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TOF MINIF Range Sensor

TOF MINIF Range Sensor

SKUProduct
33346TOF MINI Range Sensor
35106TOF MINIF Range Sensor (B)

Features

This laser ranging module is based on a D-TOF single-point laser sensor, with a built-in MCU and housed in a compact enclosure. It supports sunlight rejection and dirt compensation algorithms to measure target distance. With optical collimation design, it can measure distances to various targets under ambient light up to 100K Lux.

Disclaimer

Life Support Policy

The TOF MINIF Range Sensor series is not authorized for use in safety-critical applications where failure could impact personal safety (e.g., life support). In such applications, failure of the TOF MINIF Range Sensor series could cause severe personal injury or death. The Customers who use or sell the TOF MINIF Range Sensor series products in such a manner do so entirely at their risk and agree to fully indemnify Waveshare and its representatives against any damages arising out of the use of TOF MINIF Range Sensor series products in such safety-critical applications.

Regulatory Approval

The TOF MINIF Range Sensor series provided by Waveshare has obtained EU laser product certification. Before using or selling these products, verify whether these certifications apply in your region. Products incorporating the TOF MINIF Range Sensor series must obtain approval from the relevant authorities in accordance with local laser product regulations before being sold in that region.

Applications

  • Distance detection for smart devices
  • Robot obstacle avoidance
  • Drone altitude measurement
  • Liquid level detection
  • Industrial automation ranging

Working Principle

TOF is an absolute distance detection technology. The sensor emits modulated near-infrared light, which reflects off objects. The sensor calculates the time difference or phase difference between emission and reflection, converts it into target distance, and generates depth information. TOF is commonly used in people proximity detection, robot obstacle avoidance, camera autofocus, and similar scenarios.

TOF MINIF Range Sensor Working Principle

Specifications

ParameterTOF MINIF Range SensorTOF MINIF Range Sensor (B)
Typical ranging range0.02 m - 20 m0.02 m - 5 m
Accuracy± (1% - 3%)± (1% - 3%)
Field of view (FOV)3°±0.5°3°±0.5°
Refresh rate30 Hz (Batch customization supported, maximum up to 90 Hz)30 Hz (Batch customization supported, maximum up to 90 Hz)
Ambient light immunity100K Lux100K Lux
Operating temperature-20°C - +70°C-20°C - +70°C
Operating humidity35% - 80%RH35% - 80%RH
Laser safety classLASER CLASS 1LASER CLASS 1
Wavelength940 nm940 nm
Communication interfaceUARTUART
Baud rate115.2 Kbps (Batch customization supported, maximum up to 90 Hz)115.2 Kbps
Supply voltage4 V - 5.6 V4 V - 5.6 V
Communication level3.3 V3.3 V
Power consumption170 mW100 mW - 140 mW
Product weight3.6 g3.6 g
Housing materialPCPC
Storage temperature-40℃ - +80℃-40℃ - +80℃
Product dimensions (L × W × H)35.5 × 16.2 × 13.5 (mm)35.5 × 16.2 × 13.5 (mm)
  • The sensor's IO level is 3.3 V. If using 5 V IO levels, a level shifter is required; otherwise, the sensor may be damaged.

Pinout

PinLabelDescription
1VCC5 V power positive
2RXDUART input
3TXDUART output
4GNDPower ground

Protocol Analysis

Click to expand

UART Communication Process

The default serial configuration is: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control, default baud rate 115200. This protocol outputs distance data in ASCII format via UART. The following describes how to parse the output. The protocol consists of a Header, Distance value, Separator, Status, and Tail. Header, Separator, and Tail are fixed values (see table below). Distance is the measured distance, and Status indicates the measurement state.

  • The protocol contains the following parts: Header + Distance + Separator + Status + Tail.
  • Protocol field overview:
FieldByte LengthDescription
Head1Frame header
Distance1 - 5Distance value
Separator2Separator
Status1 - 3Status
Tail1Frame tail

For example, raw data: 20 33 32 37 2C 20 00 0A

  • Parsing table:
Data FrameExample (HEX)ASCII Character
Head20Space
Distance33 32 37327
Separator2C 20Comma, Space
Status000
Tail0A\n
This measurement outputs a distance of 327 mm, with status 0 indicating a valid distance. The header, separator, and tail are fixed values.

Quick Test

  • Use the test software Serial Debug Assistant together with the USB TO TTL (B) for quick viewing of serial output.

  • Test Preparation

    • Windows computer
    • USB TO TTL (B) 1 PCS
    • TOF MINIF Range Sensor 1 PCS
    • Matching cables
  • Hardware Connection

    • Connect as shown in the figure below.

      USB TO TTL (B)
  • Start Testing

    • Connect the USB TO TTL (B) to the computer's USB port.
      • Open the serial debug assistant (SSCOM), select the corresponding COM port, set baud rate to 115200, data bits to 8, stop bits to 1, and parity to NONE.
      • Open the serial port to view the distance data output by the sensor.
  • ①Send query command

  • ②Obtain real-time data

    USB TO TTL (B)