Alpha Prime

Alpha Prime, also designated VLS-128, is the 128-channel long-range rotating LiDAR now supplied by Ouster following its merger with Velodyne. It reaches 300 m and produces up to 4.6 million points per second.

Facts

  • Company: Ouster
  • Type: Long Range 3d LIDAR
  • Positioning: 128-channel rotating sensor
  • Function: Generate 360° point clouds
  • Audience: Autonomy system integrators
  • Status: Commercial
  • Website: https://ouster.com/downloads/velodyne-downloads

About

About Alpha Prime

Alpha Prime is a 128-channel rotating LiDAR developed by Velodyne and now supported within Ouster’s inherited sensor portfolio. The VLS-128 measures up to 300 metres, detects a 5-percent reflective target at 180 metres and covers 360 degrees horizontally by 40 degrees vertically. Dual-return mode generates up to 4.6 million points per second.

The 3.5-kilogram sensor uses a 905-nanometre Class 1 laser system and carries an IP67 enclosure rating. Ethernet output streams calibrated range, reflectivity, timestamps and diagnostics for vehicle perception stacks. Ouster completed its merger with Velodyne in 2023 and has continued Alpha Prime support and supply under the combined company, so the canonical company binding is Ouster while the historical Velodyne brand remains part of the product identity.

Specifications

  • Channels: 128 channels
  • Max Range M: 300 m
  • Detection Range M: 180 m on 5% reflective target
  • Field Of View: 360° horizontal × 40° vertical (−25° to +15°)
  • Point Rate Points S: Up to 2.3M single-return or 4.6M dual-return points/s
  • Frame Rate: 5–20 Hz
  • Range Accuracy: ±3 cm typical
  • Laser Wavelength: Approximately 905 nm

Market context

Autonomy system integrators

  • Peer Group: Lidar Sensor, LiDAR System, Lidar Systems
  • Workflow: Robot perception
  • Stack Layer: Sensing stack

View market context