LS Lidar CH128 Series 128 Channel 200m 3D LiDAR

128 Channel Hybrid Solid State LiDAR for 3D Perception

The LS Lidar CH128 Series is a compact 128-channel hybrid solid-state LiDAR developed for autonomous vehicles, robotics, industrial machines and other systems that need reliable real-time 3D environmental data. Available as the CH128X1 and CH128S1, the series combines long-range detection with a wide forward field of view and dense point-cloud output.

Unlike a simple distance sensor, the CH128 Series measures thousands of points across multiple vertical layers. This allows perception software to understand the position and shape of vehicles, pedestrians, machinery, structures and terrain rather than receiving only a single distance value.

200 Metre Maximum Detection Range

The CH128 Series provides a maximum detection distance of up to 200 metres and is specified for 160 metres at 10% target reflectivity. The 10% reflectivity figure is particularly useful for real-world applications because dark vehicles, tyres, road surfaces and industrial materials return less laser energy than bright targets.

For autonomous vehicles and mobile machines, longer detection range gives the perception system more distance in which to identify an object and respond to changing conditions. Actual range will still depend on target reflectivity, atmospheric conditions, installation and the surrounding environment.

128 Measurement Channels

The CH128 Series uses 128 LiDAR channels to capture measurements at multiple vertical angles. These layers create a detailed 3D representation of the environment and allow software to distinguish objects at different heights.

This makes the sensor useful for applications such as obstacle detection, free-space analysis, autonomous navigation, machine perception and environmental mapping. Compared with single-channel LiDAR, the 128-layer architecture provides much more information about the height and three-dimensional shape of surrounding objects.

Wide 120 Degree Forward Field of View

The sensor provides a 120° horizontal field of view combined with 25° vertical coverage. This broad forward view makes the CH128 Series particularly suitable for front-mounted perception on vehicles, robots and heavy machinery.

The two model variants use different vertical viewing orientations. The CH128S1 has a centred vertical field of view from approximately -12.5° to +12.5°, while the CH128X1 uses an offset field from approximately -18° to +7°. This allows the installation to be matched more closely to the required road, ground or obstacle coverage.

760000 Points Per Second

The CH128 Series generates up to 760,000 measurement points per second. This dense point-cloud output provides detailed information about surrounding objects while the vehicle or machine is moving.

For engineers developing autonomous or semi-autonomous systems, more point data can improve object contour definition and environmental awareness. It is useful for workflows involving obstacle detection, localisation, navigation and sensor fusion with cameras, radar, GNSS or an IMU.

±3 cm Range Accuracy

The CH128 Series has a specified ±3 cm range accuracy. This provides consistent distance measurements for locating objects and surfaces within the LiDAR point cloud.

In a complete perception or mapping system, final accuracy also depends on factors such as sensor mounting, calibration, vehicle motion and any GNSS or IMU information used to position the LiDAR data. The LiDAR measurement accuracy should therefore be considered as one part of the total system accuracy.

Adjustable Scan Rate

The CH128 Series supports scan rates of 5 Hz, 10 Hz and 20 Hz. This lets integrators balance update frequency and processing requirements according to the application.

At higher frame rates, the control system receives more frequent information about moving objects and changing surroundings. Lower frame rates may be suitable for slower platforms or applications where reduced processing load is more important.

High Precision Region of Interest

The CH128 Series supports a higher-density Region of Interest measurement area. Vertical angular resolution is specified at approximately 0.125° within the ROI and 0.25° outside the ROI.

This allows more measurement detail to be concentrated in the area that matters most to the application, such as the road ahead or the working zone in front of a machine, without increasing the point density equally across the entire field of view.

Hybrid Solid State Design

The CH128 Series uses a hybrid solid-state architecture in which the prism is the primary internal moving scanning component. Compared with traditional mechanically rotating LiDAR systems, this design allows the sensor to remain compact while still producing a wide field of view and dense multi-channel point cloud.

The housing measures approximately 118 × 90 × 75 mm and weighs around 1 kg. Its compact dimensions make it easier to integrate into vehicle bodywork, robots, industrial machines and suitable UAV platforms.

905 nm Time of Flight Measurement

The CH128 Series uses a 905 nm Class 1 laser with Time of Flight measurement technology. Laser pulses are emitted toward surrounding objects and the sensor measures how long each reflection takes to return.

This measurement method allows the LiDAR to produce accurate distance data independently of normal visible-light conditions. As with other optical sensors, performance can still be affected by heavy rain, fog, dust or contamination on the optical window.

Ethernet Integration

The CH128 Series is designed for integration with automotive and industrial computing platforms using high-speed Ethernet communication. This enables the dense point-cloud stream to be transferred to perception computers, vehicle controllers or other processing hardware.

The sensor can also form part of a multi-sensor system using GNSS, IMU, cameras or radar. Combining these data sources can support localisation, mapping, autonomous navigation and object recognition workflows.

Designed for Vehicle and Industrial Environments

The CH128 Series has an IP6K9K protection rating and is specified for operation from -40°C to +85°C. LS Lidar also specifies vibration testing from 5 Hz to 2000 Hz at 3G rms and mechanical shock testing for vehicle and machine applications.

These environmental specifications make the sensor appropriate for installations on autonomous vehicles, industrial machinery and other moving platforms where temperature changes, vibration, dust and water exposure must be considered.

CH128X1 and CH128S1

Both CH128 variants share the same fundamental 128-channel architecture, 200 m maximum detection range, 160 m range at 10% reflectivity, ±3 cm accuracy and 760,000 points per second. The main practical difference is the orientation of the vertical field of view.

The CH128X1 directs more of its vertical view downward, which can be useful when the sensor needs greater road or ground coverage from a higher mounting position. The CH128S1 uses a centred vertical field of view and can be suitable where balanced coverage above and below the sensor centreline is preferred.

Typical Applications

• Autonomous vehicles and ADAS development
• Robotaxis shuttles and delivery vehicles
• Industrial and logistics robots
• Heavy machinery obstacle detection
• Industrial drone perception
• Autonomous trucking and mining equipment
• 3D SLAM and environmental mapping

Using the CH128 Series with GNSS and IMU Systems

For mapping and autonomous navigation, the CH128 Series can be combined with GNSS and IMU sensors to add position and orientation information to the LiDAR point cloud. GNSS provides geographic position while the IMU records the movement and attitude of the platform.

This type of sensor fusion is useful on mobile mapping vehicles, industrial drones, autonomous machines and other moving systems where LiDAR measurements need to be related to a real-world coordinate system or a continuously changing vehicle pose.

Buying the LS Lidar CH128 Series from Global GPS Systems

Global GPS Systems supplies professional LiDAR, GNSS and positioning equipment for autonomous systems, robotics, construction, surveying and industrial applications. Our team can help determine whether the CH128X1 or CH128S1 is better suited to the required mounting position, field of view and perception workflow.

When the LiDAR is being integrated with GNSS, an IMU, cameras or an onboard computer, it is important to consider the complete system rather than only the maximum LiDAR specifications. Global GPS Systems can assist with selecting compatible positioning and perception equipment for the intended project.