{"id":28169,"date":"2019-12-23T18:33:32","date_gmt":"2019-12-23T10:33:32","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=28169"},"modified":"2021-06-29T12:52:09","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T04:52:09","slug":"distance-sensors-types-and-selection-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/23\/distance-sensors-types-and-selection-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Distance Sensors and How to Select One?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When it comes to distance sensors, there are many different types; ultrasonic, IR proximity, laser distance, etc. and selecting the right one for your next Arduino or Raspberry Pi project could be a tough task to handle. Hence, today we&#8217;ll be looking at the plethora of distance sensors, its types, and helping you get a better idea of which one is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"695\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.seeedstudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/distance-sensor-cover-1.png\" alt=\"All about distance sensors: Types and Selection guide for makers\" class=\"wp-image-28262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/distance-sensor-cover-1.png 695w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/distance-sensor-cover-1-300x197.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ll be covering the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What are distance sensors and how do distance sensor work?<\/li><li>Types of distance sensors<\/li><li>Distance sensor compared: How to choose a distance sensor?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are Distance Sensors?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As their name suggests, distance sensors are used for determining the distance of an object from another object or obstacle without any physical contact involved (unlike a measuring tape, for example).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How\u00a0do Distance Sensors Work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Commonly associated with ultrasonic sensors, it functions by outputting a signal (depending on technology; ultrasonic waves, IR, LED, etc.) and measuring a change when the signal returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The change measured can be in the form of either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>time it takes for a signal to return,<\/li><li>intensity of a returned signal,<\/li><li>or phase change of the returned signal.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Distance Sensors vs Proximity Sensors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As distance sensors can be commonly associated with proximity sensors due to seemingly similar functions, the operation of either sensor type can be easily misunderstood. To clear this up, here&#8217;s a quick comparison between them to help you understand their differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Proximity sensors sense if an object is within the sensing area where the sensor is designed to operate. Hence, it does not necessarily indicate the distance between the sensor and object of interest. Find out more about proximity sensors <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/19\/all-about-proximity-sensors-which-type-to-use\/\">here<\/a>!<\/li><li>Distance sensors sense distance from the object and the measuring device through an output current. These currents are generated as a result of several waveforms, such as ultrasonic waves, laser, IR, etc. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Types of Distance Sensors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that we have an understanding of what distance sensors are, we&#8217;ll dive into the various distance measurement sensors on the market, each with its own sensing technologies.  Here&#8217;s the rundown of the different distance sensor types! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ultrasonic Sensor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-1030x773.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47389\" width=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-1030x773.png 1030w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-Ultrasonic-Distance-Sensor.html\">Ultrasonic Distance Sensor<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is an Ultrasonic Distance Sensor?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ultrasonic Sensor is arguably the most common distance measuring sensor, also known as the Sonar sensor. It detects the distance to objects by emitting high-frequency sound waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ultrasonic Sensor: Working Principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/How-ultrasonic-sensor-works.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"550\"\/><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/complete-guide-for-ultrasonic-sensor-hc-sr04\/\"><em>Source: RandomNerdTutorials<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The ultrasonic sensor emits high-frequency sound waves towards the target object, and a timer is started<\/li><li>Target object reflects the sound waves back towards the sensor<\/li><li>The receiver picks up the reflected wave and stops the timer<\/li><li>The time taken for the wave&#8217;s return is calculated against the speed of sound to determine the distance travelled<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ultrasonic Sensor: Key Applications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that we&#8217;ve understood how it works, we&#8217;ll take a look at some of the common ultrasonic distance sensor applications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Distance Measurement<\/li><li>Robotic Sensors<\/li><li>Smart cars &#8211; Yes, Tesla uses ultrasonic sensors as part of its Autopilot program!<\/li><li>Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) \/ Drones<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages of Ultrasonic Sensors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Not affected by object colour and transparency as it detects distance through sound waves<\/li><li>Works well in places that are dim<\/li><li>Tend to consume lower current\/power<\/li><li>Multiple interface options for pairing with a microcontroller, etc.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disadvantages of Ultrasonic Sensors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Limited detection range <\/li><li>Low resolution and slow refresh rate, making it not suitable for detection of fast-moving targets<\/li><li>Unable to measure the distance of objects that have extreme textures\/surfaces<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommended Ultrasonic Sensor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-Ultrasonic-Distance-Sensor.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\"><strong>Grove \u2013 Ultrasonic Sensor:\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><strong>Improved version of the HC-SR04<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-1-1030x773.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47390\" width=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-1-1030x773.png 1030w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-1-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-1-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/grove-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-preview_1-1.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For an ultrasonic sensor to be parable with an Arduino, you&#8217;ll need an ultrasonic sensor module. The Grove &#8211; Ultrasonic Sensor is my recommended pick that&#8217;s built with significant benefits over the popular HC-SR04!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Wonder why it&#8217;s a better option than the HC-SR04? Here&#8217;s a comparative table!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.tg  {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}\n.tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;\n  overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}\n.tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;\n  font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}\n.tg .tg-e5tk{background-color:#333333;border-color:inherit;color:#ffffff;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle}\n.tg .tg-cb43{background-color:#333;border-color:inherit;color:#FFF;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle}\n.tg .tg-16en{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#2A2A2A;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}\n.tg .tg-8py8{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#2A2A2A;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"tg\" style=\"undefined;table-layout: fixed; width: 598px\">\n<colgroup>\n<col style=\"width: 176px\">\n<col style=\"width: 211px\">\n<col style=\"width: 211px\">\n<\/colgroup>\n<thead>\n  <tr>\n    <th class=\"tg-e5tk\">Sensor<\/th>\n    <th class=\"tg-cb43\">Grove &#8211; Ultrasonic Distance Sensor<\/th>\n    <th class=\"tg-cb43\">HC-SR04<\/th>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-16en\">Working Voltage<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">3.3V \/ 5V compatible<br>Wide voltage level: 3.2V \u2013 5.2V<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">5V<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-16en\">Measurement Range<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">3cm \u2013 350cm<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">2cm \u2013 400cm<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-16en\">I\/O Pins needed<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">3<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">4<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-16en\">Operating Current<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">8mA<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">15mA<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-16en\">Dimensions<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">50mm x 25mm x 16mm<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">45mm x 20mm x 15mm<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-16en\">Ease of pairing with Raspberry Pi<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">Easy, direct connection<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-8py8\">Voltage Conversion Circuit Required<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>From the table, we can observe that the Grove &#8211; Ultrasonic sensor is a more versatile option:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Supports a wider voltage level<\/li><li>Lesser I\/O pins needed<\/li><li>Easier pairing with your Raspberry Pi<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested to find out more? You can check out the following resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-Ultrasonic-Distance-Sensor.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">Product Page<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/04\/hc-sr04-features-arduino-raspberrypi-guide\/\">Features \/ Comparisons with HC-SR04,\u00a0Arduino\u00a0and Raspberry Pi Guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Infrared Distance Sensors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Second on this list is IR distance sensors, short for infrared. Most commonly associated with the Sharp GP2Y0A21YK0F, it does distance or proximity sensing through emitting IR wave and calculating the angle of reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>IR sensors come with two lenses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>An IR LED emitter lens that emits a light beam<\/li><li>A position-sensible photodetector (PSD) where the reflected beam will fall onto <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>IR Distance Sensors: Working Principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>IR distance sensors work through the principle of triangulation; measuring distance based on the angle of the reflected beam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s an illustration of how IR distance sensors work through triangulation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IR-1030x773.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47391\" width=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IR-1030x773.jpeg 1030w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IR-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IR-768x577.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IR-1536x1153.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IR-2048x1537.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IR-1024x769.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><figcaption><em>Source: mbedOS<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Infrared light is emitted from the IR LED emitter<\/li><li>The beam of light hits the object (P1) and is reflected off a certain angle<\/li><li>The reflected light will reach the PSD (U1)<\/li><li>The sensor in the PSD will then determine the position\/distance of the reflective object <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Applications for IR Sensors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>TVs, computers, laptops<\/li><li>Distance measurement<\/li><li>Security systems such as surveillance, burglar alarms, etc.<\/li><li>Monitoring and control applications<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advantages of IR Sensors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Small form factor; Common IR sensors like the ones from Sharp tend to be smaller in size<\/li><li>Applicable for daytime and nighttime usages<\/li><li>Secured communication through a line of sight<\/li><li>Able to measure the distance of objects that have complex surfaces unlike ultrasonic sensors<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Disadvantages of IR sensors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Limited measurement range<\/li><li>Affected by environmental conditions and hard objects<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Recommended IR Sensors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-80cm-Infrared-Proximity-Sensor.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\"><strong>Grove \u2013 80cm Infrared Proximity Sensor<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47392\" width=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3.png 700w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on the SHARP GP2Y0A21YK0F, this IR proximity sensor is a popular recommendation for easy Arduino distance sensing. Packed in a small form factor with low power consumption, it allows for continuous distance reading with a range of 10cm to 80cm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested in finding out more? You can check out the following resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-80cm-Infrared-Proximity-Sensor.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">Product page<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/17\/ir-proximity-sensor-for-easy-arduino-distance-measuring\/\">Features &amp; Arduino guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>IR vs Ultrasonic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that we&#8217;ve understood both IR and Ultrasonic sensors, you may be wondering what&#8217;s the difference between them. Here&#8217;s a quick comparative table that showcases the differences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.tg  {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}\n.tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;\n  overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}\n.tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;\n  font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}\n.tg .tg-10gh{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}\n.tg .tg-bxco{background-color:#333333;border-color:inherit;color:#ffffff;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;vertical-align:top}\n.tg .tg-qy69{background-color:#333;border-color:inherit;color:#ffffff;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle}\n.tg .tg-vhz2{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}\n.tg .tg-dp42{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}\n.tg .tg-r2vl{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"tg\" style=\"undefined;table-layout: fixed; width: 598px\">\n<colgroup>\n<col style=\"width: 176px\">\n<col style=\"width: 211px\">\n<col style=\"width: 211px\">\n<\/colgroup>\n<thead>\n  <tr>\n    <th class=\"tg-bxco\">Type<\/th>\n    <th class=\"tg-qy69\">IR Sensor<\/th>\n    <th class=\"tg-qy69\">Ultrasonic Sensor<\/th>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-vhz2\">What It Does<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">Measure distance through reflected light waves<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">Measure distance through reflected sound waves<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-vhz2\">How It Measures<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">Triangulation: Angle of a reflected IR beam is measured<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">Time taken between transmitting and receiving sound waves are recorded<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-vhz2\">Human Interactions<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">Invisible to the naked eye<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">Unhearable<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-dp42\">Object Requirements<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-r2vl\">Suitable to be used to measure complex objects<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-r2vl\">Not suitable to measure objects with complex surfaces<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Laser Distance Sensors: LIDAR<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>LiDAR, in short for Light Detection and Ranging, can be considered as a laser distance sensor. It measures the range of targets through light waves from a laser instead of radio or sound waves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>LIDAR: Working Principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various ways that you could explain how LIDAR works (E.g. Triangulation, pulse base, etc.) but the following way is the simplest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/qph.fs.quoracdn.net\/main-qimg-66b1f975b0720e6885d8b523c7796374.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/www.quora.com\/What-is-the-LIDAR-system\"><em>Source: Quora<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The transmitter on the LiDAR device emits laser light at the target object<\/li><li>The pulse of the laser is reflected by the target object<\/li><li>Distance is then calculated by using the relationship between constant speed of light in air and the time between sending\/receiving of the signal<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Applications of LiDAR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Environmental Monitoring; forestry, land mapping, etc.<\/li><li>Distance Measurement<\/li><li>Machine Control and Safety<\/li><li>Robotics Imaging &amp; Environmental Detection<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages of LiDAR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>High measurement range and accuracy<\/li><li>Ability to measure 3D structures <\/li><li>Fast update rate; suitable for fast-moving objects<\/li><li>Small wavelengths as compared to sonar and radar; good at detecting small objects<\/li><li>Applicable for usage in the day and night<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disadvantages of LiDAR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Higher cost as compared to ultrasonic and IR<\/li><li>Harmful to the naked eye; higher-end LiDAR devices may utilize stronger LiDAR pulses which may affect the human eye<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Recommended LiDAR Sensors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>LIDAR Sensors tend to be expensive, but fear not! Here at Seeed we offer a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Seeedstudio-Grove-TF-Mini-LiDAR.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">mini LiDAR proximity sensor <\/a>that&#8217;s very much affordable and easily parable with your Arduino!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3-1-1030x773.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47393\" width=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3-1-1030x773.png 1030w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3-1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3-1-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3-1-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3-1.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested to find out more about it? You can head to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Seeedstudio-Grove-TF-Mini-LiDAR.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">product page!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LED Time-Of-Flight Distance Sensors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, we&#8217;ll take a look at the LED time-of-flight sensors. Most commonly associated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/12\/vl53l0x-getting-started-arduino-guide\/\">VL53L0X<\/a>, it&#8217;s part of the broader spectrum of LIDAR, that uses time-of-flight technology in measuring distances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Time-of-Flight\u00a0Sensors: Working Principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Time-of-Flight sensors measure the elapsed time from the emission of a wave pulse from the sensor to the moment it returns to the sensor after reflecting off an object. It&#8217;s capable of producing a 3D X, Y, Z image with a single snapshot by measuring the time it takes for light to travel from emitter to the receiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>With time-of-flight technology, it provides significant benefits over the other distance sensing methods that we&#8217;ve covered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Wider range<\/li><li>Faster readings<\/li><li>Greater accuracy <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Time-of-flight sensors work similarly to LiDAR sensors, where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The transmitter on the time-of-flight device emits IR waves towards the target object<\/li><li>The wave is reflected back upon reaching the target object<\/li><li>Distance is then calculated by using the speed of light in air and the time between sending\/receiving of the signal<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Applications of Time-of-Flight Sensors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Industrial applications<\/li><li>Machine vision<\/li><li>Robotics<\/li><li>People counting <\/li><li>Drones<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages of Time-of-Flight Sensors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Such technology offers high measurement range with accuracy<\/li><li>3D imaging capable<\/li><li>Used in a wide variety of applications due to its ability to identify large objects<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disadvantages of Time-of-Flight Sensors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Higher costs in general<\/li><li>Z-depth resolution is still poor with general systems offering a 1cm Z-resolution<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Recommended Time-of-Flight Sensor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-Time-of-Flight-Distance-Sensor-VL53L0X.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">Grove &#8211; Time of Flight Distance Sensor(VL53L0X)<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3.seeedstudio.comseeedfile2018-07bazaar875552_img_0028a-1-1030x773.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47395\" width=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3.seeedstudio.comseeedfile2018-07bazaar875552_img_0028a-1-1030x773.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3.seeedstudio.comseeedfile2018-07bazaar875552_img_0028a-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3.seeedstudio.comseeedfile2018-07bazaar875552_img_0028a-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3.seeedstudio.comseeedfile2018-07bazaar875552_img_0028a-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/httpsstatics3.seeedstudio.comseeedfile2018-07bazaar875552_img_0028a-1.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Living up to its popularity, the VL53L0X integrates a leading-edge SPAD array and embeds ST&#8217;s second generation FlightSense patented technology. This allows for up to 2m when measuring absolute distances!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The above recommendation is part of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/document\/pdf\/Introduction%20to%20Grove.pdf\">Grove system<\/a> as well, making easy pairing with your Arduino!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested to know more about it? You can check out the following resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-Time-of-Flight-Distance-Sensor-VL53L0X.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">Product page<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/12\/vl53l0x-getting-started-arduino-guide\/\">Features with Arduino Guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comparing the<strong> Distance Sensors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to help you select a suitable distance sensor, I\u2019ve listed a summarised table below with what you should take note of when making your selection. However, since they each have their pros and cons, you&#8217;ll have to first identify your intended purpose\/application!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.tg  {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}\n.tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;\n  overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}\n.tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;\n  font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}\n.tg .tg-10gh{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}\n.tg .tg-bwj1{background-color:#2a2a2a;border-color:inherit;color:#ffffff;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}\n.tg .tg-jwz1{background-color:#2a2a2a;border-color:inherit;color:#ffffff;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}\n.tg .tg-vhz2{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle}\n.tg .tg-0tz6{border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}\n.tg .tg-0pky{border-color:inherit;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}\n.tg .tg-dp42{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}\n.tg .tg-r2vl{background-color:#FFF;border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}\n.tg .tg-jpxv{border-color:inherit;color:#1E1E1E;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"tg\" style=\"undefined;table-layout: fixed; width: 680px\">\n<colgroup>\n<col style=\"width: 277px\">\n<col style=\"width: 101px\">\n<col style=\"width: 101px\">\n<col style=\"width: 100px\">\n<col style=\"width: 101px\">\n<\/colgroup>\n<thead>\n  <tr>\n    <th class=\"tg-jwz1\">Type<\/th>\n    <th class=\"tg-bwj1\">Ultrasonic<\/th>\n    <th class=\"tg-jwz1\">IR<\/th>\n    <th class=\"tg-jwz1\">LIDAR<\/th>\n    <th class=\"tg-jwz1\">ToF<\/th>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-vhz2\"><span style=\"font-weight:bold\">Suitablility for Long Range Sensing<\/span><\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">No<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">No<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">Yes<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0pky\">Yes<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-vhz2\"><span style=\"font-weight:bold\">High reading frequency<\/span><\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">No<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">No<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">Yes<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0pky\">Yes<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-vhz2\"><span style=\"font-weight:bold\">Cost<\/span><\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">Low<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-10gh\">Low<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">High<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0pky\">Moderate<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-dp42\"><span style=\"font-weight:bold\">Suitability to use for complex objects<\/span><\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-r2vl\">No<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-r2vl\">Yes<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">Yes<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0pky\">Yes<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-jpxv\"><span style=\"font-weight:bold\">Sensitive to external conditions<\/span><\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">Yes<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">No<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">No<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0pky\">No<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n  <tr>\n    <td class=\"tg-jpxv\"><span style=\"font-weight:bold\">3D imaging compatible<\/span><\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">No<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">No<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0tz6\">Yes<\/td>\n    <td class=\"tg-0pky\">Yes<\/td>\n  <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>From the table, we can conclude that both ultrasonic and IR distance sensors are more suited for Arduino projects that require shorter range sensing. While LiDAR and Time-of-flight sensors would be recommended for those that are looking for higher sensing capabilities and 3D imaging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s all for today&#8217;s distance sensor guide. I hope it has helped you further understand and make a better purchase decision! For Arduino compatibility, you can consider each of the recommended Seeed products to save time with hardware and prototyping!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Ultrasonic sensor recommendation:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-Ultrasonic-Distance-Sensor.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">Grove \u2013 Ultrasonic Sensor<\/a><\/li><li><strong>IR sensor recommendation:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-80cm-Infrared-Proximity-Sensor.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">Grove \u2013 80cm Infrared Proximity Sensor<\/a><\/li><li><strong>Laser distance sensor recommendation:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Seeedstudio-Grove-TF-Mini-LiDAR.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">Grove &#8211; TF Mini LiDAR <\/a><\/li><li><strong>Time-of-flight sensor recommendation:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/Grove-Time-of-Flight-Distance-Sensor-VL53L0X.html?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog\">Grove &#8211; Time of Flight Distance Sensor (VL53L0X)<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For more on proximity sensors, you can check out my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/19\/all-about-proximity-sensors-which-type-to-use\/\">previous article here<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to distance sensors, there are many different types; ultrasonic, IR proximity, laser<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2850,"featured_media":28261,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[2335,2422,2426,1046,2371,330,2332,1529,1113],"class_list":["post-28169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-distance-sensor","tag-distance-sensors-compared","tag-distance-vs-proximity","tag-infrared-sensor","tag-ir-distance-sensor","tag-lidar","tag-proximity","tag-time-of-flight","tag-ultrasonic-sensor"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Types of Distance Sensors and How to Select One? - Latest News from Seeed Studio<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When it comes to distance sensors, there are many types; ultrasonic, IR proximity, laser distance, etc. and selecting the right one for your next Arduino or Raspberry Pi project could be a tough task to handle. 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