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TOF MINIS Range Sensor

TOF MINIS Range Sensor

SKUProduct
35108TOF MINIS Range Sensor

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 MINIS 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 MINIS Range Sensor series could cause severe personal injury or death. The Customers who use or sell the TOF MINIS 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 MINIS Range Sensor series products in such safety-critical applications.

Regulatory Approval

The TOF MINIS 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 MINIS 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.

Specifications

ParameterTOF MINIS Range Sensor
Typical ranging range0.02 m - 5 m
Field of view (FOV)1.48°
Refresh rate30 Hz (Batch customization supported, maximum up to 90 Hz)
Ambient light immunity100K Lux
Operating temperature-20°C - +70°C
Operating humidity35% - 80%RH
Laser safety classLASER CLASS 1 (IEC 60825-1: 2014)
Protection ratingIP68
Wavelength940 nm
Communication InterfaceRS485
Baud rate115200
Supply voltage4 V - 5.6 V
Power consumption100 mW - 140 mW
Average current / Peak current25 mA / 26 mA
Product weightApprox. 15.8 g
Housing materialPC
Storage temperature-40℃ - +80℃
Product dimensionsDiameter 29.5 mm, Height 18.00 mm, Cable length 60 cm

Pinout

PinIDDescription
1VCCPower positive
2GNDPower ground
3B-RS485 B
4A+RS485 A

Protocol Analysis

Click to expand

RS485 Communication

This product uses RS485 communication for data transfer, with the Modbus RTU slave protocol.

Default serial configuration:

ParameterValue
Data bits8 bit
Stop Bits1 bit
ParityNone
Baud rate115200 bps

Register Description

Register AddressTypeData NameDescription
00Holding Register (RW)DistanceUnit: mm
01Holding Register (RW)ConfidenceRange: 0 - 100
02Holding Register (RW)AddressSlave device address

Communication Examples

Read Distance

Request frame: 01 03 00 00 00 01 84 0A

Response frame: 01 03 02 03 6D 79 59

  • Read register 00 from slave 0x01 in a single read.
  • Distance value is 03 6D, big-endian.
  • Distance = 0x03 << 8 | 0x6D = 877 mm.

Read Confidence

Request frame: 01 03 00 01 00 01 D5 CA

Response frame: 01 03 02 00 64 B9 AF

  • Read register 01 from slave 0x01 in a single read.
  • Confidence value is 00 64, big-endian.
  • Confidence = 0x64 = 100.

Write Address

Request frame: 03 06 00 02 00 01 E8 28

Response frame: 03 06 00 02 00 01 E8 28

  • Change register 02 of slave 0x03 to 01.
  • The device will restart after the address is changed.

Read Multiple Registers

Request frame: 01 03 00 00 00 02 C4 0B

Response frame: 01 03 04 0C 62 00 64 59 56

  • Slave 0x01 reads 2 consecutive registers starting from register 00.
  • Register 00 value is 0C 62, distance = 3170 mm.
  • Register 01 value is 00 64, confidence = 100.

Precautions

  • The default frame rate is 30 Hz; firmware upgrade is required for rates above 30 Hz.
  • The default slave address is 0x01. It can be changed following the register usage examples above.
  • This product has no overvoltage or reverse polarity protection. Verify wiring and voltage range before connection.

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 MINIS Range Sensor 1 PCS
    • Matching cables
  • Hardware Connection

    • Connect as shown in the figure below.

      USB TO TTL (B)
  • Start testing

    • After connecting the hardware as shown above, open the corresponding software, select the appropriate port, then click OPEN and then Start Polling. Observe the data under Values to see if they match the measurement result:

    USB TO TTL (B)