Lidar is a type of sensor. Both it and millimeter-wave radar are technologies used to detect the distance, velocity, and shape of objects, but there are some significant differences between them:
1.How it works, LiDAR: Calculates the distance to a target by emitting a laser beam and measuring the time difference of the return signal. At the same time, by scanning the reflected laser, a detailed 3D point cloud image can be generated.
Millimeter-wave radar: It uses microwave technology to send electromagnetic waves to the surrounding environment and receive reflected waves after encountering objects, and analyzes the position, speed and other information of the target according to the changes in the received signal.
2.Maximum detection range - LiDAR: Usually around 300 meters, limited by the energy loss and atmospheric attenuation of the laser.
Millimeter-wave radar: wider detection range, up to more than 1 km.
3.Degree of environmental impact.
LiDAR: High accuracy, but sensitive to weather conditions, such as fog, rain and snow may reduce its performance.
Millimeter-wave radar: the recognition ability is average, but the penetration ability is strong, and it is not easy to be affected by the weather environment.
4.Applications - LiDAR: It is often used in applications that require accurate ranging and imaging, such as terrain mapping, obstacle detection for autonomous vehicles, etc.
Millimeter-wave radar: widely used in meteorological observation, aircraft landing assistance, traffic monitoring and other fields.
5.Data acquisition.
LiDAR: It can provide high-resolution 3D spatial data, which is suitable for building detailed environmental models.
Millimeter-wave radar: provides relatively crude data, but is capable of tracking fast-moving targets in real time.
6.Security.
Lidar's lasers are potentially harmful to humans, and while modern systems typically use eye-safe lasers, they still need to be used with caution in certain situations.
Millimeter-wave radar uses electromagnetic waves with lower energy and less impact on the human body.
Each radar type has its advantages and limitations, and which one to choose depends on the specific application and needs.