The TFmini is a compact infrared time-of-flight (ToF) distance sensor that measures distances from 30 cm to 12 metres. It outputs data over UART serial, making it easy to integrate with microcontrollers or computers without a complex driver.

Despite being marketed as "LiDAR" by the manufacturer, the TFmini is technically an infrared ToF sensor (similar to the VL53L0X). It's widely used in robotics, UAV projects, automation, interactive art, and motion sensing applications.

Key Features

• 30 cm to 12 m Range – ±4 cm accuracy from 0.3–6 m, ±6 cm up to 12 m
• UART Serial Output – Simple integration with no complex driver needed
• 3.3V Logic Level – TX data line is 3.3V logic
• 5V Power Input – Power via red (power) and black (ground) wires
• Compact Form Factor – Lightweight plastic housing

Wiring

• Red Wire – 5V Power
• Black Wire – Ground
• Green Wire – TX Data (3.3V logic)

Ideal For

• Robotics and UAV distance measurement
• Automation and proximity detection
• Interactive art installations
• Motion sensing projects

Package Contents

• 1× TFmini Distance Sensor
• 1× Cable (splice and solder to connect)

Resources

• Arduino Library (GitHub)
• CircuitPython/Python Library (GitHub)