Ouster introduces DF series solid-state LiDAR sensors

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Ouster DF series solid-state LiDAR sensors. | Credit: Ouster Automotive

Ouster Automotive introduced its digital flash (DF) series of solid-state LiDARs. The DF series is a suite of short, mid, and long-range LiDAR sensors that can create 3D point clouds up to 200 meters away on low reflective objects. Solid-state LiDARs have no moving parts, and Ouster said the DF series is designed for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving applications.

Here is a quick look at the three LiDAR models in the DF series:

DF0: Short-range sensor designed for vehicle cocoon coverage, traffic jam assist, and self-parking applications.

DF1: Mid-range sensor enabling wide-angle coverage for L4 and L5 autonomous vehicle applications and for detecting cut-ins and overhangs for L3+ automation.

DF2: Long-range sensor for forward-facing L2 to L3 automated highway driving and safe collision avoidance.

The DF series LiDARs, however, won’t be available for high-volume programs until sometime in 2025. The sensors are currently being sampled to the company’s OEM and Tier-1 partners.

“The DF series combines the best of Ouster’s previous solid-state roadmap with the core technology of its recently acquired solid-state platform to deliver a multi-sensor product suite that provides even greater performance and affordability,” said Ouster Automotive president, Shauna McIntyre. “The vast majority of automotive OEMs we are in negotiations with are looking for a suite of lidar sensors, and as a one-stop-shop, we believe Ouster is the only company poised to meet those requirements.”

Ouster Automotive was formed in October 2021 when Ouster acquired fellow LiDAR developer Sense Photonics. After the acquisition, Sense Photonics became the Ouster Automotive division. LiDAR sensors are key to safe and effective operation of autonomous vehicles. The primary concern with LiDAR sensors is that until the advent of solid-state sensors, LiDAR was too expensive for everyday consumer applications.

Ouster increased its revenue to $7.4 million in the second quarter of 2021. This marked a 72% increase year over year and was up 11% from first quarter of 2021. It shipped more than 1,460 sensors in the second quarter, which is a 342% increase year over year and a 49% increase over Q1.

The DF series LiDARs produce 3D point cloud on low reflectivity targets up to 200 meters away.