Holybro H-Flow (Optical Flow and Distance Sensor Module)

Empower your drone with precision navigation using the Holybro H-Flow – a compact, all-in-one optical flow and distance sensor module built for professional UAV developers and demanding industrial applications. This advanced module integrates a PixArt PAA3905E1 optical flow sensor, a Broadcom AFBR-S50LV85D LiDAR rangefinder, and an InvenSense ICM-42688-P 6-axis IMU into a single lightweight unit. The result is high-accuracy motion tracking and altitude measurement for stable flight control, even where GPS might be unavailable. An onboard infrared LED further enhances performance by illuminating surfaces in low-light conditions, ensuring reliable optical flow data during indoor or night operations. If you’re building autonomous drones for inspection, mapping, or any other mission-critical tasks, the H-Flow delivers the robust sensor data and easy integration you need for success.

Key Features & Benefits

• Integrated Optical Flow, Rangefinder & IMU: Combines three sensors in one compact module, reducing weight and wiring while simplifying installation, giving you more space and payload capacity for other critical components.
• PixArt Optical Flow Sensor – Precise Motion Tracking: Offers high-precision optical flow data for accurate horizontal motion tracking, functioning in very low light thanks to the onboard IR LED. Your drone can maintain stable positioning and smooth navigation in dimly lit warehouses or at dusk.
• Broadcom ToF Rangefinder – Reliable Distance Measurement: Delivers accurate range readings from as close as 80 mm up to 30 meters, enabling low-altitude hovering or high-ceiling indoor flights. Engineered to work under direct sunlight and on all types of surfaces, it ensures consistent performance indoors and outdoors.
• Infrared LED for Low-Light Performance: Actively illuminates the ground for the optical flow camera, significantly improving feature tracking in darkness. This means your drone can navigate in GPS-denied, low-light environments without losing positional accuracy.
• DroneCAN Protocol – High-Speed, Robust Communication: Leverages the DroneCAN protocol over its CAN bus interface, delivering reliable, high-bandwidth data transmission between the sensor and flight controller. Ideal for industrial UAV fleets and complex onboard networks.
• Pixhawk-Standard CAN Connector – Plug & Play Integration: Features a Pixhawk-standard 4-pin JST-GH CAN connector for effortless installation with a Pixhawk or any DroneCAN-compatible autopilot. Software-controlled CAN termination is included, and firmware updates can be performed easily through DroneCAN tools.

Built for Professional & Industrial UAV Applications

Engineered with professional drone developers in mind, the Holybro H-Flow brings industrial-grade sensor performance to your UAV projects. Its lightweight design adds minimal payload, making it ideal for agile drones and long-endurance flights. Whether navigating indoors, operating in tight urban spaces, or under dense foliage, the H-Flow module empowers your flight controller to hold position with centimeter-level stability and follow terrain or maintain altitude with confidence. From precision agriculture to mapping, security, and industrial inspection, the H-Flow module enhances navigation accuracy and safety, letting your drone fly smarter and more securely.

With the Holybro H-Flow optical flow and distance sensor module on board, you get a plug-and-play navigation solution that blends technical precision with proven reliability – exactly what professional UAV applications demand. Elevate your drone’s capabilities and experience more stable, intelligent, and autonomous flights on every mission.

Feature

• Integrated Optical Flow and Rangefinder Module
• PixArt Optical Flow Sensor for Accurate Motion Tracking
• Broadcom ToF Sensor for Precise Distance Measurement
• Infrared LED for Optical Low-Light Performance
• DroneCAN Protocol

Specification

• PixArt PAA3905E1 Optical Flow Sensor
  • Tracks under low light conditions of >5 lux
  • Effective Viewing angle up to 42°
  • Wide working ranges from 80mm up to 30m
  • Up to 7.4 rad/s
  • 40mW IR LED built onto the board for improved low-light operation
• Broadcom AFBR-S50LV85D Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor
  • Integrated 850 nm laser light source
  • Field-of-View (FoV) of 12.4° x 6.2° with 32 pixels
  • Typical distance sensing range up to 30m
  • Operation of up to 200k Lux ambient light
  • Works well on all surface conditions
  • Transmitter beam of 2° x 2° to illuminate between 1 and 3 pixels
• InvenSense ICM-42688-P 6-Axis IMU
• STM32F412CEU6 MCU
• Pixhawk Standard CAN Connector (4 Pin JST GH)
• Compact Form Factor
• Software-Controlled CAN Termination
• Weight: 15.2g (3.5g without casing)

Reference Links

Package Includes:

• 1x H-Flow
• 4-pin GH cable
• 2x M2.5 Screws
• 2x M2.5 Nylon Locking Hex Nuts