TFmini LiDAR(ToF) Laser Range Sensor(12m)

Q: <h3>How should I choose the right lidar product?</h3>

Up to now, DFRobot has launched several LiDAR series products. Faced with so many options, we have launched the LiDAR Selection Reference Guide, which introduces the characteristics of each LiDAR in detail to help you choose.For details, please refer to: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dfrobot.com/blog-1481.html">Solid State LiDAR (Laser Radar) Selection Guide</a>；<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dfrobot.com/blog-1480.html">Mechanical LiDAR (Laser Radar) Selection Guide</a>

1. Example Code for Arduino-PC Serial Port Debugging

Since TF mini is a serial device and the ordinary Arduino only has one hardware serial port, so we recommend you to use a software serial port to match the sensor. Users can also use multi-serial port devices such as Arduino Leonardo and Arduino Mega2560. Here we choose Arduino UNO as a controller, which is very common to see and define D12 and D13 as software serial port. PC serial port tool is needed. Data been read will be displayed in the serial port tool interface.

2. Example Code for Arduino-LCD Distance Display

In practical application, the sensor will generally work offline. We provide a special case, which powered by a lithium battery and display distance measurement data with LCD. It is especially suitable for outdoor usage.

3. Upper Computer Display

In addition to reading data through a single chip, we can also use PC Software to read distance output. Connect TF Mini LiDAR(ToF) Laser Range Sensor to PC by an USB to TTL converter and read data by upper PC.

4. Example Code for Arduino-Black & White Line Detection

TF Mini laser ranging radar is an optical sensor, but any optical sensor, the sensitivity of the light will be higher. We can use this feature to achieve close-range black and white line detection, line-tracking inspection. (NOTE: black is to absorb all the lights, do not reflect; white is to reflect all the light, do not absorb) We use the signal strength 'Strength' to distinguish between the two colors.

Reference

Parameter	Value
Voltage Range	4.5V-6V
Communication Interface	UART (TTL)
Working Range	0.3m-12m (indoor)
The Maximum Range of Reflectivity 10%	5m
Average Power	0.6W
Receive Angle	2.3°
Minimum Resolution	5mm
Refresh Frequency	100Hz
Ranging Accuracy	1% (<6m), 2% (6 ~ 12m)
Ranging Unit	mm
Band	850nm
Size	1.65in x0.59in x0.63in / 42mm x15mm x16mm
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 60°C
Storage Temperature	-20°C~75°C
Anti-light Environment	70Klux
Weight	4.7g

Category	Parameter	Value
Performance	Detecting Range	0.1 m – 12 m
	Accuracy	±5 cm (0.1–6 m); ±1% (6–12 m)
	Resolution	5 mm
	Frame Rate	1–1000 Hz (adjustable)
	Anti-ambient Light	70 klux
	Operating Temperature	−20 °C to 60 °C
	Protection Degree	IP65
Optical	Light Source	LED
	Center Wavelength	850 nm
	Signal Acceptance Angle	3.6°
Electrical	Input Voltage	5 V ±0.5 V
	Average Current	≤ 110 mA
	Power Consumption	550 mW (Low Power Mode: 85 mW)
	Peak Current	500 mA
	Communication Level	LVTTL (3.3 V)
	Communication Interface	UART, I²C, I/O
Mechanical / Other	Enclosure Material	ABS + PC
	Storage Temperature	−20 °C to 75 °C
	Weight	12 g
	Wire Length	30 cm

Label	Name	Function Description
Black	GND	-
Red	VCC	+
Blue	RXD	Receive Data
Green	TXD	Transmit Data

TFmini LiDAR(ToF) Laser Range Sensor(12m)

Specification

TFmini

TFmini Plus Specifications

Pinout

How should I choose the right lidar product?