1

I want to connect multiple lidar distance sensors to my Raspberry Pi. (Like the picture below)

Four lidar sensors

The lidar distance measurement sensor has 5v, TXD, RXD and GND pins. When I looked, it seemed that the TXD and RXD pins of the Raspberry Pi communicate with the sensor one-to-one.

(If multiple connections are connected, the Raspberry Pi turns off.)

If I try to connect 5 sensors to 1 Raspberry Pi, how do I connect TXD and RXD?

1 Answer 1

1

You can not connect multiple serial devices to an interface (although it may be possible with additional circuitry to multiplex devices - only one can work at a time).

You can of course SEND to multiple devices but only receive from one.

5
  • (although it may be possible with additional circuitry to multiplex devices) Okay.... then.. how can I get information about a multi-connected circuit? Apr 19, 2021 at 13:44
  • I only add this disclaimer to discourage pedants. You will need to design software and hardware to communicate with one at a time. This is a EE question not Pi specific and depends on the devices you are interfacing.
    – Milliways
    Apr 19, 2021 at 13:50
  • 5x serial to usb converters and a usb hub?
    – CoderMike
    Apr 19, 2021 at 14:19
  • I would do a search for multiple serial port hat for Raspberry Pi These hats come in up to eight ports (maybe more since I was involved in serial comms). Often they are using the SC16IS752 chip in I2C mode (SPI possible) for two ports and extra I/O pins
    – user130616
    Apr 19, 2021 at 15:33
  • Oh one other point - check voltages - RS/232 and serial are very abused terms and the voltages can range from +12v with -12v, via 5v with 0v to 3.3v with 0v and still be called serial...
    – user130616
    Apr 19, 2021 at 15:36

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.