Precise distance measurement is essential in today’s industrial automation systems, especially in applications like Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), warehouse automation, and outdoor measurement platforms. In this post, we share how we successfully integrated a UART-based laser distance sensor with an STM32 microcontroller to achieve reliable, long-range, and millimeter-accurate measurement in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Project Background
In one of our recent projects, we were tasked with developing a compact and accurate distance sensing solution for a smart AGV fleet. The system needed to be:
Robust enough to operate in dusty warehouses or semi-outdoor areas
Capable of long-range detection—up to 1000 meters
Communicative via UART or RS485 to an STM32-based controller
Precise within ±1mm, using pulse-based laser time-of-flight measurement
Sensor + STM32 Integration: A Practical Guide
We chose a UART laser distance sensor module—see full specs here—designed for industrial use. Below are the key parameters and integration highlights:
Key Parameters:
Interface: UART (TTL or RS485)
Baud Rate: 115200 bps
Input Voltage: 9–30V wide input
Measurement Range: Up to 1000m
Accuracy: ±1mm
IP Rating: IP67 (dust- and splash-resistant)
Trigger Mode: Periodic polling
STM32 Implementation:
We connected the sensor’s TX/RX to STM32 UART pins and used DMA with interrupt handling for efficient data parsing in STM32CubeIDE. The sensor outputs either ASCII or hexadecimal formatted data frames, making it easy to process for applications like real-time control, safety zoning, or visual feedback.
Use Cases and Real-World Results
The integrated system is now deployed across several industrial automation applications:
AGVs for indoor navigation and obstacle detection
Warehouse stackers with distance-based safety zoning
Outdoor wind tunnel installations for remote position tracking
In field tests, the sensor maintained high reliability even under low lighting, light fog, and electromagnetic noise. We are currently working on integrating CAN Bus and Modbus-RTU interfaces for broader system compatibility.
Interested in Testing?
If you're working on an STM32 project and need a reliable, industrial-grade distance sensor, we’re happy to share:
You can learn more or get in touch via our website:
https://meskernel.net
Let’s Connect
We’d love to hear from other developers, engineers, and automation experts working on distance sensing challenges.
How are you using UART or RS485 sensors in your STM32-based systems? Feel free to share insights, or drop us a message if you'd like to collaborate.
