{"product_id":"small-tfmini-s-lidar-sensor-compact-0-1-12m-tof-distance-module","title":"Small TFmini-S Lidar Sensor - Compact 0.1-12m TOF Distance Module","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the Small TFmini-S Lidar Sensor the bottom line is simple: this compact TOF laser rangefinder is best for hobbyists and developers who need a lightweight, fast distance module for drones, Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects. The reviewer found the sensor delivers stable and precise single-point ranging from 0.1 to 12m, with a narrow 2 degree field of view that makes it easy to target specific objects. It is a practical choice when reliable short-to-medium range measurement is required and when UART connectivity is acceptable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTOF single-point ranging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides stable, high-speed distance readings based on time-of-flight, making it suitable for rapid obstacle detection and level measurement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOperating range 0.1-12m:\u003c\/strong\u003e Covers close-proximity sensing through moderate distance tasks, useful for drones, robots and indoor monitoring setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUART\/I2C communication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ships in UART mode by default and can be switched to I2C, offering flexible integration with Raspberry Pi, Arduino and Pixhawk controllers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow voltage operation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Runs from 4.5 to 6V, which matches common microcontroller and flight controller power supplies for straightforward wiring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNarrow 2 degree FOV:\u003c\/strong\u003e A tight beam helps focus measurements on a single target and reduce interference from nearby surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and lightweight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small module size keeps added payload weight to a minimum on UAVs and mobile robots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe TFmini-S is aimed at makers, drone pilots, and robotics developers who need a compact, accurate distance sensor that integrates with Arduino, Raspberry Pi or Pixhawk systems. Its short-to-medium range and narrow FOV make it ideal for obstacle avoidance, level sensing and targeted distance measurements where pinpoint accuracy and speed matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsers who require very long-range LiDAR, wide-area scanning, or a ready-made I2C setup out of the box might look elsewhere; switching the communication mode requires manual configuration and this module is optimized for single-point detection rather than 3D mapping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCompact form factor and low weight make it easy to add to drones and portable robots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFast, stable TOF measurements across 0.1-12m deliver useful performance for many applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCompatible with common platforms like Raspberry Pi and Arduino, easing development work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNarrow 2 degree FOV reduces unwanted readings from adjacent objects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTFmini-S is UART by default, so users wanting I2C must manually switch modes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSingle-point output means it is not suited for scanning or mapping tasks that need multiple returns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle-point TOF laser ranging module\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.1-12m\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eField of view\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 degree\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupply voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.5-6V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommunication\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUART (default), switchable to I2C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRaspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Small TFmini-S Lidar Sensor is a strong, cost-effective choice for creators who need accurate short-to-medium range detection with minimal payload impact. It excels in UAV obstacle sensing and embedded projects that accept UART connectivity, offering solid value when a compact, fast TOF module is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use this with a Raspberry Pi?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the module is compatible with Raspberry Pi and can communicate via UART or I2C after switching modes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat range can I expect in real conditions?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sensor operates from 0.1 to 12m; performance is best on objects that reflect well and within the specified FOV and environmental conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it ready for flight on a small drone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, its compact, lightweight design and 4.5-6V supply make it suitable for drones, provided the single-point output fits the planned avoidance or sensing system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stemedu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48184112873691,"sku":"B08D1XVRV5","price":39.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51_3CnoPpAL._AC_SL1001_055a5a52-7349-4254-880a-03e90bd9439f.jpg?v=1769514769","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/small-tfmini-s-lidar-sensor-compact-0-1-12m-tof-distance-module","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}