Livox HubUser Manual v1.2
2019.10

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Using this Manual
LegendWarning

Important

Hints and Tips

Explanation

Downloading Documents
Visit the link below to download the latest Livox Hub User Manual and other documents related to
Livox Hub.
https://www.livoxtech.com/hub

Downloading Livox Viewer
Visit the link below to download Livox Viewer.
https://www.livoxtech.com/hub

2© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

Contents
Using this Manual

2

Legend2

Downloading Documents

2

Downloading Livox Viewer

2

Product Profile

4

Introduction

4

Overview

4

Connectors

5

Livox LiDAR Port

5

Power Port and Power Cable

6

GPS Sync Port and GPS Sync Cable

6

Gigabit Ethernet Port

8

Mounting Livox Hub

8Dimensions (With Port Covers)

8

Dimensions (Without Port Covers)

8

Getting Started

9

External Power Supply

9

Connection

9

Usage

11

Output Data

11

Working States & Working Modes

11

Integration of Point Cloud Data

12

Livox Viewer

12Software Development Kit (SDK)

14

After-sales Information

14

Appendix

14

Status LED Description

14

Specifications

15© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

3

Product Profile
Introduction
Livox Hub is a streamlined way to integrate and manage Livox LiDAR sensors and their data outputs.
One Livox Hub can connect to up to nine Livox LiDAR sensor units.
LiDAR Management: Livox Hub communicates with each connected LiDAR sensor and reads eachsensor’s connection status, firmware version, and working states. When Livox Hub is connected, users
can monitor all connected LiDAR sensors together through Livox Hub. If there are any abnormalities
with Livox Hub or the Livox LiDAR sensors connected, Livox Hub sends a warning prompt. Users canthen check the error codes using Livox Viewer or the Livox SDK.
Each Livox LiDAR port has independent power control and short circuit protection. Users can turn the
power supply on or off to a specific LiDAR port using Livox Viewer or the Livox SDK.
Livox Hub can unify the point cloud data into the user’s coordinate system and integrate all LiDAR point
cloud data into a single output. The point cloud data of Livox Hub can be displayed in Cartesian or
Spherical coordinates, and can be changed using Livox Viewer.
Time Synchronization: Time synchronization is supported by IEEE 1588-2008 (PTPv2) and GPS,delivering sub-microsecond-level time synchronization of point cloud data.
Livox SDK: The Livox LiDAR Software Development Kit (SDK) is provided to help develop customizable
applications using the point cloud data.
• The precision of IEEE 1588-2008 (PTPv2) was tested in a lab environment.
• Refer to the SDK Communication Protocol to check the format of the point cloud timestamps.
• When nine Livox Mid-100 sensor units are connected to a Livox Hub, the maximum data
bandwidth is approximately 300Mbps.
• Operating Livox Hub in a residential environment could cause radio interference.

Overview

1
2

4
3

6

7

8

9

5

1. Livox Hub
The main section of Livox Hub, which can beused with or without the port covers.

3. Status LEDs
Displays the working states of Livox Hub.
Refer to Appendix 7.1 for more information.

2. Port Cover × 4
Protect the ports from damage. To view theports on Livox Hub, unscrew and remove theport covers.

4. Dissipation Area
Dissipates heat. DO NOT cover this area when
Livox Hub is in use. It is recommended tokeep a space of 30 mm between this area andother objects.

4© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

Livox Hub User Manual
5. Livox LiDAR Port × 7
A JAE MX34012NF1 type connector port
used to connect to Livox LiDAR sensor units.
Only compatible with JAE MX34012SF1 typeconnectors.

8. GPS Sync PortA JAE MX34005NF1 type port used to connect
the designated GPS sync cable when GPS
synchronization is required. Only compatible
with JAE MX34005SF1 type connectors.

6. Livox LiDAR Port × 2
A JAE MX34012NF1 type connector port
used to connect to Livox LiDAR sensor units.
Only compatible with JAE MX34012SF1 typeconnectors.

9. Power PortA MOLEX 76825-0004 type port that connects
to an external power source. Only compatible
with MOLEX 171692-0104 type connectors.

7. Gigabit Ethernet PortA RJ45 type Ethernet port used to connect toEthernet cables.
* To view the ports on Livox Hub, unscrew and remove the port covers.

Connectors
Livox LiDAR Port
There are nine Livox LiDAR ports available on Livox Hub, and those nine Livox LiDAR ports have thesame functionality. Below is more information on the Livox LiDAR ports.

6

5 4

3

12 11 10 9

Pin

2

1
8

7

Figure 2.1.1 Livox Hub LiDAR port

SignalType

Description

Power+Power

DC Output 12.8 V
5 A Over Current Protect

GroundPower

Ground3

Ethernet_TX+

Output100BASE-TX, TX+

4

Ethernet_TX-

Output100BASE-TX, TX-

5

PortDetInput

Port Detection Signal

6

Sync+

Input

RS485_A, Pulse Per Second

1
7
2
8
11

9

Ethernet_RX+

Input

100BASE-RX, RX+

10

Ethernet_RX-

Input

100BASE-RX, RX-

12

Sync-

Input

RS485_B, Pulse Per Second

Table 2.1.1 Livox Hub LiDAR port description© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

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Livox Hub User Manual

Power Port and Power Cable
The Livox Hub power port and the ends of the power cable included with Livox Hub have the samefunctionality.

4

3

2

1

Figure 2.2.1 Livox Hub power port

Power Cable
Connect “A” to the power port of Livox Hub and connect “B” to an external DC power supply.
500±25
3

4

1

2

B 1
2
3
4

A

Figure 2.2.2 Power cable

Pin

SignalType

Description

Color

1

Power+

Power

DC 10-23 V

Red

2Power+

Power

DC 10-23 VRed

3GroundPower

GroundBlack

4GroundPower

GroundBlack

Table 2.2.1 Livox Hub power port and power cable description

GPS Sync Port and GPS Sync Cable
The Livox Hub GPS sync port and the ends of the GPS sync cable included with Livox Hub have thesame functionality.

6© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

Livox Hub User Manual

5 4 3 2 1

Figure 2.3.1 Livox Hub GPS sync port

GPS Sync Cable
Connect “A” to the GPS sync port of Livox Hub and connect “B” to the GPS sync signal. Refer to the
Data Synchronization section for more information.

500±25

A

B 1
2
3
4
5

1 2 3 4 5

Figure 2.3.2 GPS sync cable

Pin

SignalType

Description

Color

1

PPS_N

Input

RS485_B, Pulse Per Second

White

2

PPS_P

Input

RS485_A, Pulse Per Second

Blue

3

GroundPower

GroundBlack

4

STAMP_N

Input

RS485_B, GPS Data

Yellow

5

STAMP_P

Input

RS485_A, GPS Data

Grey

Table 2.3.1 Livox Hub GPS sync port and sync cable description

GPS Sync Signal Description:
t0
t1
1
PPS
0
1
$GPRMCt3

t0: 1000 ms
t1: 20 ms ≤ t1 ≤ 200 ms
t2: ~70 ms @ 9600 bps
t3: 0 ms ≤ t3 ≤ 430 ms

0t2

Figure 2.2.2 GPS sync signal description

Refer to the Software Development Kit (SDK) section for more information about the GPS sync signal.
© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

7

Gigabit Ethernet Port
The Gigabit Ethernet port is a RJ45 type Ethernet port, which supports 1000base-t and 100BASE-TX
and uses two twisted pairs to send and receive data. On the front of Livox Hub, there are three statusLEDs. LED 3 indicates the type of data transmission.
Blue: 100 Megabit Ethernet is used for transmission
Green: Gigabit Ethernet is used for transmission
It is recommended to use Gigabit Ethernet for data transmission and to use Cat5e or above Ethernet
cables.
Refer to the Appendix section for more information on the status LEDs.

Mounting Livox Hub

Livox Hub is outfitted with four M3 mounting holes with a depth of 6 mm on the bottom, and it can bemounted using M3 screws. Livox Hub is already mounted with the port covers. The port covers canbe removed if there are spacial constraints when mounting or positioning Livox Hub. However, it isrecommended to keep the port covers mounted to Livox Hub. Only remove the port covers if absolutely
necessary. To remove the port covers, unscrew the screws.

Dimensions (With Port Covers)
4-M3 6

29

201

194.8

72

280

Unit: mmFigure 3.1.1 Livox Hub dimensions with port covers

WeightApprox. 1352 g (for reference only)

Dimensions

280 × 201 × 29 mm

Dimensions (Without Port Covers)

72

153.2

29

194.8

201

4-M3 6

Figure 3.1.2 Livox Hub dimensions without port covers

8© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

Unit: mm

Weight

Approx. 865 g (for reference only)

Dimensions

201 × 153.2 × 29 mm

Getting Started
External Power Supply
The working voltage of Livox Hub is 10 V to 23 V. Regardless of how many Livox LiDAR sensors areconnected to Livox Hub, the working voltage range of Livox Hub remains the same. Contact Livox if you
intend to use an external power source exceeding 23 V.

Connection
Livox Hub uses an Ethernet cable for data transmission and supports user datagram protocol (UDP).
Both static and dynamic IP address configurations are supported and the addresses are assigned bydefault to Livox Hub using dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP).
The static and dynamic IP addresses are connected in different ways. The dynamic IP address isconnected by default using a router with DHCP. To connect to the static IP address, make sure Livox
Hub is in static IP mode by using Livox Viewer or the Livox SDK.
If Livox LiDAR sensors are connected to Livox Hub after the IP address is set, make sure to disconnect
the power source and connect again with the LiDAR sensors connected. Otherwise, the external
power source cannot provide power to the LiDAR sensors connected.
• DO NOT connect or disconnect the Livox LiDAR sensors to or from Livox Hub while powering on. It
is required to reconnect Livox Hub to the external power source after the Livox LiDAR sensors areconnected or disconnected.

Dynamic IP Address

Ethernet CablePC

Ethernet Cable

External Power Source

Livox Mid-40

Gigabit Router (DHCP)

Figure 4.2.1 Connecting using dynamic IP address

1. Connect the Livox LiDAR sensors to Livox Hub (a Livox Hub can connect to up to nine Livox LiDAR
sensor units).
2. Connect the computer and Livox Hub to the router using Ethernet cables. Make sure both thecomputer and Livox Hub are connected to the LAN port on the router.
3. Connect Livox Hub to an external power source.
4. Connect one end of the GPS sync cable to the sync port and the other end to the designated sync
signal. Note that the GPS sync cable may not always be required.
© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

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Livox Hub User Manual

The working voltage of Livox Hub is 10 V to 23 V. Contact Livox if you intend to use an external powersource exceeding 23 V.
• Make sure to use Gat5e or above Gigabit Ethernet cables and a Gigabit router.

Static IP address
1. Connect Livox LiDAR sensors, router, external power source, and computer by following Figure 4.2.1.
2. Run Livox Viewer, and Clickto open Device Manager. Select Livox Hub, and click
to open
Properties. Set the IP address of Livox Hub to static IP address. Note that the static IP address ofLivox Hub should be 192.168.1.X. X can be set to any number between 2 to 233.
3. Disconnect Livox Hub, Livox LiDAR sensors, router, external power source, and computer.
4. Set the IP address of your computer to static IP address. Note that the static IP address of thecomputer should be 192.168.1.X. X can be set to any number between 2 to 233 and should be
different from the IP address of Livox Hub set in Step 2.

Ethernet Cable

Livox Hub

External Power Source

PC

Livox Mid-40

Figure 4.2.2 Connecting using static IP address

5. Connect the Livox LiDAR sensors to Livox Hub (a Livox Hub can connect up to nine Livox LiDAR
sensor units).
6. Connect Livox Hub to the computer using an Ethernet cable.
7. Connect Livox Hub to an external power source.
Make sure to use a Gat5e or above Gigabit Ethernet cable.
• Make sure to set the IP address of Livox Hub back to dynamic IP address if it has been set to static IP
address to use a router for connection. Also, make sure to set your computer to dynamic IP address,
and follow the instructions in the Dynamic IP Address section.
• When Livox Hub is in use, it is not required to set the IP address to all the LiDAR sensors connected.
Only Livox Hub’s IP address should be set, and then Livox Hub will automatically assign an IP address
to each LiDAR sensor.

10© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

Livox Hub User Manual

Usage
Output Data
The output data of Livox Hub includes point cloud data, timestamps, and status codes.

Point Cloud Data
Livox Hub, as a processing unit to connect and integrate Livox LiDAR sensors, will not affect the point
cloud data output of the LiDAR sensors connected. Only the LiDAR sensors will affect the point clouddata. Refer to the Output Data section in the corresponding Livox LiDAR sensor’s user manual for more
information.

Timestamp
Time synchronization is supported by IEEE 1588-2008 (PTPv2) and GPS.
IEEE 1588-2008 (PTPv2): IEEE 1588-2008 is the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) enabling precise
synchronization of clocks in measurement and control systems by Ethernet. Livox LiDAR sensors, as theordinary clock in the PTP, only supports UDP/IPV4 for PTP. Livox LiDAR sensors support the following
message events: Sync, Fllow_up, Delay_req, Delay_resp.
GPS: GPS is a way to precisely synchronize the point cloud sampling time using the sync pulse
generated. The time synchronization can be completed with a PPS signal and a NMEA $GPRMC record.
PPS is the precise pulse per second, and its rising edge is 1s. $GPRMC offers the UTC time of PPS. The
time sequence of PPS and $GPRMC is shown below. After time synchronization, each point cloud data
packet will include a timestamp indicating the sampling time of the point cloud. Please refer to the SDK
Communication Protocol for more information.
t0
t1
1
PPS
0
1
$GPRMCt3

t0: 1000 ms
t1: 20 ms ≤ t1 ≤ 200 ms
t2: ~70 ms @ 9600 bps
t3: 0 ms ≤ t3 ≤ 430 ms

0t2

Figure 5.1.1 GPS sync signal description

Working States & Working Modes
Working States
When Livox Hub is in use, it automatically monitors the working states of all the Livox LiDAR sensors
connected. Users can check the working state of Livox Hub and all the Livox LiDAR sensors connectedusing Livox Viewer or the Livox SDK.
© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

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Livox Hub User Manual
If Livox Hub detects any abnormalities when monitoring the LiDAR sensors, it sends a warning prompt or
may even cut off the power supply of a specific LiDAR sensor if a critical error is detected. The error codes
can be viewed using Livox Viewer or the Livox SDK.

Working Modes
The working mode of each Livox LiDAR sensors must be set separately using Livox Viewer or the Livox
SDK. Additionally, the Rain/Fog Suppression of the Livox LiDAR sensors should also be set individually.

Integration of Point Cloud Data
Livox Hub is capable of unifying the point cloud data into the user’s coordinate system and integrating all
LiDAR point cloud data into a single output. When using Livox Viewer, after opening Import Extrinsics Tool,
the point cloud data integration of Livox Hub will be paused after clicking “Start Cali.” After the coordinateshave been set and applied to all the Livox LiDAR sensors by clicking “Apply,” then click “Stop Cali.” Livox
Hub will automatically integrate the point cloud data and produce a single output.
The integration of point cloud data can be achieved by using the Livox SDK as well. Refer to the SDK
Communication Protocol for more information.

Livox Viewer
Livox Viewer is a Windows software designed for Livox LiDAR sensors and Livox Hub. Users can checkreal-time point cloud data of all the Livox LiDAR sensors connected to Livox Hub. With the help of Livox
Viewer, it is easier to check and record the point cloud data for future use.
Visit www.livoxtech.com to download the latest Livox Viewer. Livox Viewer supports WINDOWS® 7/8/10(64 bit).
Turn off Windows Firewall and set the computer to obtain IP address automatically before using Livox
Viewer.
• Make sure the video driver is correctly installed. Otherwise, Livox Viewer may not launch or may crash.

After turning off Windows Firewall and setting the IP address, unzip and run Livox Viewer.
This user manual only focuses on some functions of Livox Viewer that are related to Livox Hub. Refer tothe Livox Mid Series User Manual for more information.

Livox Viewer Homepage

4.1.1 Livox Viewer Homepage

12© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

Livox Hub User Manual

Checking Real-time Point Cloud Data
1. Connect all the Livox LiDAR sensors and Livox Hub as shown in Figure 4.2.1 or Figure 4.2.2. Run
Livox Viewer. Click to open Device Manager. Device Manager will display Livox Hub in the LAN.
2. Select “Hub” in Device Manager.
3. Select Livox Hub, and click
to connect. Alternatively, select Livox Hub, right click, and click“Connect Device”. When Livox Hub is connected, all the LiDAR sensors connected to Livox Hub will
be automatically connected.
4. After connecting, click

to view the point cloud data.

To see all the LiDAR sensors connected, right click Livox Hub in Device Manager. Next, clickon theright of each LiDAR sensor to check the working state, or clickon the left of each LiDAR sensor todisplay or hide the point cloud of the selected Livox LiDAR sensor.

Checking and Setting LiDAR Sensor Properties
1. Connect all the Livox LiDAR sensors and Livox Hub as shown in Figure 4.2.1 or Figure 4.2.2. Run
Livox Viewer. Clickto open Device Manager. The Device Manager will display Livox Hub in theLAN.
2. Select “Hub” in Device Manager.
3. Select Livox Hub and click“Connect Device”.

to connect. Alternatively, select Livox Hub, right click, and click

4. Click to check device properties. Click Livox Hub to view the current status of Livox Hub, including
the firmware version, IP address, and the type of coordinates. Under the “Hub Slot Power Options”,
unselect a number to cut off the power supply of the corresponding LiDAR sensor.
5. Click the triangle icon to the left of Livox Hub to view all the LiDAR sensors connected. Click each
LiDAR sensor to check the properties. For each LiDAR sensor, you can check its current status,
including the firmware version and work state. Under settings, you can set the working mode for anindividual LiDAR sensor and enable or disable Rain/Fog Suppression.

Importing Extrinsics
When importing extrinsics, the coordinates of each LiDAR sensor will be calibrated individually. Referto the Importing Extrinsics section of the Livox LiDAR sensors’ user manual for more information about
importing extrinsics.

Firmware Update
The firmware of Livox Hub can be updated by using Livox Viewer. To update the firmware, follow thesteps below:
1. Click Tools > Firmware Update. A page appears displaying all detected devices.
2. Select “Hub Update” under update mode to display the detected Livox Hub.
3. Click “Check Firmware” to check the current firmware version of the selected Livox Hub.
4. Select the firmware version under “Firmware Version”, and click “Download” to download thefirmware to the computer.
5. After downloading the file, select Livox Hub you wish to update under “Firmware Update” and click“…” to select the downloaded firmware.
© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

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Livox Hub User Manual
6. Click “Start” to update the firmware of the selected Livox Hub.
7. Livox Hub restarts and reconnects to the computer after the update. Repeat the steps above if the
update fails.
8. To update the Livox LiDAR sensors connected to Livox Hub, select “Hub LiDAR Update” under
update mode and follow steps 3 to 4. Afterwards, under “Fimware Update,” select the Livox LiDAR
sensors you wish to update. Click “…” to select the downloaded firmware, and click “Start” toupdate the firmware of the selected Livox LiDAR sensors.
Make sure the computer is connected to the internet when downloading the firmware. After the firmware
is downloaded, internet connection is not required.

Software Development Kit (SDK)
Besides using Livox Viewer to check real-time point cloud data, users can also use the SDK to apply the
point cloud data acquired from Livox LiDAR sensors to different scenarios.

SDK Communication Protocol
There are two types of communication protocols between the user and a Livox LiDAR sensor, and theprotocol formats of these two kinds of data are different. The specific functions and differences of thesetypes of communications are as follows:
Control Command Data: Configuration and query of LiDAR parameters and status information.
Point Cloud Data: Point cloud coordinate data generated by LiDAR.
Both communication protocols are located in the data segment of the UDP package and stored in littleendian format.
To download the Livox SDK Communication Protocol and Livox SDK API Reference, please visit:https://www.livoxtech.com/sdk

After-sales Information

Visit www.livoxtech.com/support to check the after-sales policy and warranty conditions for Livox Hub.

Appendix
Status LED Description
There are three LEDs on Livox Hub: LED 1 is red, LED 2 is green, and LED 3 alternates between blueand green.
LED 1 and LED 2 display the working status of Livox Hub:

14

© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

Livox Hub User Manual
Normal Status
LED 1 and LED 2 blinks continuously

Livox Hub is initializing

LED 2 blinks slowly

GPS synchronization

LED 2 blinks fast

IEEE 1588 V2 synchronization

LED 2 is solid on

No sync signal

Abnormal Status
LED 1 blinks slowly

GPS synchronization abnormal

LED 1 blinks fast

IEEE 1588 V2 synchronization abnormal

LED 1 blinks twice

No IP address is assigned to Livox Hub (restart Livox Hub or
the router)

LED 1 is solid on

Critical error. Please contact Livox.

LED 3 expresses the Ethernet transmission speed:
Blue: Megabit Ethernet is used for transmission.
Green: Gigabit Ethernet is used for transmission.

Specifications
LiDAR Ports

9

Voltage Range

10 ~ 23 V DC

Power Input*

Varies in different situations

Operating Temperature Range-40° to 185° F (-40° to 85° C)

Data Interface

1Gbps Ethernet

Time Sync Protocol

IEEE 1588 V2 PTP
GPS Precision Time

Weight**Approx. 865 g (without port covers)
Approx. 1352 g (with port covers)

Dimensions**

153.2 × 201 × 29 mm (without port covers)
208 × 201 × 29 mm (with port covers)

Model

LIVOX HUB

* The typical input power of Livox Hub is 180 W (12 V, 15 A) when five Livox Mid-100 sensor units are connected at atemperature of 77° F(25° C) using an external power supply of 12 V. The output power of Livox Hub varies based on
the number of the Livox LiDAR sensors connected and will be affected by the operational temperature. Refer to the
Livox LiDAR sensors' user manul to view their working power.
** The port covers are detachable. Users can attach or detach the four port covers based on personal demands.

© 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.

15

Copyright © 2019 Livox Tech. All Rights Reserved.
Livox and Livox Mid are trademarks of Livox Technology Company Limited.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in United States and other countries.