Product description
Laser-based ToF distance sensor for measuring distances from 20 mm to 2.5 m. This module from Adafruit is based on the TMF8801 from ams OSRAM and uses Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology to measure distances using laser light. The sensor has a 24° field of view and can be used for applications such as robotics and interactive electronics projects.
The TMF8801 contains an infrared laser (940 nm) and a light sensor that measures the time it takes for the laser light to reflect off an object and return to the sensor. This technology provides accurate distance measurements without the linearity problems that can occur with simpler infrared distance sensors. The sensor also features integrated signal processing and functions to reduce interference from sunlight.
The module communicates via I²C and features an integrated voltage regulator and level shifter, making it compatible with microcontrollers using 3.3 V or 5 V logic levels. Two Qwiic connectors allow the module to be connected without soldering. The module also features solder connections with 2.54 mm pitch for mounting pin headers, allowing the sensor to be connected to breadboards or prototyping boards.
The TMF8801 requires a firmware patch to be loaded at startup. Thanks to its low memory requirements, the sensor can also be used with simpler 8-bit microcontrollers, such as the ATmega328. Adafruit provides libraries and examples for Arduino and CircuitPython/Python.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Adafruit
- Product number: 6522
- Sensor IC: TMF8801 from ams OSRAM
- Sensor type: Optical distance sensor, Time-of-Flight (ToF)
- Measurement range: 20–2500 mm
- Measurement frequency: 30 Hz
- Field of view (FoV): 24°
- Laser: VCSEL, 940 nm
- Laser class: Class 1
- Detector technology: SPAD (Single-Photon Avalanche Diode)
- Measurement technology: Direct ToF with Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC)
- Signal processing: Integrated histogram processing
- Interference suppression: Integrated filter and algorithm for sunlight suppression
- Supply voltage: 3–5 V
- Logic levels: 3.3 V and 5 V
- Interface: I²C
- Connections: 2x Qwiic connectors
- Dimensions: 25.4 x 17.7 x 4.8 mm
- Pin header: Included (not pre-soldered)