SparkFun
SparkFun Qwiic dToF Imager - TMF8821
The SparkFun Qwiic dToF TMF8821 Imager is a direct time-of-flight (dToF) sensor that includes a single modular package with an associated Vertical Cavity Sur...
The SparkFun Qwiic dToF TMF8821 Imager is a direct time-of-flight (dToF) sensor that includes a single modular package with an associated Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) from AMS. The dToF device is based on Single Photon Avalanche Photodiode (SPAD), time-to-digital converter (TDC) and histogram technology to achieve a 5000mm detection range. Due to its lens on the SPAD, it supports 3x3, 4x4, and 3x6 multizone output data and a very wide, dynamically adjustable field of view. A multi-lens-array (MLA) inside the package above the VCSEL widens up the FoI (field of illumination). All processing of the raw data is performed on-chip and the TMF8821 provides distance information together with confidence values on its I2C interface. The high performance on-chip optical filter blocks most of the ambient light, and enables distance measurements in dark and sunlight environments.
To make it even easier to get your readings, all communication is enacted exclusively via I2C, utilizing our handy Qwiic system so no soldering is required to connect it to the rest of your system. However, we still have broken out 0.1”-spaced pins in case you prefer to use a breadboard. The TMF8821 offers two configurable GPIO pins and one enable (EN) pin, which are broken out as PTH pads. The board also includes a power LED and I2C pull-up resistors, each configurable via jumpers. This version has a footprint that uses the Qwiic Standard size (1.0in. x 1.0in.). For a smaller footprint, check out our Qwiic Mini dToF TMF8821 Imager board!
This sensor is great for projects such as distance measurement for camera autofocus - Laser Detect Autofocus - LDAF (mobile phone), presence detection (computing and communication), object detection and collision avoidance (robotics), and light curtain (industrial).
Note: CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CLASSIFIED IEC 60825-1 2014.
The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I2C sensors, actuators, shields and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong.
Features:
- Operating Voltage
- 2.7V to 3.6V
- (typically 3.3V via Qwiic cable)
- Current Consumption
- 8µA (standby)
- 57mA (active)
- AMS TMF8821 Multi-zone Time-of-Flight Sensor
- Direct ToF technology with high sensitivity SPAD detection
- 4x4 configurable multi-zone configuration with multi-object detection
- Fast Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) architecture
- Sub-nanosecond light pulse
- On-chip histogram processing
- High performance on-chip sunlight rejection filter and algorithm
- Measurement Range: 10mm to 5000mm @ 30Hz
- Light Source: Class 1 940nm VCSEL
- Field of View: adjustable up to 63° diagonally
- Max Read Rate: up to 30Hz
- 2x Qwiic Connectors
- I2C Address: 0x41
- Operating Temperature Range
- -30°C to +70°C
- Breakout Pads
- 1x Ground
- 1x Power
- 1x I2C Port
- 1x Interrupt
- 2x GPIO
- 1x Enable
- Power LED (configurable via jumper)
- I2C pull-ups (configurable via jumper)
- Board Dimensions: 1.0" x 1.0" (2.54cm x 2.54cm)
Documents:
- Schematic
- Eagle Files
- Board Dimensions
- Hookup Guide
- TMF882X
- What Distance Sensor is Right for You?
- Qwiic Info Page
- Arduino Library
- GitHub Hardware Repo
Videos
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- ATmega328P
- An 8-bit microcontroller chip used on many Arduino Uno-compatible boards. Knowing the controller uses an ATmega328P helps you understand its memory, speed, pin compatibility, and the Arduino sketches it can run.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- GPIO
- General-purpose input/output pins are microcontroller pins you can set in software to read signals, switch devices on and off, or connect to peripherals. The number of GPIO pins matters because it limits how many buttons, LEDs, sensors, and other parts you can wire directly to the board.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a chip that runs your program and controls connected inputs and outputs. For this product, it is the part that reads buttons and sensors, drives the display and speaker, and communicates over Bluetooth.
- PCB
- A printed circuit board is a rigid board with copper tracks that connect electronic parts without loose wires. For this kit, the PCBs also form the airplane shape, so they are both the circuit base and part of the finished model.
- photodiode
- A photodiode is a light-sensitive electronic component that produces a signal when light hits it. In this sensor, multiple photodiodes let the chip measure different parts of the light spectrum separately.
- PTH
- Plated through-hole means the pin holes are metal-lined so solder connects the pad on both sides of the board. It is useful for connectors and headers that need a strong mechanical and electrical connection.
- Qwiic
- Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.
- UPS
- An uninterruptible power supply is a battery-backed power system that keeps a device running when external power is unplugged or fails. For an embedded computer, it helps prevent sudden shutdowns that can corrupt files or interrupt a project.
Find this product in
Sensors & Input
SparkFun Qwiic dToF Imager TMF8821 Schematic
Schematic · 158.0 KB · Click any page to view full size
TMF882X Datasheet
Datasheet · 2.9 MB · Click any page to view full size
TMF882X Driver User Guide
User Guide · 520.6 KB · Click any page to view full size
TMF8820/TMF8821 Host Driver Communication App Note
Document · 843.8 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 732.2 KB · Click any page to view full size
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