DFRobot TMF8801 Time-of-Flight Distance Ranging Sensor Module

DFRobot TMF8801 Time-of-Flight Distance Ranging Sensor Module is a compact breakout board that measures distance from 2 cm to 250 cm using time-of-flight technology, with a 940 nm VCSEL light source and an I2C Fast-Mode interface.

Overview

Built around the AMS TMF8801 sensor, this module calculates distance by measuring the time difference between emitted and reflected light pulses. This non-contact method detects objects independently of their colour, texture, or surface reflectivity. The sensor is designed to operate in complete darkness and under direct sunlight, using on-chip sunlight rejection filters to minimise background light noise. Accuracy is stated as ±5% across the operating range, and the integrated microcontroller handles all complex algorithms on-chip, so no external optics or processing are required.

Key Features

• Time-of-flight (ToF) measurement principle
• Measurement range of 2 cm to 250 cm (20 mm to 2500 mm)
• Single-zone detection of the object closest to the sensor centre within its field of view
• Built-in histogram for dynamic cover glass calibration and crosstalk compensation
• 940 nm VCSEL light source, Class 1 eye-safe
• 21° field of view
• I2C Fast-Mode communication interface
• Operating voltage of 2.7 V to 3.3 V
• Low power consumption, designed for battery-powered applications
• Module dimensions of 21 mm x 14.5 mm

Package Contents

• Fermion TMF8801 ToF Distance Ranging Sensor (Breakout Board) x1
• 2.54 mm 8-pin black single-row connector x1

Dimensions and Weight

Listed dimensions are width 3.3, depth 1.5 and height 4.3, with a weight of 7 g.

Use this module where compact, non-contact distance measurement is required, particularly in battery-powered projects that must operate in varied lighting conditions.