Hookup Guide
SchematicProduct Overview
The LIDAR-Lite v4 Qwiic combines Garmin’s™ high-performance optical ranging technology with the ease of the SparkFun Qwiic ecosystem. This board uses the powerful v4 LED sensor, which supports 10-meter ranging and wireless ANT® communication, and includes a breakout that handles all power and logic translation for you. It is the ultimate "plug-and-play" distance solution for anyone who wants to incorporate a LIDAR-Lite sensor into their project!
Next-Generation Capabilities
The v4 LED redefines what a compact sensor can do! By combining a safe LED emitter with a powerful onboard processor, it offers a versatile platform that goes far beyond simple distance measurement:
- Smart & Wireless: The first optical sensor to feature built-in ANT® technology, allowing for wireless telemetry and communication with other ANT-enabled devices.
- Programmable Core: Powered by a Nordic nRF52840 processor. Developers can write custom applications to run directly on the sensor, effectively turning it into a standalone device.
- Eye-Safe & Efficient: This sensor ditches the laser and instead uses a focused 940nm LED emitter (Class 1), making it inherently safe for open environments while consuming only 85 mA during acquisition.
The Qwiic Advantage
Integrating the raw v4 sensor can be challenging because it requires a 5V power supply but operates on 3.3V logic and has an uncommon pinout. This Qwiic version solves these headaches.
- Built-in Boost Circuit: A dedicated regulator on the board boosts the 3.3V from your Qwiic cable up to the 5V required by the sensor. This means you get full performance from a single standard connection.
- No Soldering Required: Connects instantly via the Qwiic Connect System. No breadboards, no wiring errors, and no soldering iron needed.
The SparkFun LIDAR-Lite v4 Arduino library makes reading data as simple as calling the getDistance() function. The library also supports changing the I2C address of each LIDAR and provides an easy example of how to do so. Its low power consumption and I2C address configuration enable daisy-chaining up to 10 of these sensors on a single microcontroller platform.*
Performance & Integration
Designed for short-range precision, the v4 LED delivers reliable readings from 5cm up to 10 meters. Whether you use the preloaded I2C commands or write your own standalone application, you get reliable 1cm-resolution readings with easier connectivity! Its ultra-compact form factor makes it the ideal building block for robotics, IoT, and unmanned vehicles where size, weight, and power are critical.
*The I2C address of the Qwiic LIDAR-Lite v4 is 0x62 and is software-configurable to any address. A multiplexer/Mux is required to communicate with multiple Qwiic LIDAR-Lite v4 sensors on a single bus. If you need to use multiple Qwiic LIDAR-Lite v4 sensors, consider using the Qwiic Mux Breakout.
