How 2D LiDAR Sensors Work — Technology, Specifications, and Real-World Applications

A 2D LiDAR sensor measures distance across one scanning plane and combines the measured distance with the corresponding scan angle. The result is a planar representation of surrounding objects that can be used for detection, positioning, navigation, measurement and software-based interaction.

A 2D LiDAR scan consists of measurement points distributed across a single scan plane. Each point can be described using distance and angle, with additional data fields available on applicable models. Unlike a 3D point cloud, the measurements represent one plane rather than a full three-dimensional volume.

Many industrial 2D LiDAR sensors use time-of-flight ranging. The sensor emits laser light, receives the reflected signal and determines target distance from the measured light-travel behaviour. The CCH YB series uses dTOF, or direct Time-of-Flight, ranging technology.

These are different optical distance-measurement principles. Time-of-flight determines distance from light-travel timing, triangulation determines distance from geometric displacement, and phase-based systems derive distance from the phase relationship of a modulated optical signal. Their useful range, accuracy, speed and integration characteristics can differ substantially.

Yes, when the selected LiDAR provides the scan measurements required by the navigation system. Raw scan data can be processed by host software for SLAM, localization, mapping and natural-feature navigation. Navigation performance depends on the complete sensor, mounting, environment and software system, not on the LiDAR hardware alone.

No. YB models are available with different output architectures. Switching-output models are intended for discrete detection and zone-output applications, while raw-data configurations provide scan measurements for host-side software processing. The output architecture should therefore be selected before the exact model.

YB 2D LiDAR models support a maximum scanning field of 270°. The active scan angle can be configured to a smaller range when the application does not require the full field of view.

Selected YB models provide working ranges of up to 40 m at 70% target reflectivity. Other configurations have shorter maximum ranges, so working distance should always be checked against the exact model and the reflectivity of the real target.

LiDAR depends on receiving reflected optical energy from the target. Dark, low-reflectivity or difficult surfaces can return less energy than bright or highly reflective targets, which can affect usable detection range and measurement stability. Published range figures should therefore be interpreted together with their target-reflectivity condition.

Selected YB raw-data models use Ethernet UDP, but the YB raw-data family is not limited to Ethernet-only configurations. Serial-data and dual-output configurations are also available for applicable models. The required communication interface should be confirmed when selecting the model.

Suitability depends on the exact sensor, enclosure rating, environmental limits and the severity of the conditions. Dust, fog, rain, contamination and strong ambient light can influence optical sensing performance. For demanding installations, the real environment and target materials should be evaluated before final deployment.

Cost depends on working range, angular performance, output architecture, communication interface and required configuration. Rather than selecting by price alone, define the application and required output first, then compare models that meet those engineering requirements.

No. Industrial 2D LiDAR is used for sensing, measurement, detection and raw-data applications. A safety laser scanner is designed and certified for safety-related personnel protection and can provide safety functions such as protective-field monitoring and OSSD outputs. Industrial YB LiDAR should not be substituted for a safety-rated scanner where personnel protection is required.

A 2D LiDAR measures one scanning plane and is well suited to applications where the important geometry lies within that plane. A 3D LiDAR measures spatial information across multiple vertical and horizontal directions, providing volumetric perception when height or full three-dimensional structure is required.

No. CCH does not currently present 3D LiDAR as an active international product line. 3D LiDAR is discussed on this website for technology education and comparison, while the current international LiDAR portfolio focuses on industrial 2D LiDAR.

Power consumption is below 2 W across the YB series, including raw-data output configurations.