In recent years, we often observe the following phenomena: most private cars on the road have autonomous driving functions, aerial logistics drones are flying around, and household robots are "working by themselves"... It can be seen that with the development of modern technology, unmanned platforms have undergone tremendous updates and changes. Those systems that previously required manual control have now become highly intelligent platforms that can operate autonomously in complex environments. This transformation is inseparable from a key tool - the laser rangefinder module and other high-precision distance sensors for autonomous systems with precise perception. Therefore, the laser rangefinder module and other high-precision distance sensors for autonomous systems are gradually evolving from "auxiliary components" to indispensable core sensing units for unmanned platforms.
As a professional manufacturer of laser rangefinder modules, ERDI will focus on explaining why unmanned platforms choose laser rangefinder modules as their sensing tools, as well as ERDI's laser distance sensor solutions for unmanned platforms.
Definition of laser rangefinder module and the practical needs of unmanned platforms
A laser rangefinder module, as the name suggests, is a tool that uses laser technology for distance measurement. Compared to other forms of distance measurement tools, it has advantages such as high precision, long range, fast response, and strong adaptability, mainly adapting to various scenarios for unmanned platforms through parameters such as range, accuracy, sampling rate, response time, and wavelength. Taking autonomous driving as an example, how to correctly handle complex road conditions, real-time moving targets and objects is one of the major problems it faces. The laser distance measurement technology for unmanned driving platforms can well solve this issue. Whether it is cars or drones, the compact and reliable design of the laser rangefinder module is the foundation for safe travel and the perception of complete and accurate targets. From the perspective of system engineering, unmanned platforms' requirements for distance sensors for autonomous systems are no longer just "able to measure a long distance", but more focus on whether the module is easy to integrate, whether the interface is standardized, and whether the data output is stable and controllable. This is why more and more system integrators are beginning to prioritize laser rangefinder modules over traditional discrete or consumer-level distance measurement solutions.
ERDI TECH: Distance sensing technology designed for integration
ERDI TECH LTD provides laser rangefinder modules optimized for system integrators and OEM platforms, whether for unmanned platforms of drones or automation robots. ERDI's distance sensor modules can provide compact and reliable solutions for them. For projects that require long-term stable supply, predictable performance, and deep system integration support, ERDI TECH's laser rangefinder modules are more like an "engineering-level solution" rather than a single hardware product.
Integrated solid-state laser rangefinder module | 1064nm wavelength laser target designator
ERDI LASER® 1064nm laser target designator uses Nd:YAG laser technology, integrating laser ranging for unmanned platforms and target indication functions. It adopts a modular and lightweight design, and can be easily integrated into airborne/vehicle-mounted/unmanned systems. There are models with high-energy laser output ranging from 20 to 160 mJ, capable of marking targets up to 2km to 15km and accurately measuring targets up to 5km to 30km.
The following is a summary of typical parameters of some ERDI models (for reference only, specific parameters are subject to official data):
- Model: LDR20K1 - The single pulse energy is approximately 20 mJ. It adopts a lightweight design (≈ 290 grams) and is suitable for small platforms such as unmanned aircraft.
- Model: LDR40K1 - The pulse energy is approximately 40 mJ, with a ranging accuracy of ±2 meters and a working wavelength of 1064 ± 3 nm.
- Model: LDR60K1 - The energy is ≥ 60 mJ, and under certain conditions, it can achieve a ranging distance of ≥ 8 km and a target indication distance of ≥ 5 km. The weight is ≤ 650 g, and the beam divergence angle is ≤ 0.4 mrad.
There are also higher energy models, such as 80 mJ, 100 mJ, and 160 mJ, which are used for applications requiring longer distances or higher performance.
Selection suggestions:
- If it is for lightweight small unmanned aircraft, the preferred model is 20 mJ - 40 mJ.
- For medium-sized unmanned aircraft/airborne pods or vehicle fire control systems, it is recommended to use models with 60 millijoules or more.
- If the task requires ultra-long distance operation, handling small targets or low reflectivity targets, then consider using models with energy exceeding 80 mJ.
- Note whether the parameters such as beam divergence, ranging accuracy, weight, size, interface (RS-422), and environmental adaptability match the interface of the platform.
- Additionally, this system also needs to consider laser safety level (such as Class 4 laser), cooling method, and maintenance requirements.
In unmanned aircraft, electro-optic pods, and vehicle systems, this 1064nm laser rangefinder is usually used as the core ranging unit, forming a complete closed loop with photoelectric turntables, inertial navigation systems, and fire control or control algorithms, providing the platform with reliable long-distance environmental perception capabilities.
Eye-safe erbium glass laser ranging module | 1535nm eye-safe laser ranging module
The ERDI LASER® 1535nm eye safe laser rangefinder uses a self-developed erbium glass laser rangefinder, emits pulses to the target, and measures the flight time (TOF) to determine the distance. As a Class 1 human safety laser, it adopts UART (TTL level) and RS-422 serial interfaces, provides host software and protocol documentation, has a compact size, high precision, and strong environmental adaptability. ERDI offers modules covering ranging distances of 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers to meet the needs of different customers.
The research and development focus is as follows:
- All gain media, bonded crystal components, laser cavities, and subsystems are independently manufactured.
- Passive Q-switch or microchip DPSS architecture can generate short and high-energy pulses, suitable for long-distance flight time measurement.
- High beam quality (TEM₀₀) and low divergent optical components (≤ a few milliradians) to achieve optimal range and accuracy.
- Thermal management through TEC (thermoelectric cooler) or non-thermal optical design to maintain performance within a wide temperature range.
- Compact packaging that can be integrated into space-constrained platforms.
Therefore, the 1535nm eye safe laser rangefinder modules are particularly suitable for autonomous systems with high requirements for personnel safety, urban environments, or multi-platform collaboration, such as low-altitude unmanned aircraft, intelligent inspection platforms, and automated monitoring systems.
ERDI integrated solution
As a laser rangefinder module manufacturer, ERDI TECH not only focuses on single parameter indicators, but also pays attention to the long-term performance of the product in real systems. Whether it is the compact laser rangefinder module (approximately 3 km) or the long-range laser distance sensor (8–12 km and above), they can all be flexibly configured based on the target reflectivity, optical design, and platform space conditions. Based on this, you can choose the ranging module that best suits your system according to your actual needs.
The specific size depends on the target reflectivity and optical components. All products offer a 30-day trial period, one-year free replacement, and a two-year warranty. Choose ERDI, and you are choosing an efficient and reliable laser rangefinder module solution.
Summary:
In the context of continuous upgrades in global unmanned systems and automation platforms, distance perception capabilities have no longer been an "optional configuration", but have become the core foundation that determines the safety, reliability and intelligence level of the system. ERDI TECH has always focused on the laser rangefinder module as a key component. With mature 1064nm solid-state laser rangefinder technology and 1535nm eye safe laser rangefinder erbium glass laser rangefinder technology as the core, ERDI TECH provides stable, reliable and long-term supply distance perception solutions for system integrators and OEM customers. Whether you are concerned about the lightweight integration of compact unmanned platforms or long-distance, high-precision application scenarios, ERDI can offer verified products and technical support, helping your system steadily advance in the era of intelligence.
Contact ERDI TECH
If you need technical information, specification sheets, prototype tests or customized solutions for the 1064nm laser target designator, please contact the ERDI TECH engineering team.
📧 yeva@erdimail.com (responses within 24 hours)
We will provide the most suitable laser technology solutions for your platform.