Seeed Studio
Seeed Studio TFmini S LiDAR Distance Sensor
range ToF LiDAR measures 0.1–12 m with ±6 cm accuracy up to 6 m and ±1 % beyond, 100 Hz frame rate, I²C or UART output, 5 V supply
- TypeSensors
- Operating range up to 12 m at 90 % reflectivity
- Accuracy ±6 cm from 0.1 m to 6 m and ±1 % from 6 m to 12 m
- 100 Hz frame rate for real-time distance updates
- Dual I2C and UART interfaces for flexible integration
- Class 1 eye-safe 850 nm VCSEL with 70 klux ambient light immunity
TFmini S LiDAR sensor
The TFmini S is a short-range time-of-flight distance sensor that emits an 850 nm near-infrared VCSEL pulse and measures the phase shift of the returned signal. It delivers a 0.1 m to 12 m operating range at 90 % reflectivity with ±6 cm accuracy up to 6 m and ±1 % beyond, updating at 100 Hz with 5 mm resolution. Developers and robotics hobbyists needing a compact, low-power range finder for indoor or shaded outdoor use will find it suited to obstacle avoidance and proximity tasks.
Selectable I2C and UART interfaces
The module exposes both I2C and UART at LVTTL 3.3 V levels, letting you choose the protocol that matches your host controller without extra level-shifting hardware. A simple TTL-to-USB adapter connects the sensor directly to a PC for immediate data streaming, accelerating prototyping and debugging. No bundled software or drivers are mentioned, so integration relies on standard serial or I2C libraries.
Check power and optical constraints
The sensor requires a stable 5 V ± 0.1 V supply capable of 800 mA peak current, with an average draw of 140 mA and 0.7 W consumption. Its 2 ° field of view and Class 1 photobiological rating mean eye-safe operation but narrow beam coverage. Ambient light immunity reaches 70 klux, yet transparent surfaces such as glass or water can degrade accuracy. Verify your regulator, wiring and mounting environment meet these electrical and optical limits before ordering.
Highlights
- Operating range up to 12 m at 90 % reflectivity
- Accuracy ±6 cm from 0.1 m to 6 m and ±1 % from 6 m to 12 m
- 100 Hz frame rate for real-time distance updates
- Dual I2C and UART interfaces for flexible integration
- Class 1 eye-safe 850 nm VCSEL with 70 klux ambient light immunity
Specifications
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Questions about this item
Will the VCSEL emitter at 850 nm need replacement after long use?
The VCSEL light source is a solid-state emitter with no user-replaceable parts; the module is rated for Class 1 photobiological safety under IEC 60825 and has no specified emitter lifetime.
What limits continuous operation at 100 Hz frame rate?
The 0.7 W average power draw and 140 mA steady current are the primary limits; the 800 mA peak current only occurs in brief pulses during each measurement cycle.
How much heat does the sensor generate when running all day on 5 V?
At 0.7 W typical consumption the unit produces minimal heat and is rated for 0–60 °C ambient operation without active cooling.
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