LiDAR Channels: Differences Between Single-Line and Multi-Line LiDAR

In recent years, LiDAR technology has advanced rapidly and is now widely used in robotics, autonomous driving, AGVs, and other fields. Based on the number of channels (or “lines”), LiDAR can be classified into single-line and multi-line types. So, what are the differences between them? Let’s take a closer look.

Multi-Line LiDAR

Multi-line LiDAR consists of multiple transmitters and receivers. By rotating the motor, it generates multiple scan lines. The more lines, the richer the contour information of an object’s surface. However, this also means larger data volume and higher hardware requirements.

Multi-line LiDAR is typically designed in powers of two: 4-line, 8-line, 16-line, 32-line, 64-line, and 128-line.

Each configuration captures different amounts of environmental information and is suited to different application scenarios.

Its main application today is in autonomous driving, where LiDAR scans the surrounding environment, and algorithms compare successive frames to detect vehicles and pedestrians.

Technical Routes for Multi-Line LiDAR

Multi-line LiDAR technologies include MEMS, flash array, and OPA (optical phased array), each with different trade-offs in reliability, manufacturability, cost, and maturity:

OPA: Strongest theoretical performance, but power limits reduce range.

MEMS: Potential for mass production, but consistency and lifetime remain concerns.

Flash: Most mature, with a complete supply chain, but limited by output energy, restricting long-range detection.

Because multi-line LiDAR is relatively new, many companies are still in R&D stages. Industry leaders include Velodyne, Quanergy, and IBEO overseas, as well as Hesai and Robosense in China. Huawei has also entered the LiDAR sector. Currently, Velodyne remains the benchmark for multi-line LiDAR, though its products are expensive—cost remains the central challenge in enabling large-scale adoption in autonomous driving.

Single-Line LiDAR

Single-line LiDAR appeared earlier, with more mature technology. It is an essential sensor in service robots, offering superior directionality and focus compared with image-based or ultrasonic ranging, making it one of the most reliable and stable localization technologies available today.

Single-line LiDAR is faster in angular frequency response and sensitivity, with high scan speed, resolution, and reliability.

It provides precise distance measurement and accuracy for obstacle detection, mapping, and navigation.

Manufacturers such as SICK, Hokuyo, and SLAMTEC all supply single-line LiDAR. Overall, there is little technical gap between domestic and international solutions in this category. As a leading provider in robotic localization and navigation, SLAMTEC dominates much of the Chinese market.

SLAMTEC designs its LiDAR sensors using image-based triangulation methods: when a laser beam hits an object and reflects back, the reflection forms an imaging point on the sensor. The pixel position varies with distance, enabling accurate ranging. This design avoids reliance on imported specialized laser emitters, effectively reducing costs.

Summary

Multi-Line LiDAR: Complex, data-rich, and best suited for autonomous driving applications. High performance, but expensive and hardware-intensive.

Single-Line LiDAR: Simpler, lower cost, and better suited for service robots. Offers fast response and high accuracy for mapping and navigation tasks.

Keywords: Lidar,Technology Explained

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