Intel RealSense Depth Module D430 — Compact Depth Camera for Real-Time 3D Sensing

Discover a new level of depth perception with the Intel RealSense Depth Module D430. This compact, rugged depth camera brings precise real-time 3D sensing to robotics, automation, and portable scanning applications. Built around the trusted RealSense architecture, the D430 combines a stereoscopic infrared sensor pair with an integrated projector to generate dense depth maps and 3D point clouds that empower machines to understand their environment. Whether you’re building an autonomous robot, a handheld 3D scanner, or an AR/VR prototype, the D430 delivers reliable depth data across a variety of indoor settings. Its compact form factor fits into tight spaces and contributes to streamlined integration in embedded systems, research labs, and production environments alike. With broad software support, including Intel’s RealSense SDK 2.0 and ROS, developers can accelerate prototyping and deployment without sacrificing accuracy or performance. The D430 is designed for close- to mid-range depth sensing, delivering stable results in cluttered scenes, dim lighting, and reflective surfaces where other sensors may struggle.

• Compact, rugged module with an integrated IR projector for reliable depth sensing in constrained spaces and embedded systems.
• Real-time depth maps and dense 3D point clouds powered by active infrared stereo technology, enabling precise obstacle detection, mapping, and measurement.
• USB-based connectivity with broad software support, including Intel RealSense SDK 2.0 and ROS, for rapid integration into custom applications and research.
• Developer-friendly workflow with factory calibration data, easy software calibration options, and cross-platform compatibility for Windows, Linux, and embedded environments.
• Versatile across robotics, 3D scanning, AR/VR, and automation projects, offering dependable depth perception for SLAM, mapping, localization, and interaction.

Technical Details of Intel RealSense Depth Module D430

• Depth sensing technology: Active infrared stereo depth with an integrated infrared projector, designed to generate dense depth maps in indoor environments with challenging lighting or textures.
• Depth data quality: Provides dense depth maps suitable for 3D reconstruction and real-time obstacle avoidance, with software-based noise reduction and filtering options in the RealSense SDK.
• Resolution and frame rate (configurable): VGA-level depth resolution with real-time streaming capabilities, configurable via the RealSense SDK to balance quality and performance for your application.
• Field of view: Fixed, compact field of view optimized for close- to mid-range sensing in compact devices and embedded platforms.
• Interface and compatibility: USB interface with broad support for Intel RealSense SDK 2.0, ROS integration, and cross-language bindings (C++, Python, etc.).
• Form factor and power: Ultra-compact module designed for embedded use, providing a low-profile footprint suitable for mounting on compact robots, drones, or handheld rigs.
• Calibration: Factory-calibrated with per-device calibration data accessible via the SDK for accurate depth measurements and reliable repeatability across sessions.

How to install Intel RealSense Depth Module D430

• Prepare a compatible host: Ensure you have a supported operating system (Windows or Linux) and that your development environment can install external drivers and SDKs. Download and install the Intel RealSense SDK 2.0 from official sources, or use your distribution’s package manager if available.
• Connect the D430: Use a USB 2.0/3.0 port to connect the depth module to your host. Provide stable power and a direct connection to minimize USB bus contention.
• Install and verify drivers: Install the RealSense drivers and ensure the device is detected. Run a basic sample (e.g., depth view) from the RealSense SDK to confirm that depth streams are being produced and that the device is communicating correctly with the host.
• Configure depth streams: Use the RealSense SDK to configure depth resolution, frame rate, and stream options appropriate for your application. Apply filters or align depth with any available color or infrared streams if your workflow requires it.
• Calibrate and test: While the D430 ships with factory calibration, perform on-device or software-assisted calibration for improved accuracy in your specific environment. Validate depth measurements against ground truth objects and test in representative scenes that include walls, corners, and reflective surfaces.
• Integrate into your project: Import the SDK into your development stack (C++, Python, or other supported languages). Connect depth data to your robotics stack (ROS nodes, SLAM pipelines, obstacle avoidance modules) or to AR/VR pipelines for interactive experiences. Leverage sample code to accelerate integration and customize the processing pipeline with your own filters and algorithms.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Intel RealSense Depth Module D430? The D430 is a compact depth camera module that uses active infrared stereo depth sensing with an integrated projector to produce depth maps and 3D point clouds. It’s designed for embedded systems, robotics, 3D scanning, and near-field depth perception tasks where space is at a premium and reliable depth data is essential.
• What applications is the D430 best suited for? It excels in robotics for obstacle avoidance, mapping, and navigation, in handheld or mounted 3D scanners for real-time scene capture, and in automation workflows that require depth sensing in indoor environments. It’s also a strong option for research projects exploring SLAM, object recognition, and human-robot interaction where durable, compact depth sensing is needed.
• What software is required to run the D430? The RealSense SDK 2.0 provides the essential API for accessing depth streams, depth processing filters, and calibration data. The D430 is also compatible with ROS for robotics projects and supports common programming languages such as C++ and Python, along with sample applications to help you get started quickly.
• Do I need external lighting or calibration for accurate results? While the D430 uses an integrated IR projector to improve depth capture, lighting conditions in indoor environments can still affect data quality. Factory calibration provides a precise baseline, but recalibration in your specific workspace can improve accuracy for precise measurements or long-term deployments.
• Can the D430 be integrated with AR/VR or SLAM pipelines? Yes. The D430’s depth data can feed SLAM algorithms, 3D reconstruction pipelines, and AR/VR interfaces. With RealSense SDK 2.0 and ROS compatibility, you can align depth data with other sensors, optimize processing, and create immersive, depth-aware experiences.