Lightware GRF-500 Lidar
- SKU: MBS-SES-01
- GTIN: 0658917504922
- HAN: GRF500
- Category: LiDAR
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Manufacturers:
Lightware GRF-500 Lidar
- Range: 0.2 to 500 m
- Laser safety: Class 1M (905 nm)
Description
The LightWare GRF-500 is an ultralight gimbal-integrated laser rangefinder (LRF) with a range of 0.2 to 500 m. Weighing just 10.7 g and consuming around 0.6 W, it is the lightest 500 m LiDAR in its class and ideal for EO/IR gimbal payloads on UAVs in surveillance, search-and-rescue, conservation, and security applications.
The GRF-500 operates on the time-of-flight principle with a 905 nm laser source (Class 1M, eye-safe) and delivers reliable distance readings in variable outdoor lighting, wind, and noisy environments. With an update rate of 0.5 to 10 Hz, a resolution of 10 cm, and a typical accuracy of ±50 cm (1 σ), it is well suited for real-time sensor fusion with camera and thermal imaging systems.
Thanks to its IP67 front face, compact form factor (32 × 34 × 21 mm), and serial UART plus I²C interfaces, the sensor integrates easily into existing drone and gimbal platforms. It is also NDAA Section 848 compliant and Blue UAS-ready.
Technical Data
Performance
| Range | 0.2 to 500 m (5 Hz, 40 % albedo, 23 km visibility, 4 × 4 m target) |
| Update rate | 0.5 to 10 Hz (customizable for application) |
| Resolution | 10 cm |
| Accuracy | ±50 cm (1 σ) |
| False alarm rate | < 1 % |
| Target discrimination | 20 m separation between same-type targets; up to 5 targets |
Optical & Laser
| Laser safety | Class 1M (905 nm) |
| Optical aperture | 12.7 mm |
| Beam divergence | < 0.5° |
| Mechanical boresight | ±1.5° with respect to mechanical interface |
Electrical & Interfaces
| Supply voltage | 4.5 to 5.5 V DC |
| Current draw | 120 mA typical (250 mA surge at startup) |
| Power consumption | approx. 0.6 W |
| Communication | Serial UART and I²C (3.3 V TTL, 5 V tolerant) |
Mechanical & Environmental
| Dimensions | 32 × 34 × 21 mm |
| Weight | 10.7 g (excluding cables) |
| Operating temperature | −20 °C to +60 °C |
| Front face ingress rating | IP67 |
| Approvals / compliance | FDA Accession 2422320-000 (12/2024), NDAA Section 848, Blue UAS ready, RoHS3, REACH, CE (scheduled) |
Product Features
- Ultralight: only 10.7 g – the lightest 500 m LRF on the market
- Long range: reliable measurement up to 500 m for UAV missions
- Low power consumption: approx. 0.6 W for maximum flight time
- Gimbal-friendly: compact form factor and IP67 front face
- Multi-target detection: up to 5 targets with 20 m discrimination
- NDAA-compliant and Blue UAS-ready for regulated deployments
- Eye-safe 905 nm laser source (Class 1M)
Typical Applications
- EO/IR gimbal payloads for sensor fusion with camera/thermal imaging
- UAV-based surveillance, security, and border monitoring
- Search-and-rescue and first response operations
- Conservation and anti-poaching missions
- Law enforcement and government UAV deployments
- Industrial inspection and surveying
Note: The GRF-500 is shipped without a communication cable. Configuration via the free LightWare Studio software requires a suitable USB cable. Pixhawk adapters, breakout boards, and additional accessories are available separately.
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