode): NEP 12nW rms, 1.5pF capacitance, 1mm virtual detector size
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Min Detectable Signal: 1nW at 256 integrated bursts (max integration time)
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Laser Transmit Power: 1.5W peak at 3A drive, 75µm single-stripe junction
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LED Transmit Power: 200mW within ±3° beam at 1A
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What’s Included
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1× Garmin LIDAR-Lite 3 Laser Rangefinder
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1× Cable (connector on one end, bare wires on the other)
Applications
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Drones/UAVs: Precision landing, obstacle avoidance, terrain following
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Robotics: Navigation, SLAM mapping, collision avoidance
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Industrial Sensing: Liquid/grain/solid level measurement
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Automotive: Blind-spot detection, parking assistance
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Smart Cities: Traffic monitoring, security systems
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Creative & Scientific: 3D scanning, aerospace, medical imaging, musical instruments
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