Garmin's LIDAR-Lite LED V4 is an excellent high-performance yet compact optical distance measurement sensor. It's perfect for robotics, IoT, unmanned vehicles, or anywhere an ultrasonic sensor could be used. Garmin is well - known for its top - quality sensors, especially GPS sensors, and this distance sensor is no exception. With an LED optics sensor, you can measure up to 10 meters away while using only 85 mA during acquisition. Easily adjust accuracy, operating range, and measurement time with the I2C command set. Despite having 'LIDAR' in the name, it uses lensed LED light bounced off an object, not a laser. It's small, lightweight, and low - power. Communicate wirelessly via Garmin's ANT® technology with ANT - enabled devices or use the common I2C interface. It's highly configurable and offers interface and programming options for stand - alone operation or connection to an external micro - controller. Example library code is available for Arduino (C/C++) and CircuitPython/Python. The internal nRF52840 processor allows it to work right out of the box with a preloaded application, or you can create custom apps if you're an experienced developer. Quick over - the - air updates are possible via Bluetooth LE. In non - stand - alone mode, connect it to a microcontroller or microcomputer through the I2C pins to read distance values, and you can take measurements at up to 200 Hz. It's the first optical sensor to incorporate ANT profile wireless networking technology. It's highly adaptable for OEM and maker applications. Remember, it requires a 5V power supply and has 3.3V logic levels, so you may need level shifting on a 5V - logic device or an external 5 VDC power source.
Using the Garmin LIDAR - Lite V4 is straightforward. First, if you're using it in non - stand - alone mode, connect it to a microcontroller or microcomputer through the I2C pins. This way, you can read the distance values. You can measure up to 10 meters away. To adjust accuracy, operating range, and measurement time, use the I2C command set. When it comes to communication, you can choose to communicate wirelessly with ANT - enabled devices via Garmin's ANT® technology or use the more common I2C interface. If you're an experienced developer, you can create custom applications using the internal nRF52840 processor or do quick over - the - air updates via Bluetooth LE. Otherwise, it comes with a preloaded stock application that allows it to work right out of the box. As for power, make sure to use a 5V power supply. Since the logic levels are 3.3V, you may need level shifting if you're using a 5V - logic device or an external 5 VDC power source. To maintain this sensor, keep it clean and dry. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or physical damage. Store it in a safe place when not in use.
