Velodyne Lidar Puck VLP-16 LiDAR Sensor Module - 16-Channel, 100m Range, IP67, 360° FOV

The VLP-16 outputs data via Ethernet (100BASE-TX). It streams real-time 3D point cloud data, including distance and calibrated reflectivity, using Velodyne Lidar's proprietary data packets. Integration typically requires parsing this UDP data stream with provided SDKs or libraries for platforms like ROS (Robot Operating System), Linux, or Windows.

The sensor operates on a nominal 12V DC input with a typical power consumption of approximately 8 watts. It is critical to use a stable, low-noise power source within the specified voltage range to ensure consistent performance and data accuracy, especially in mobile or vehicular applications.

Dual-return mode allows the sensor to capture two distinct distance measurements from a single laser pulse. This is invaluable for penetrating semi-transparent obstacles like foliage, rain, or smoke, and for detecting fine details such as power lines or chain-link fences, providing a denser and more usable point cloud for complex environment analysis.

Yes, the Puck is designed for harsh environments. Its IP67 rating provides protection against dust ingress and temporary immersion in water. Combined with a wide operating temperature range (-10°C to +60°C) and a solid-state design with no exposed moving parts, it is well-suited for outdoor robotics, automotive, and surveying applications.

Yes, Velodyne Lidar sensors include an interference mitigation feature. When multiple units operate in proximity, this feature helps minimize cross-sensor interference by identifying and filtering out errant points caused by other LiDAR units, ensuring cleaner data capture in multi-sensor setups like vehicle fleets or dense robotic arrays.