DFRobot
TFmini-i LiDAR Laser Range Sensor (12m)
The TFmini-i is an industrial-grade single-point LiDAR sensor with a maximum detection range of 12 m. It uses Pulse Time of Flight (PTOF) measurement — emitt...
The TFmini-i is an industrial-grade single-point LiDAR sensor with a maximum detection range of 12 m. It uses Pulse Time of Flight (PTOF) measurement — emitting a narrow laser pulse and calculating the distance based on the round-trip time of the reflected signal.
Housed in a rugged PC/ABS/PMMA enclosure rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, it's designed for demanding environments. The sensor supports 7–30 V input with reverse polarity protection, communicates via RS-485 using the standard Modbus protocol, and offers an adjustable frame rate up to 1 kHz. Compatible with Arduino (via TTL-to-RS485 shield) and Raspberry Pi (via USB-to-RS485 module).
Key Features
- 12 m Range – Up to 12 m at 90% reflectivity, 7 m at 10% reflectivity
- IP65 Rated – Industrial-grade dust and water resistance
- RS-485 Interface – Standard Modbus protocol communication
- Wide Input Voltage – 7–30 V with reverse polarity protection
- Adjustable Frame Rate – Default 100 Hz, configurable up to 1 kHz
- 1 cm Resolution – Fine distance measurement precision
- Eye-Safe Laser – Class 1 (EN 60825)
- Multiple Operating Modes – Configurable parameters for different applications
Specifications
- Operating Range – 0.1–12 m (90% reflectivity), 0.1–7 m (10% reflectivity)
- Accuracy – ±6 cm (0.1–6 m), ±1% (6–12 m)
- Distance Resolution – 1 cm
- Frame Rate – 100 Hz (default), up to 1 kHz
- Ambient Light Immunity – 70 Klux
- Light Source – VCSEL, 850 nm
- Field of View – 2°
- Supply Voltage – 7–30 V
- Average Current – ≤65 mA at 12 V
- Power Consumption – ≤0.8 W at 12 V
- Interface – RS-485 (Modbus)
- Dimensions – 50 × 34 × 41 mm
- Weight – 52 g
- Cable Length – 70 cm
- Operating Temperature – –20 to 60 °C
- Storage Temperature – –30 to 75 °C
- Enclosure – PC/ABS/PMMA, IP65
Ideal For
- Vehicle and pedestrian detection
- Collision avoidance and safety warning systems
- UAV assisted takeoff and landing
- Altimeters and distance measurement
Package Contents
- 1× TFmini-i LiDAR Laser Range Sensor
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- LiDAR
- A sensing method that uses laser light to measure distance and build a 3D picture of the surroundings. It matters for robotics and autonomous systems because LiDAR data can help with mapping, navigation and obstacle detection.
- Modbus
- Modbus is an industrial communication protocol used by many meters, sensors, PLCs, and automation devices. Modbus support matters because it can make the controller easier to integrate with existing industrial equipment.
- reverse polarity protection
- A circuit feature that helps protect the board if power is connected the wrong way around. It matters because it can reduce the chance of damaging the breakout during wiring mistakes, especially in classroom or prototyping use.
- RS485
- RS485 is a robust wired serial communication standard often used in factories, farms, and buildings where cables may be long or electrically noisy. It matters because it lets this controller connect to industrial sensors, meters, and control equipment over longer distances than typical hobby serial wiring.
- Shield
- An add-on board that plugs into a main controller board to give it extra features such as sensing, motor control or communication. Knowing a product supports shields helps you judge whether it can connect neatly into an existing maker-board setup.
- Torque
- A twisting force that causes something to rotate, usually measured in newton-metres or kilogram-centimetres. It matters when choosing motors, servos, gears, and tools because higher torque is needed to lift heavier loads, turn larger wheels, or move mechanisms without stalling.
- UAV
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, such as a drone or autonomous aircraft. The term matters here because high-accuracy GNSS and RTK are often used when a flying robot needs precise position information.
Find this product in
Sensors & Input
Supplier page — dfrobot.com
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Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
