Overview
Slamtec RPLIDAR SLAM series LiDAR sensors (C1, A1, A1 High-speed version, A2, S2, S2L, S3) are designed for robot mapping and navigation with 360° scanning and distance measurement. They can be used with a personal computer and embedded platforms such as Jetson NANO and Raspberry Pi via a USB data cable, and support ROS1/ROS2 learning and development.
Key Features
- 360° scanning (Scanning range: 360°)
- ROS support: ROS1/ROS2
- Output interface: UART serial port (3.3V level)
-
Ranging technology options
- Triangulation ranging models: A1 / A1 High-speed version, A2
- TOF (Time of Flight) ranging models: C1, S2/S2L, S3
- A1 High-speed version options: stepless scanning-frequency control by knob, LiDAR power switch control, built-in USB serial port chip; Type-C data cable can connect directly (no adapter board required)
- A1 standard connection note: a serial port adapter is required to connect via a micro USB data cable
Specifications
Common
| Power supply voltage | 5V |
| Scanning range | 360° |
| ROS support | ROS1/ROS2 |
| Output | UART serial port (3.3V level) |
Model Comparison (RPLIDAR)
| Model | Ranging principle | Measurement radius (@reflectivity) | Minimum distance / blind zone | Sampling frequency | Scanning frequency | Angular resolution | Communication rate | Dimensions (mm) | Working current | Rated power | Protection rating | Working temperature | Ranging accuracy | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (A1M8) | Triangulation ranging | 12m @90% | 0.15m | 8K (8000 times/s) | 1Hz-10Hz (adjustable) | <=1° | 115.2 kbps | 96.8*70.3*55 | 300mA | 1.5W | - | 0°C-40°C | <0.5mm (<=1.5m); <=1% (1.5-12m) | 172g |
| A1 High-speed version | Triangulation ranging | - | - | - | 7Hz-16Hz (stepless adjustment) | - | - | 96.8*70.3*55 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| A2 (A2M12) | Triangulation ranging | 12m @70% | 0.2m | 16K | 5Hz-15Hz | 0.225° | 256 kbps | φ76*41 | 450mA | 2.25W | - | -10°C-40°C | / | - |
| C1 (C1M1) | TOF ranging | 12m @70% | 0.05m | 5K (5000 times/s) | 8Hz-12Hz (adjustable) | 0.72° | 460.8 kbps | 55.6*55.6*41.3 | 230mA | 1.15W | IP54 | -10°C-40°C | <=30mm (<=12m) | 110g |
| S2 | TOF ranging | 30m @90% | - | 32K | 10Hz | 0.1125° | 1000kbps | 77*77*38.85 | 500mA | 2.5W | IP65 | -10°C-50°C | <=30mm (<=30m) | - |
| S2L | TOF ranging | 18m @90% | 0.05m | 32K (32000 times/s) | 10Hz | 0.1125° | 1000 kbps | 77*77*38.9 | 500mA | 2.5W | IP65 | -10°C-50°C | <=30mm (<=18m) | 190g |
| S3 | TOF ranging | 40m @70% | - | 32K | 10Hz - 20Hz | 0.1125° | - | 55.6*55.6*41.3 | - | - | IP65 | 0°C-50°C | <=25mm (<=8m); <=50mm (8-40m) | - |
Applications
- Robot mapping and navigation (ROS1/ROS2)
- Educational robots and open-source hardware projects
- Smart robotic vacuum cleaners and home robots (indoor)
- Indoor/outdoor ranging applications (model-dependent)
- 3D modeling of commercial or consumer robots (A2M12)
Tutorials
Tutorial materials, code resources, and ROS robot learning materials are provided for this LiDAR series. For model selection help or after-sales technical support, contact https://rcdrone.top/ or email support@rcdrone.top.
Details

Browse the SLAM LiDAR series and choose a model that matches your range, speed, and environment requirements.

Additional LiDAR options are available if you need a different sensing profile than the RPLIDAR SLAM series.

For compact builds, compare footprint and interface needs alongside the RPLIDAR models.

RPLIDAR C1 uses TOF ranging for stable distance measurement with a compact housing option.

RPLIDAR A1 is a triangulation-based choice for ROS learning, mapping, and navigation projects.

If your platform requires different update rates or protection levels, review alternative sensor cards before checkout.

S2/S2L models are TOF-based options designed for higher performance mapping and navigation.

Handheld mapping is supported with compatible setups for SLAM C1 and ROS2 development workflows.

The SLAM series includes C1, A1/A1 high-speed, A2, S2/S2L, and S3 to cover different ranging principles and application needs.

Select the model that fits your project—triangulation (A1/A2) or TOF (C1, S2/S2L, S3)—then integrate via UART and ROS.

A side-by-side parameter table helps compare scan rate, range, interface speed, and typical use cases across the series.

Match the sensor to your operating environment—indoor, outdoor, and strong-light scenarios vary by model.

The A1 high-speed version adds stepless scan-frequency adjustment and a simpler Type‑C connection path for development.

Triangulation and TOF ranging behave differently across surface types and distances; choose the principle that suits your use case.

TOF-based models (C1, S2/S2L, S3) are designed for consistent ranging performance at longer distances.

Use the SLAM series with common development platforms including Raspberry Pi, Jetson, and PC-based robotics stacks.

ROS1 and ROS2 support makes it straightforward to start mapping and navigation development with available SDK resources.

Typical ROS workflows include RViz mapping visualization, navigation, obstacle avoidance, and tracking-style applications.

A tutorial link and detailed SLAM LiDAR course outline are provided to support ROS1/ROS2 mapping and navigation setup.

Open-source course files are organized into SLAM LiDAR, Linux basics, and ROS1/ROS2 lidar modules for mapping and navigation projects.

ROS1 and ROS2 learning modules cover LiDAR mapping, navigation, SLAM, and related video tutorials for setup and development workflows.

Included ROS2 LiDAR and Raspberry Pi 5 Docker course materials are organized into step-by-step lesson modules for setup, mapping, and navigation.

A universal ROS mapping and navigation app supports map creation, navigation, and image viewing on iOS and Android.

Official RPLIDAR documentation and data sheets provide setup instructions, protocol details, and application guidance for SLAM mapping and navigation.

Core performance metrics compare sampling frequency, measuring radius, and scan rate across RPLIDAR A1/A2/S2/S3/C1 models.

Slamtec RPLIDAR SLAM series units use a brushless motor with a non-contact transmission design to help reduce operating noise.

Slamtec RPLIDAR provides 360° all-round laser scanning to help build contour maps of the surrounding environment for navigation.

Plug-and-play USB connection lets RPLIDAR run directly without coding and supports serial/USB interfaces, open-source SDK tools, and ROS integration.

Slamtec RPLIDAR SLAM series uses a low-power infrared laser designed to comply with Class 1 laser safety standards for use around people and pets.
