1535 nm Laser Rangefinder Module with Class 1 Eye Safety Standard

Compact long-range measurement, ready to integrate.

Lumexis develops and manufactures a 1535 nm Class 1 eye-safe laser rangefinder module series built around Er:Glass pulsed sources, transmit and receive optics, single-pulse TOF processing, and TTL or RS422 communication. Specified performance spans ≥3.2–15 km on a 2.3 × 2.3 m target and up to ≥20 km on a large target, with ≤±1 m or ≤±1.5 m accuracy, adjustable 1–10 Hz measurement, DC 5–28 V input, and packages from 33 ± 1 g. Compact size, standby consumption ≤0.2 W, and model-specific engineering files support integration into civil UAV mapping and altitude measurement, surveying instruments, railway and infrastructure inspection, LiDAR and remote-sensing systems, and scientific instruments.

* Class 1 eye-safe classification applies to the defined module configuration. The completed host product requires laser-safety assessment in its final optical and operating configuration.

Exploded yellow line drawing of compact 1535 nm laser rangefinder module structures
Lumexis 1535 nm laser rangefinder module series from compact cylindrical and PCB modules to large-aperture long-range configurations
Civil UAV mapping Surveying instruments Railway inspection LiDAR & remote sensing Scientific instruments
EYE SAFETYClass 1 eye-safe

1535 ± 5 nm classification for the defined module configuration.

MAXIMUM RANGE≥20 km

Specified for a large target; up to ≥15 km on a 2.3 × 2.3 m target.

RANGING ACCURACY≤±1 m

For 3–8 km-class models; ≤±1.5 m for the 10 km and 15 km classes.

MEASUREMENT RATE1–10 Hz

Adjustable output for single-shot and continuous ranging modes.

SIZE AND WEIGHTFrom 33 g

Starting at 48 × 21 × 31 mm and 33 ± 1 g for space-limited integration.

INTERFACE AND POWERTTL / RS422

DC 5–28 V input with standby consumption ≤0.2 W.

3–15 km series

Explore the complete laser rangefinder module range.

All available models are shown directly below. Compare the intended target and distance first, then check receive aperture, minimum range, mechanical envelope, power demand and host communication before design release.

Single source of specification data

Compare every model in one place.

This is the page’s only full specification section. All other sections explain use, integration and delivery without repeating the same parameter set.

Model2.3 × 2.3 m targetLarge targetMinimum rangeAccuracyReceive apertureDimensionsWeightInterfaceInputAverage powerOperating temperature
1535-LXCJ0300≥3.2 km≥5 km≤15 m≤±1 m16 mm48 × 21 × 31 mm33 ± 1 gRS422; TTL optionDC 5–28 V≤0.8 W at 1 Hz−40 to +70°C
1535-LXCJ0500≥5 km≥6 km≤15 m≤±1 m16 mm50 × 23 × 33.5 mm≤40 gTTL; RS422 optionDC 5–28 V≤1 W at 5 V−40 to +60°C
1535-LXCJ0600≥6 km≥7 km≤20 m≤±1 m21 mm65 × 40 × 28 mm≤55 gRS422DC 5–28 V≤1 W at 5 V−40 to +60°C
1535-LXCJ0700≥7 km≥8 km≤30 m≤±1 m25 mm65 × 46 × 32 mm≤72 gRS422DC 5–28 V≤1 W at 5 V−40 to +60°C
1535-LXCJ0800≥8 km≥10 km≤30 m≤±1 m25 mm65 × 46 × 32 mm≤72 gRS422DC 5–28 V≤1.3 W at 5 V−40 to +60°C
1535-LXCJ1000≥10 km≥12 km≤50 m≤±1.5 m40 mm83 × 61 × 48 mm≤135 gRS422DC 5–28 V≤1.5 W at 5 V−40 to +60°C
1535-LXCJ1500≥15 km≥20 km≤70 m≤±1.5 m52 mm104 × 61 × 74 mm≤191 gRS422DC 5–28 V≤2 W at 5 V−40 to +60°C

Common specification: Class 1 eye-safe*, 1535 ± 5 nm, single-pulse TOF, adjustable 1–10 Hz measurement, standby consumption ≤0.2 W, range gating and reporting of up to three targets.

Range conditions: Maximum distance depends on target size and reflectance, atmosphere, background light, alignment and host-window transmission. Confirm the model-specific test condition before design release.

Designed and manufactured by Lumexis

A complete ranging channel, not a loose assembly.

We engineer the source, transmit and receive optics, detector electronics, structure, calibration and communication as one measurement chain. OEM teams receive a defined optical, mechanical and data interface instead of having to reconcile unrelated components.

Premium rendered exploded view of the optics, black anodized housing, electronic boards and mechanical assemblies inside a 1535 nm laser rangefinder module
01Er:Glass pulsed source

Compact 1535 nm pulse generation for direct time-of-flight ranging.

02Transmit and receive optics

Controlled divergence, return collection and aligned optical axes.

03Detector and processing

Echo detection, timing, filtering and calibrated distance calculation.

04Structure and calibration

Defined datums and retained alignment for predictable integration.

05Firmware and protocol

Command handling, self-test, operating modes and output frames.

01

Single measurement

Host-triggered acquisition for controlled measurement sequences.

02

Continuous output

Repeated measurement with a selectable update frequency.

03

Multi-target reporting

Returns multiple detected surfaces when supported by the scene.

04

Range gating

Limits accepted returns to a defined working-distance interval.

05

Self-test

Provides status information for startup and host diagnostics.

Application solutions

Designed around real integration constraints.

From 33 ± 1 g compact modules to ≥20 km large-target configurations, the series combines model-dependent ≤±1 m accuracy, low standby power and digital output with packages selected for the actual target and host platform.

Civil UAV measuring altitude above mapped terrain with a laser rangefinder
From 33 ± 1 g
01 / CIVIL UAV

Altitude and mapping

Low-mass distance input for terrain profiling, mapping and civil infrastructure inspection payloads.

Surveying instrument measuring the position of a civil engineering target
≤±1 m selected models
02 / MEASUREMENT

Surveying instruments

Repeatable digital range output for portable and fixed distance-measurement equipment.

Railway inspection platform measuring track and structural clearance
Up to ≥20 km large target
03 / INSPECTION

Rail and infrastructure

Distance, clearance and structural-position data for mobile and fixed inspection equipment.

Fixed laser measurement instrument ranging natural terrain and vegetation targets
Up to 3 target returns
04 / REMOTE SENSING

Fixed and scientific ranging

Range-gated measurements for remote sensing, monitoring and experimental instruments.

Application
Selection priorities
Integration checks
Civil UAV mapping and altitude measurement

Low mass, low power, update rate, target footprint and required slant range.

Camera or sensor boresight, timestamping, vibration, host window and power transients.

Portable and fixed surveying

Minimum range, distance accuracy, interface, target type and enclosure volume.

Optical-window transmission, mounting datum, cable routing and representative target validation.

Railway and infrastructure inspection

Large-structure range, alignment stability, temperature range and mechanical robustness.

Incidence angle, surface material, platform motion, vibration and retained boresight.

LiDAR and remote sensing

Range gate, multi-return output, timing consistency and measurement frequency.

The host must provide scanning or pointing, pose data and point-cloud processing where required.

Scientific instruments

Protocol access, repeatability, target response and configurable operating modes.

Bench evaluation with the final power supply, window, mount and data-acquisition chain.

Laser rangefinder knowledge

Direct time of flight converts pulse travel time into distance.

A single optical pulse travels to the target and returns to the receiver. The module measures the round-trip time, validates the echo and calculates the line-of-sight distance.

1535 nm
module
Target
surface
Pulse emitted at t₀
Echo received at t₁
R = cΔt / 2R is distance, c is the speed of light and Δt = t₁ − t₀. Division by two accounts for the outward and return paths.

Single-pulse TOF sequence

From optical pulse to validated range data.

Distance accuracy is not determined by the formula alone. Timing resolution, detector bandwidth, echo signal-to-noise ratio, target depth, threshold logic and calibration all influence the reported result.

01
Emit

The Er:Glass source and transmitting optics launch a short 1535 nm pulse.

02
Collect

The receiving aperture collects a small portion of the energy reflected by the target.

03
Detect and time

The detector and timing circuit identify valid echoes and measure round-trip delay.

04
Process and report

Signal processing applies gating and return logic before outputting distance and status data.

Beam divergence and target footprint

A narrower beam keeps more pulse energy on a compact distant target.

Divergence defines how quickly the illuminated footprint grows with distance. It must be considered together with pointing error, optical-axis stability and the receiver field of view.

Cutaway view identifying the transmitting optics and Er:Glass laser source used to control beam divergence Transmitting optics Er:Glass laser source

Model-dependent optical configuration

Do not select divergence in isolation.

The smallest configuration is specified at ≤0.6 mrad, while most longer-range configurations list ≤0.3 mrad. A smaller divergence improves target fill for compact targets, but demands tighter pointing and boresight control.

Additional spot diameter ≈ θ × RApproximation using full-angle divergence θ in radians and range R. Confirm the divergence definition and initial beam diameter in the model-specific datasheet.
RangeAt 0.3 mradEngineering meaning
1 km≈0.3 mCompact footprint; alignment remains important.
3 km≈0.9 mComparable to many small civil targets.
5 km≈1.5 mTarget fill becomes a major link-budget term.
10 km≈3.0 mSmall targets intercept only part of the pulse.

What determines maximum range

Maximum distance is the result of the complete optical link.

Laser energy alone does not determine performance. The useful echo must survive beam spreading, atmosphere, target reflection, collection loss, background light and the receiver’s detection threshold.

01 / TRANSMITTER

Pulse energy and width

Higher peak power can improve return strength, but energy, pulse width, repetition rate, Class 1 limits, power demand and thermal behaviour must remain balanced.

02 / BEAM

Divergence and pointing

A narrow beam increases energy density on a compact target only when pointing error, vibration and boresight drift remain controlled.

03 / ATMOSPHERE

Visibility and weather

Haze, rain, snow and airborne particles attenuate and scatter the pulse on both the outward and return paths. Lower visibility reduces range margin.

04 / RECEIVER

Receive aperture

Collection area scales with D². A larger aperture gathers more return energy, while increasing package size, mass and host-window requirements.

05 / TARGET

Size, reflectivity and angle

The returned energy changes with illuminated area, wavelength-specific reflectivity, surface texture, moisture and incidence angle.

06 / SYSTEM

Window, alignment and processing

Window transmission, stray reflections, detector noise, background light, timing resolution, gain and gating all affect whether an echo is accepted.

Target size and reflectivity

The specification target is part of the specification.

A quoted kilometre value is meaningful only when target dimensions, reflectivity and atmospheric conditions are known.

Target smaller than the beam footprint

Only part of the pulse reaches the target. A smaller target, lower reflectivity or steeper incidence angle reduces the returned signal and therefore the available range margin.

Target larger than the beam footprint

Most of the pulse can be intercepted, so large structures may be measured farther than the 2.3 × 2.3 m reference target. At very short range, highly reflective surfaces can also create excessive or stray returns.

Host optical window design

The final window becomes part of the rangefinder optical system.

Window material, coating, thickness, spacing and parallelism affect transmission, internal reflections and transmit-to-receive isolation. Validate the assembled host, not only the bare module.

1535 nm integration starting points

Control clear aperture and internal reflections.

Use these values as initial mechanical guidance, then confirm them against the selected module drawing and the production window.

Flat glassKeep the window plane parallel to the module front reference.
≥1.5 mmClear-aperture margin beyond the projected transmit and receive lens outline.
≥2 mmStructural margin between the clear aperture and the outer window edge.
2–4 mmRecommended starting range for window thickness, subject to size and strength.
≤4 mmKeep the air gap to the module front as small as the assembly allows.
≥99%Target transmission for a 1525–1545 nm antireflection coating.
Transparent optical assembly reference used when aligning a laser rangefinder module with the host window and sensor frame

Command timing and host software

Budget startup, acquisition and reporting separately.

Typical F-series timing provides an integration starting point. Confirm the exact timing, baud rate, electrical levels and output frame in the protocol supplied with the selected model.

FIRST COMMAND AFTER POWER-UP≈800 ms + 4 ms

Typical preparation before emission, followed by approximately 4 ms for echo processing and result output.

SUBSEQUENT COMMAND≈250 ms + 4 ms

Typical preparation while the ranging state is active, followed by processing and host reporting.

CONTINUOUS RANGING1–10 Hz

Distance results are reported at the configured measurement frequency. Host timing and buffering should follow the model protocol.

Mechanical and electrical integration

Resolve the interfaces before freezing the enclosure.

These are non-hermetic OEM modules. Use the model-specific drawing and protocol as the design baseline, and design the host enclosure to control dust, condensation and relative humidity at or below 80%.

48 × 21 × 31 mmSmallest module envelope
33 ± 1 gLowest listed module mass
TTL / RS422Host communication options
≤0.2 WStandby consumption
Installation datums

Mount from the defined surfaces.

Confirm the module envelope, mounting-hole depth, optical-axis position, connector location and service access before releasing the host enclosure.

  • Do not transfer mechanical load through the optical assemblies
  • Control cable bend radius and connector access
  • Check structural stiffness around the mounting interface

Testing, quality control and delivery

Measured, aligned, screened and traceable.

Laser output, optical-axis consistency, ranging accuracy, electrical behaviour and environmental performance are verified through defined production and release checks.

Controlled optical module assembly and alignment area
CONTROLLED ASSEMBLY

Optical and electronic build

Dedicated workstations support Er:Glass source integration, transmit/receive alignment, circuit verification and calibrated ranging tests.

Laser rangefinder modules secured in separated protective packaging
PROTECTED SHIPMENT

Optics, interfaces and identity protected

Individual protection keeps modules separated, secures cable tails and protects optical windows and connectors through handling and export transport.

01

Laser output

Wavelength, pulse output, repetition frequency and output stability are checked against the model specification.

02

Optical-axis consistency

Transmit axis, receive field and mechanical reference are aligned and verified.

03

Ranging accuracy

Distance output, valid-reading behaviour and target response are checked under defined test conditions.

04

Electrical and protocol

Supply input, power demand, communication frames, self-test and operating modes are verified.

05

Temperature screening

Specified operation is −40 to +60°C, with the 0300 model specified to +70°C.

06

Shock and vibration

Model data includes a 75 g @ 6 ms shock condition; vibration profiles are agreed for the intended host environment.

07

Final release inspection

Each released module receives final electrical, communication, ranging and visual checks before packing.

Safety and qualification: Class 1 eye-safe classification is stated for the module in its defined model configuration. The completed host product must be assessed in its final optical and operating configuration against applicable IEC 60825-1 requirements. Temperature cycling, vibration profiles and aging duration are defined in the project qualification plan; compliance documents are supplied only when applicable to the quoted configuration.
PACKING PROTECTION

ESD, shock and moisture control

Individual ESD-safe protection, separated shock-absorbing foam and moisture-control materials protect the module during storage and transport.

OPTICS AND INTERFACES

Protected contact surfaces

Optical windows and electrical connectors are protected separately; cable tails are restrained to prevent load transfer during handling.

TRACEABILITY AND EXPORT

Identified shipment

Shipment can include model and serial-number labels, packing list and outgoing inspection record. Reinforced export packaging is available by shipment configuration.

Downloads and OEM / ODM support

Move from sample evaluation to design release.

Model-specific files keep dimensions, interfaces and operating limits tied to the quoted configuration. We also support host enclosure review, protocol integration and application-specific validation planning.

Request engineering files
01

Technical datasheet

Optical, electrical, mechanical and environmental specification.

02

2D drawing

Envelope, mounting features, optical axes and connector location.

03

3D STEP model

Mechanical reference for enclosure and assembly-layout review.

04

Communication protocol

Commands, output frames, status information and operating control.

05

Sample evaluation

Evaluation units, bench-test guidance, host software and integration support can be defined before design-in.

06

Custom engineering

Interface, connector, cable, mounting envelope, protocol and validation-plan review for OEM / ODM projects.

Pre-sales FAQ

Resolve the design inputs before selecting a model.

These questions define the optical, electrical and mechanical configuration required for quotation, sample evaluation and design-in.

What does the 3 km to 15 km model class represent?

The model class follows the specified distance for a 2.3 × 2.3 m target. A larger target can provide a longer specified distance, which is why both target conditions appear in the comparison table.

What information is needed to recommend a model?

Provide the target dimensions and material, expected reflectance where known, minimum and maximum distance, visibility, target or platform motion, available installation volume and mass, supply rail, communication interface, operating temperature and the planned host-window construction. These inputs are more reliable than selecting by maximum range alone.

Which model is suitable for a compact system?

Start with installation volume, weight limit, target and required distance. Models in the 3 km to 8 km classes provide the smallest envelopes, beginning at 48 × 21 × 31 mm and 33 ± 1 g. Receive aperture, minimum range, peak power demand and interface must still be confirmed before selection.

What does the Class 1 eye-safe specification cover?

Class 1 eye-safe classification applies to the module in its defined model configuration. The completed host instrument must be assessed after its final window, enclosure, power control, firmware and operating modes are fixed. Applicable IEC 60825-1 requirements should be reviewed during system release.

Does the quoted range apply to every surface?

No. Range changes with target dimensions, reflectance, incidence angle, atmosphere, background light, optical-window transmission and alignment. The model table uses stated target conditions so alternatives can be compared consistently; representative-target testing is recommended for the final installation.

How does beam divergence affect target selection?

Divergence determines how quickly the illuminated spot grows with distance. At 0.3 mrad, the added spot diameter is approximately 0.3 m at 1 km, 1.5 m at 5 km and 3 m at 10 km. If the target is smaller than the spot, only part of the transmitted energy is returned. Confirm whether a model's value is specified as full angle and include the initial beam diameter in detailed calculations.

What host-window design is recommended?

Use flat, parallel optical glass with an anti-reflection coating for 1525–1545 nm and keep it close to the module. A practical design starting point is 2–4 mm glass thickness, an air gap of no more than 4 mm, at least 1.5 mm clear-aperture margin beyond the projected transmit and receive lenses, and at least 2 mm additional structural margin. Final dimensions must be checked against the selected model, installation angle and enclosure tolerances.

Which supply and communication interfaces are available?

The series supports model-dependent DC 5–28 V input with TTL or RS422 communication. Power design must account for the model's peak current during laser emission, not only standby consumption of ≤0.2 W. Use the model-specific pin definition, voltage levels and grounding requirements before connecting a host controller.

Which measurement functions are supported?

Single-shot and continuous measurement are supported with an adjustable 1–10 Hz rate. The series can report up to three targets and supports range gating plus front or rear return handling. Exact commands, output frames and availability are defined in the selected model's communication protocol.

How quickly does the module respond to a command?

For typical F-series operation, allow approximately 800 ms for the first command after power-up plus about 4 ms processing time, and approximately 250 ms plus 4 ms for subsequent commands. Continuous output can be set from 1 to 10 Hz. Confirm timing, baud rate and host timeout against the protocol supplied with the quoted model.

Is the module sealed?

No. These are non-hermetic OEM modules. The host enclosure must control dust, condensation and relative humidity at or below 80%, while keeping the transmit and receive apertures clear.

Can baud rate, pulse energy or divergence be customised?

Baud-rate options depend on the model and protocol. Pulse energy and divergence are optical safety and calibration parameters and are not assumed to be field-adjustable; any factory change requires an engineering review of range performance, power, thermal behaviour and the defined Class 1 configuration.

Can I request samples, engineering files or OEM customisation?

Model-dependent evaluation units, test guidance, datasheets, 2D drawings, 3D STEP files, connector definitions and communication protocols are available for design review. Connector, cable, mounting envelope, interface and command integration can be evaluated against the project requirements and validation plan.

Which compliance documents can be supplied?

Compliance and test documents are supplied only when they are applicable to, and verified for, the quoted configuration. Share the destination market and required document list during quotation so availability can be confirmed. The completed host product remains subject to its own laser-safety and product-compliance assessment.

Send us the target, range, package and interface requirements.

We will recommend a model, identify the main integration risks and prepare the relevant engineering document package.

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