Frequently Asked Questions

The AD2-S-X3 achieves a maximum detection range of 300m at 10% reflectivity under outdoor 100Klux ambient light conditions, with a minimum detectable range of ≤1.2m. Range performance may vary based on target reflectivity, environmental conditions, and ambient light levels.

The bus can be overloaded when every sensor keeps its built-in 120Ω termination enabled. Send 5A 05 60 00 BF to disable the sensor-side termination, then send 5A 04 11 6F to save. Keep 120Ω termination only at the two physical ends of the bus.

Use CANTOOL and send configuration through broadcast station ID 0x00 first. The default baud rate is 250 kbps. Check termination, power, and CANH/CANL wiring before changing the station ID according to the model CAN guide.

The AD2-S-X3 supports Windows, Linux (Ubuntu), and ROS (Robot Operating System) platforms via native drivers. Ethernet UDP transmission enables integration with industrial controllers, PLC systems, and embedded computing platforms. Standard gPTP/PTP/NTP synchronization ensures precise timestamping for multi-sensor fusion in autonomous systems and industrial applications.

The AD2-S-X3 uses 1000Base-TX Ethernet for data transmission with UDP protocol. Power is supplied via M12 Acode 4PIN connector, and data is output through M12 Xcode 8PIN interface. Time synchronization is supported via gPTP, PTP, and NTP protocols.

First check whether the output has been switched to the 9-byte format. To restore 8-byte output, send 5A 05 05 09 6D, save it as required by the device, reconnect, and verify the response. If the issue remains, provide the raw CAN data, model, and firmware version.

The AD2-S-X3 is optimized for ADAS (advanced driver assistance), smart industry, smart transportation, and last-mile delivery scenarios. Its 128-channel equivalent and 0.2°×0.2° angular resolution enable robust perception for autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and transportation infrastructure monitoring.

Use a USB-to-I2C adapter such as CH341 and BW_CheckWINCC to send the switch command. Some models also support the hardware method on PIN5. TFmini-S, TFmini Plus, and TF02-Pro commonly select I2C with PIN5 tied to GND; follow the model manual to remove that connection or send the matching command when returning to UART.

The AD2-S-X3 provides 3cm accuracy at 1σ (standard deviation), measured at an ambient temperature of 25°C. Precision may vary due to detection range, target reflectivity, and environmental conditions. The sensor delivers ultra-high angular resolution of 0.1°×0.22° in ROI regions and 0.2°×0.22° in non-ROI regions.

Check the I2C selection state on PIN5, the default address 0x10, and the Pixhawk parameters RNGFND1_TYPE=20 and RNGFND1_ADDR=0x10. Share a common ground, keep the I2C cable at or below 40 cm where possible, and verify power, pull-ups, and wiring order.

The AD2-S-X3 operates in temperatures from -40°C to +85°C and stores between -40°C to +105°C, providing strong environmental adaptability. It features IP67 dust/water protection and IP6K9K high-pressure jet protection, making it suitable for harsh outdoor industrial and transportation environments.

Assign a different address to each sensor. The address range is 0x08–0x77. Send 5A 05 0B [ADDR] 00 and then save the setting; use an I2C multiplexer or shorten the bus if the bus remains unstable.

The AD2-S-X3 requires an operating voltage of 9-32V, with average power consumption of ≤15W. This wide input voltage range allows flexible integration with automotive (12V/24V) and industrial power systems, while low power consumption minimizes thermal and electrical load.

Confirm the model-specific protocol, baud rate, and interface first. A baud rate that is too low for the configured frame rate can overflow the transmit buffer. TF03 TTL/RS485/CAN commands must not be mixed with the Modbus commands for TFmini-i-485 or TF02-I-485; use the model manual.

To switch UART to CAN, send 5A 05 45 02 A6 and then 5A 04 11 6F to save. To switch CAN to UART, send 5A 05 45 01 A5 over the CAN bus and save. Reconnect using the new interface and the 250 kbps CAN configuration.

The AD2-S-X3 measures 206.5mm (W) × 156.1mm (D) × 61.4mm (H) and weighs 1.2kg, making it compact enough for vehicle-mounted and stationary industrial installations. Its curved top design is optimized for aerodynamic mounting on automotive platforms.

The AD2-S-X3 is not recommended for applications requiring detection ranges beyond 300m or minimum ranges below 1.2m without adequate reflective targets. Performance degrades significantly in high-ambient-light indoor environments (>100Klux equivalent) and with very low-reflectivity targets (<10%). It is unsuitable for safety-critical applications requiring laser Class >1 certification, as it is Class 1 Eye-safe only.

Send the new baud-rate value using the TF03 command format. Disconnect and reconnect at the new baud rate before saving; do not raise the frame rate while the sensor is still running at a baud rate that is too low.

Check TX/RX crossover, common ground, and whether the adapter is 3.3V TTL rather than RS485 or RS232. Many TF models use 115200 by default, but the supply voltage and logic level must follow the specific model manual.

Compared to Benewake's Horn-RT (which targets 200m range but offers higher frame rates), the AD2-S-X3 extends range to 300m and adds adjustable ROI (Region of Interest) for flexible performance tuning. Versus competitors like Livox Mid-360 or RoboSense RS-LiDAR, the AD2-S-X3 offers superior angular resolution (0.1° in ROI) and Class 1 laser safety certification, though with lower frame rate (10Hz vs. 20Hz+) and narrower vertical FoV in ROI mode (8.6° vs. wider options).

Connector family and pitch vary by product; common families include JST, GH, and Molex. Check the product pinout and mechanical drawing first, then source a mating connector or extension cable by model, pin count, and pitch.

The TF-Luna operates from 0.2m to 8m with 90% reflectivity in both indoor and outdoor conditions, and 0.2m to 2.5m with 10% reflectivity. Range varies based on target reflectivity and ambient light; the 8m maximum assumes a standard white board (90% reflective) tested indoors at 25°C. For lower-reflectivity targets (10%), maximum range drops to 2.5m.

Near-range error can be related to calibration data or firmware. Recalibrate with BenewakeUserConfigTool and confirm firmware TF-MINI-P.STD.02.01.07 or later; provide the serial number and firmware version to support if the issue remains.

The TF-Luna integrates with Arduino (UART/I²C via serial shields), ROS (community drivers available for UART), Pixhawk autopilots (via rangefinder MAVLink protocol over UART), and industrial PLCs (via UART/I²C) through standard communication protocols. The LVTTL (3.3V) logic level is compatible with most microcontroller ecosystems; users may need level shifters for 5V systems. Default UART at 115200 baud and I²C slave at 0x10 are immediately usable in embedded and robotics stacks.

Air testing is possible, but underwater calibration does not represent air accuracy and errors of about 5–10 cm may occur. For an air POC, recalibrate for air and remove underwater refractive-index and angular-refraction compensation from the SDK.

The TF-Luna supports three interfaces: UART (default 115200 baud, adjustable), I²C (slave mode with 400kbps maximum transmission rate and default address 0x10), and I/O. The communication level is LVTTL (3.3V logic), and the I²C address range is 0x08–0x77, allowing multiple sensors on the same bus.

Verify stable 5.4V±5% power. Use Benewake PC software to observe the raw output and separate sensor-side issues from application-side issues, then check whether ROS or driver logic is filtering valid points.

The TF-Luna is optimized for auxiliary focus (camera autofocus), elevator projection (cabin detection), intrusion detection, and level measurement (silo/tank monitoring). Its small size (<35mm length), low power (<0.35W), and high frame rate (up to 250Hz) make it ideal for compact systems like UAVs, AGVs, and IoT devices where space and power are constrained.

This has been reported in semiconductor cleanroom conditions and needs site-specific analysis. Capture the complete 9-byte raw output with strength/amp values during the event, then provide the model, firmware, and environment to technical support.

The TF-Luna delivers ±6cm accuracy at distances 0.2m–3m and ±2% accuracy from 3m–8m, with a distance resolution of 1cm. These specifications are based on indoor testing with a standard white board (90% reflectivity) at 25°C, representing best-case conditions for high-reflectivity targets.

Operating temperature ranges from -10°C to +60°C, with storage temperature from -20°C to +75°C. The sensor has no formal IP rating but uses ABS+PC housing. It tolerates ambient light up to 70Klux (approximately outdoor daylight equivalent) without range degradation, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor deployment.

TFmini Plus is specified up to 12 m at 90% reflectivity. Readings above 1200 cm are outside the factory-calibrated range and should not drive control or safety decisions; filter out-of-range data according to the model specification.

A deviation of a few centimeters can result from multipath reflections when the spot crosses a curved edge. A deviation of 1 m or more needs investigation. Keep the spot fully on the target and capture 9-byte raw data including strength for analysis.

The TF-Luna requires a 3.7V–5.2V supply with average current ≤70mA and peak current of 150mA, consuming ≤0.35W on average. This low power budget enables integration into battery-powered systems including drones, mobile robots, and handheld devices without significant power management concerns.

The TF-Luna measures 35mm (L) × 21.25mm (W) × 12.5mm (H) and weighs less than 5g, making it one of the most compact single-point LiDAR modules. Its minimal footprint and weight make it ideal for space-constrained applications like UAV payload integration and embedded IoT systems.

The value represents the intensity of the returned laser pulse and normally decreases with distance. Values above 100 can be a general reference; 0x5959 (decimal 22873) is an example of a healthy return, while 65534 and 65535 usually indicate no valid return. Interpret it together with target material and distance.

Read the full version with 5A 04 14 72. If it reports TF03S-A STDV3.02.03.00, do not flash standard TFA170-L firmware because the bootloaders are incompatible. Contact Benewake for a special build based on the TF03S-A bootloader.

The TF-Luna has a narrow 2° field of view and measures only single points, so it cannot create 2D or 3D maps—unsuitable for mapping or SLAM applications requiring spatial imaging. It also degrades significantly on low-reflectivity targets (<20%), limiting range to 2.5m; not recommended for dark surfaces, transparent materials, or long-distance outdoor applications requiring >8m range. Peak current spikes (150mA) may stress power-limited systems.

The TF-Luna is more compact (35×21.25×12.5mm vs. larger scanning lidar modules) and lower cost, with single-point measurement up to 8m at 90% reflectivity. However, it lacks the 2D scanning capability of devices like the Lightware SF45 and operates in narrower conditions (2° FOV vs. wider scanning fields). For range-only applications requiring small size and low power, TF-Luna competes on compactness; for mapping-capable sensors, it serves different use cases.

Yes. It is a confirmed firmware issue in v3.3.1: the register can read 0x0000 regardless of the actual frame rate. It is fixed in v3.5.1; update early-batch devices according to the model upgrade instructions.

A known firmware issue can cause the save logic to use the old address. Contact Benewake for the corrected firmware and avoid repeatedly writing unverified address commands.

The TF-NOVA achieves ≥14m range at 90% reflectivity in low-light conditions (0 Klux), ≥13m at 10% reflectivity (0 Klux), and maintains ≥7m at 90% reflectivity in bright outdoor conditions (100 Klux). The blind zone is ≤0.1m, so the usable range spans from 0.1m to 14m depending on target reflectivity and ambient light.

For TFmini, TFmini-S, and TFmini Plus, send 5A 04 01 5F. For TF-Luna, send 5A 04 01 00. For the full TFA170-L version, send 5A 04 14 72. Confirm the command and response format in the model manual.

The UART, IIC, and I/O interfaces enable integration with Arduino, PLC systems, embedded Linux boards (Raspberry Pi, Jetson), and autopilot stacks via I/O trigger signals. IIC and UART support real-time distance polling at up to 100Hz (customizable to 900Hz), allowing seamless integration into ROS-based robotics platforms and custom firmware-driven obstacle avoidance systems.

The TF-NOVA supports three communication protocols: UART (default 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity), IIC (I²C), and I/O digital outputs. This multi-interface design enables integration with microcontrollers, industrial PLCs, and embedded systems across different platforms.

You can try 5A 04 10 6E to recover from an abnormal configuration, but the exact command can vary by model. Save the current configuration first and follow the product user manual.

The TF-NOVA is specifically optimized for obstacle detection and presence activation trigger applications. Its compact 26.5×21.05×12.0mm form factor, low weight (<5g), and customizable frame rate (1-900Hz) make it ideal for UAVs, robots, smart building automation, and industrial IoT proximity sensing where space and power are constrained.

The transmit buffer may have overflowed. Use a Benewake offline downloader with the matching bin firmware and align its probes to the four-pin debug interface using the PCB GND mark. Get support guidance before doing this; in future, raise the baud rate and reconnect before raising the frame rate.

The TF-NOVA delivers ±5cm accuracy across its primary measurement range of 0.1-4m, with repeatability of <1cm (1 sigma) in the same range. Distance resolution is 1cm, enabling precise distance measurements for safety-critical applications and accurate positioning in robotics.

Standard phone cameras usually have IR filters. Use an IR camera with a 905 nm filter for 905 nm sensors and an 850 nm filter for 850 nm sensors; use an industrial camera for detailed diagnostics.

The TF-NOVA operates across -25°C to +70°C, supporting both cold outdoor environments and heated industrial settings. Storage temperature range is -30°C to +80°C, and the front window protection level is IP65, ensuring reliability in dusty or humid environments without moisture ingress into the optical system.

A nearby infrared source, such as a security camera illuminator, is a common cause. Capture 9-byte raw data including strength, temporarily disable or shield the suspected source, then add shielding, relocate the sensor, or revise the installation.

Yes, but check for IR sources and direct-sun reflections in the field of view, and log raw data to validate false returns before final installation. Use a hood or cap to protect an upward-facing sensor from rain and sun.

The TF-NOVA requires DC 5±5%V power supply (4.75-5.25V), with average power consumption below 500mW for continuous operation. Peak startup current is <850mA, and startup time is <1s, making it suitable for battery-powered and energy-constrained embedded systems.

Support can provide 3D STEP references for models such as TF-NOVA. A custom enclosure should consider PMMA or optical-glass windows, window thickness and transmission, internal reflections, heat dissipation, and waterproof validation because each can affect ranging accuracy.

The TF-NOVA measures 26.5×21.05×12.0mm and weighs less than 5g, making it one of the smallest line-pattern LiDAR sensors available. It uses a standard 1.25mm-5P connector with a 10cm integrated cable, enabling compact integration into confined spaces such as drone frames and miniature robots.

Electromagnetic compatibility interference may be involved. Increase the physical separation between the sensor and GPS antenna, then consider EMI shielding and power/ground improvements. Validate again in the final system installation.

The TF-NOVA has no IP-rated housing (protection level N.A.), only the front window is IP65-rated, so it requires protective enclosure for harsh industrial environments. Its ≤0.1m blind zone and 14°×1° divergence angle may limit very-short-range detection and wide-area coverage; performance degrades significantly above 4m beyond the ±5cm accuracy guarantee, and bright sunlight (100 Klux) reduces effective range from 14m to 4-7m.

Check TX/RX, power, and common ground first. With ArduPilot, confirm RNGFND1_TYPE=20 and RNGFND1_ADDR=0x10 for I2C. Validate the hardware with ArduPilot before investigating PX4 driver compatibility; TF03 CAN also needs 250 kbps and 120Ω termination at both ends.

TF-NOVA uses a 14° × 1° line-pattern laser beam rather than a point beam, trading a narrow vertical field of view for wider horizontal obstacle detection. The customer specification lists ±5 cm accuracy only for 0.1–4 m, while detection range reaches ≥14 m under the specified 90% reflectivity and 0 Klux test condition. At <500 mW and <5 g, it targets weight- and power-constrained UAV and mobile robot integration.

Yes. Configure them as separate rangefinder instances such as RNGFND1 and RNGFND2. If both use I2C, assign different addresses and validate the supported driver and parameters on the flight controller.

The TF-UW500 achieves a detection range exceeding 5 meters underwater at standard conditions (NTU < 0.5, 30% reflectivity, perpendicular beam incidence, water depth > 1 m). It has a blind zone of ≤ 0.1 m, making it unsuitable for very close-range targets beneath that threshold.

I2C is intended for short PCB-level links; TFmini Plus is recommended at no more than 40 cm. Runs over 2 m need bus drivers, extenders, or pull-up tuning. UART, optionally through RS485 converters, is the more reliable choice for long distances.

The TF-UW500's UART and I²C interfaces enable integration with Arduino, PLC, embedded Linux systems, and ROS-based robotic platforms. The 3.3 V TTL logic levels are compatible with standard microcontroller GPIO; for 5 V systems, a level shifter is required. Specific integration examples (firmware libraries, ROS drivers, sample code) should be requested from Benewake support.

The TF-UW500 supports both UART and I²C interfaces, switchable by command. The default UART baud rate is 115200 (configurable), with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity, using a 1.0 mm 4-pin connector (HC-1.0-4PWT) and 3.3 V TTL logic levels.

Use an RS485-to-TCP DTU as a bridge: connect TF03 to the DTU over RS485, configure the target socket and cloud device, and forward data over cellular or Wi-Fi. Confirm the Modbus/protocol, power, network, and data-security settings for the deployment.

The TF-UW500 is specifically designed for outdoor pool cleaning robots operating under strong sunlight, leveraging its underwater capability, high ambient light resistance (100 KLux), and red laser wavelength. It is ideal for robotic pool navigation, water level detection, and obstacle avoidance in swimming pools and similar aquatic environments.

Within the 0.1–2 m range, the TF-UW500 offers accuracy better than 3 cm and repeatability better than 1 cm at 1σ confidence interval. The distance resolution is 1 mm, enabling precise underwater measurements for robotic navigation and level monitoring applications.

The TF-UW500 operates between 0 °C and +50 °C, with a storage temperature range of −20 °C to +70 °C. Note that it has no IP rating specified in the datasheet; waterproofing specifications should be confirmed with Benewake technical personnel before deployment in wet environments.

The TF-UW500 requires a DC 5±0.2 V power supply with average consumption of less than 500 mA (5 V × 100 mA). Peak inrush current at startup can reach 700 mA, so adequate power supply capacity with transient margin is recommended for stable operation.

The TF-UW500 measures 24.0 mm × 16.0 mm × 20.4 mm and weighs less than 5 grams excluding cables. These compact dimensions make it well-suited for integration into space-constrained robotic platforms and subsea equipment.

The TF-UW500 has a minimum blind zone of 0.1 m, so it cannot reliably detect targets closer than 10 cm. Additionally, the datasheet specifies no IP rating, meaning water-resistance integrity cannot be verified from published specs alone. Performance degrades at high turbidity levels (rated at NTU < 0.5); murky water significantly reduces detection range.

The TF-UW500 is Benewake's first underwater-rated single-point LiDAR with red laser (most competitors use NIR/850 nm). Unlike the dry-environment TF-mini/TF03 series, it features enhanced optical design for water transmission and ambient light rejection (100 KLux), though range is limited to >5 m versus >25 m for terrestrial TF models. Direct technical comparison with Lightware LW series underwater modules requires their full specifications.

The TF02-i achieves 0.1m–40m at 90% reflectivity and 0.1m–13.5m at 10% reflectivity in both indoor (0 Klux) and outdoor (100 Klux) conditions. Range performance is based on target reflectivity and lighting conditions, with these specifications measured at 25°C using standard white and black reference boards.

The TF02-i integrates with PLC systems, industrial controllers, and CAN/RS-485 fieldbus networks via its dual industrial interfaces. While the datasheet does not explicitly list Arduino, ROS, or Pixhawk support, the RS-485 interface and adjustable frame rate (1–1000 Hz, default 100 Hz) enable custom integration with embedded systems, robotics platforms, and real-time control applications.

The TF02-i provides dual communication options: RS-485 (115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity) and CAN (250 kbps, standard frame format with 0x00000003 receiving and transmitting IDs). Both interfaces are configurable, allowing seamless integration into different industrial control networks.

The TF02-i is optimized for robots, intelligent traffic systems, intelligent devices, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its wide input voltage range (7V–30V), compact form factor (69×40.5×31.5mm), and industrial-grade communication interfaces make it ideal for autonomous systems requiring reliable obstacle detection and distance measurement.

The TF02-i delivers ±5cm accuracy within 0.1m–5m and ±1% accuracy from 5m–25m, with a distance resolution of 1cm. These specifications are measured using a standard white board (90% reflectivity) at 25°C and assume stable lighting conditions.

The TF02-i operates in temperatures from -20°C to +60°C and can be stored from -30°C to +80°C. The housing is constructed from ABS/PC/PMMA materials; however, the datasheet does not specify an IP rating, so outdoor use requires protective enclosure consideration in harsh or wet environments.

The TF02-i requires a DC 7V–30V input with average current of ≤70mA at 12V and peak current of 100mA. Total power consumption is ≤0.85W at 12V, enabling integration into battery-powered and industrial systems with flexible voltage rails.

The TF02-i measures 69mm (length) × 40.5mm (height) × 31.5mm (width) and weighs 60g including its 70cm cable. This compact form factor makes it suitable for weight-constrained applications such as UAVs and portable robotics.

The TF02-i should not be deployed in environments without IP-rated protection in wet or dusty conditions, as the datasheet provides no environmental sealing specification. It is not suitable for applications requiring measurement beyond 40m at high reflectivity or below 10% reflectivity at longer ranges, nor for high-speed scanning applications requiring frame rates above 1000 Hz.

The TF02-i differs from its Benewake siblings in communication interface and voltage flexibility: it adds industrial-grade CAN/RS-485 support (vs. UART-only on TFmini-S/Luna) and accepts 7V–30V input (vs. 5V input on TFmini-S). The TF02-i achieves identical 40m range at 90% reflectivity and ±1% accuracy (5m–25m) but is positioned for industrial systems rather than consumer/maker applications.

The TF02-Pro can measure distances up to 40 m at 90% reflectivity (e.g., white surfaces), with a minimum range of 0.1 m. At 10% reflectivity (dark surfaces), the maximum range is 13.5 m. Range performance varies depending on target reflectivity and ambient light conditions (tested at 0 Klux indoors and 100 Klux outdoors).

The TF02-Pro integrates with Arduino boards via UART/I²C, supports ROS (Robot Operating System) through standard serial drivers, and is compatible with Pixhawk autopilot systems for UAV altitude control. Its UART and I²C interfaces allow integration with PLC systems, industrial controllers, and embedded Linux platforms (Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano). Benewake provides UART and I²C protocol documentation for custom firmware development on any embedded platform with standard serial communication capabilities.

The TF02-Pro supports both UART and I²C interfaces. UART operates at a default baud rate of 115,200 bps with 8 data bits and 1 stop bit, while I²C operates at up to 400 kbps in slave mode with a default address of 0x10 (configurable from 0x01 to 0x7F). Both interfaces use LVTTL (3.3 V) logic levels.

The TF02-Pro is designed for UAV altitude hold, intelligent transportation, intelligent parking, and material level monitoring applications. Its 40 m range, high frame rate (up to 1000 Hz), and ambient light immunity (up to 100 Klux) make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor robotic systems, vehicle height detection, and industrial sensing tasks.

The TF02-Pro delivers ±5 cm accuracy at distances from 0.1 m to 5 m, and ±1% accuracy from 5 m to 40 m. Distance resolution is 1 cm, with repeatability of <2 cm (1σ) for measurements from 0.1 m to 35 m at 90% reflectivity. Specifications are based on measurements at 25°C with standard white board reflectance.

The TF02-Pro has an IP65 enclosure rating and operates in ambient light up to 100 Klux, making it suitable for bright outdoor environments. It functions reliably across temperatures from −20°C to +60°C, with storage capability from −30°C to +80°C. Its optimized optical system and algorithm enhance performance in the presence of varying reflectivity backgrounds and temperature changes.

The TF02-Pro requires a DC power supply of 5 V to 12 V. Average current consumption is ≤200 mA with total power consumption ≤1 W, while peak current during operation reaches 300 mA. This low power profile makes it ideal for battery-powered applications like drones and portable robotic systems.

The TF02-Pro measures 69 mm (length) × 41.5 mm (height) × 26 mm (width) and weighs 50 g including an 80 cm cable. Its compact and lightweight design allows for easy integration into space-constrained applications such as UAVs, mobile robots, and handheld industrial tools.

The TF02-Pro should not be used for targets with extremely low reflectivity (<10%) beyond 13.5 m, as range performance degrades significantly. It is not suitable for high-speed rotating applications requiring frame rates above 1000 Hz or for safety-critical autonomous systems where IEC 61508 certification is mandated (it is Class 1 per IEC60825 laser safety only). Additionally, it should not be deployed in environments exceeding −20°C to +60°C operating range or indoors with zero ambient light where its 100 Klux immunity provides no advantage.

The TF02-Pro offers a cost-effective alternative in the mid-range segment: compared to Garmin LidarLite V3 (40 m range, ±10 cm accuracy), the TF02-Pro achieves better accuracy at close range (±5 cm from 0.1–5 m) and maintains ±1% accuracy beyond 5 m; compared to Lightware LW20/LW20-100 series (120 m range), the TF02-Pro trades maximum range for lower cost and better outdoor ambient light immunity. The TF02-Pro's 100 Klux ambient light resistance and up to 1000 Hz frame rate align it with Benewake's own TFmini-Plus, but TF02-Pro extends the range to 40 m versus TFmini-Plus's 12 m maximum.

The TF02-Pro-W achieves a maximum range of 25 m at 90% reflectivity (indoors at 0 Klux or outdoors at 100 Klux), and 12 m at 10% reflectivity with low-reflective targets. At 1 cm distance resolution and ±1% accuracy beyond 6 m, it is suitable for level detection and industrial ranging applications requiring extended reach.

The TF02-Pro-W integrates directly with industrial controllers (PLC, industrial PC) via RS-485, supporting MODBUS RTU and vendor-specific protocols. It is compatible with industrial IoT gateways, SCADA systems, and automation frameworks requiring RS-485 slaves, though it does not natively support Arduino, ROS, or Pixhawk without third-party RS-485-to-serial/USB converters.

The TF02-Pro-W uses RS-485 serial communication with a default baud rate of 115,200 bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. The 1.2 m cable is included, and the RS-485 interface is specifically designed for industrial scenarios and multi-node setups requiring longer cable runs and noise immunity.

The TF02-Pro-W is optimized for level detection in industrial environments, particularly in tanks, silos, and hoppers where robust, long-range single-point ranging is required. Its 7–30 V wide input voltage range, RS-485 industrial interface, and IP5X enclosure rating make it ideal for harsh environments, PLC integration, and distributed sensor networks.

The sensor delivers ±6 cm accuracy at 0.1–6 m range and ±1% accuracy at 6–25 m range (both measured with 90% reflectivity targets at 25°C). Repeatability is <2 cm (1σ) across the entire 0.1–25 m range, providing consistent measurements for industrial automation and control applications.

The TF02-Pro-W operates between -20°C and +60°C, with a storage temperature range of -30°C to +80°C. It features an IP5X enclosure rating (dust-protected), providing protection against dust ingress and jets of water, suitable for outdoor and semi-protected industrial installations.

The sensor accepts DC 7–30 V input voltage with a 7:1 voltage tolerance designed for industrial power distribution. Average current consumption is ≤200 mA at 12 V, peak current is 400 mA at 12 V, and total power consumption is ≤4.8 W, making it compatible with standard industrial power supplies and allowing integration into existing systems.

The TF02-Pro-W measures 85 mm (L) × 59 mm (H) × 43 mm (W) with a compact housing made of PC/ABS material, weighing 92 g including the 1.2 m cable. The compact form factor simplifies mounting on level sensors, pipeline systems, and confined industrial installations.

The TF02-Pro-W has a narrow 3° field of view, making it unsuitable for applications requiring wider coverage or simultaneous multi-point scanning. It is not designed for highly reflective surfaces (mirrors, polished metal >90% reflectivity beyond design specs), fast-moving target tracking, or outdoor direct sunlight scenarios exceeding 100 Klux ambient light without proper hood protection.

The TF02-Pro-W's key industrial advantage is its 7–30 V wide voltage input and native RS-485 interface, versus competitors like Lightware LW series (typically fixed 5–24 V, serial/CAN) and Garmin LidarLite V3 (fixed voltage, SPI/I2C). In the 0.1–25 m range with ±6 cm near-field accuracy, it matches or exceeds the Lightware SF45 single-point specification while offering industrial-grade ruggedness and multi-node scalability.

The TF03 offers two variants: TF03-100 with 100 m @ 90% reflectivity and 40 m @ 10% reflectivity, and TF03-180 with 180 m @ 90% reflectivity and 70 m @ 10% reflectivity. Both models have a blind zone of ≤ 0.1 m, meaning they cannot measure targets closer than 10 cm.

The TF03 supports standard industrial communication protocols (UART, RS232, RS485, CAN) enabling integration with Pixhawk autopilots, ROS-based robotics platforms, PLC control systems, and Arduino/embedded Linux boards. The configurable frame rate (1–9,800 Hz default 100 Hz) and compact Molex 7-pin connector (MH1.25-7P-W/B) facilitate OEM integration into UAVs, AGVs, port automation systems, and IoT monitoring devices. Class1 eye-safety certification (IEC 60825-1:2014) also permits deployment in human-occupied environments.

The TF03 supports three independent hardware interface options: UART/CAN (switchable by command), RS232, and RS485. Users must select the corresponding product model based on their system requirements. All interfaces use 3.3 V TTL logical voltage.

The TF03 is designed for industrial high-speed measurement applications including robotics distance sensing, autonomous vehicle obstacle detection, aerial platforms altitude measurement, port automation, mining operations, and IoT distance monitoring. Its configurable frame rate (up to 9,800 Hz) and outdoor rain/snow/fog compensation algorithms make it suitable for demanding outdoor industrial environments.

The TF03 delivers ±10 cm accuracy within 10 meters and ±1% accuracy beyond 10 meters, with repeatability < 3 cm @ 1σ. Distance resolution is 1 cm, and measurements are certified under indoor conditions with a 90% reflectivity diffuse whiteboard target at 25°C.

The TF03 operates from -25°C to +60°C and features IP67 protection, making it suitable for outdoor deployment in variable weather. Storage temperature range is -40°C to +85°C. The integrated compensation algorithms enable normal operation in strong sunlight, rain, snow, and fog environments with ambient light resistance up to 100 KLux.

The TF03 accepts DC 5V ~ 24V power input with average power consumption ≤ 800 mW and peak current < 480 mA @ 12V. This wide voltage range supports integration with battery-powered UAVs, portable robotics, and industrial control systems without additional voltage regulation.

The TF03 measures 44.0 mm × 43.0 mm × 32.0 mm with a typical weight of 86 ± 3 g (excluding cable). The 70 cm cable length and compact form factor enable integration into space-constrained platforms such as micro-UAVs, AGVs, and handheld measurement devices.

The TF03 is not suitable for: (1) applications requiring < 0.1 m measurement due to its blind zone; (2) high-precision scanning requiring sub-centimeter accuracy beyond 10 meters (±1% error accumulates); (3) rotating panoramic scanning (use multi-beam LiDAR instead); (4) extreme temperature environments outside -25°C ~ +60°C; (5) completely sealed enclosures where ventilation cannot accommodate the cable connector. Reflectivity requirements also matter—performance degrades significantly on low-reflectance (< 10%) targets at maximum range.

The TF03-180 achieves 180 m max range versus LidarLite V3's 40 m, giving Benewake a 4.5× range advantage for long-distance industrial applications. However, TF03's ±1% error at distance (vs. LidarLite's reported ±2.5 cm fixed error) makes it more suitable for applications where relative accuracy matters. The TF03's IP67 rating and built-in rain/fog compensation also provide superior outdoor durability compared to typical consumer-grade rangefinders.

The TF350 offers a range of 0.2–350m indoors (at 90% reflectivity) and 0.2–300m outdoors at 100Klux ambient light (at 90% reflectivity). At lower reflectivity (10%), the range is reduced to 0.2–110m indoors and 0.2–100m outdoors. This long-range capability makes it suitable for vehicle collision avoidance and traffic monitoring applications.

The TF350 integrates with UART/CAN-capable platforms including Arduino, ROS-compatible robotics systems, PLC controllers, automotive ECUs, and custom embedded Linux systems. The RS485/RS232 variants enable integration with legacy industrial automation systems and Modbus-based networks. Standard 115200 baud rate serial communication and configurable CAN parameters (1000 kbps) support both real-time and non-real-time applications. Detailed integration instructions are provided in the user manual for custom firmware development.

The TF350 offers multiple communication options: UART (3.3V LVTTL), CAN (1000 kbps standard frame), and switchable RS485/RS232 interfaces. All interfaces operate at a standard baud rate of 115200 for serial connections, with 8 data bits and 1 stop bit. This flexibility allows integration with diverse industrial control systems including PLCs, automotive ECUs, and embedded platforms.

The TF350 is designed for vehicle collision avoidance and safety warning systems, traffic flow statistics collection, camera triggering, and UAV-assisted takeoff and landing. Its high frame rate (up to 1000 Hz configurable), IP67 enclosure, and long-range detection make it ideal for industrial drones, automotive safety systems, and intelligent transportation applications. It also handles outdoor glare and operates reliably in rain, fog, and snow conditions.

The TF350 provides ±10cm accuracy within 10 meters, then 1% accuracy beyond 10 meters. Its distance resolution is 1cm with repeatability (1σ) of less than 3cm. These specifications are measured at 25°C with a 90% reflectivity white board, ensuring predictable performance for precision distance measurement in industrial applications.

The TF350 has an IP67 enclosure rating, making it fully dustproof and capable of temporary immersion in water. It operates reliably across -25°C to +60°C and tolerates up to 100Klux ambient light immunity. With integrated compensation algorithms for outdoor glare and interference, it functions in moderate rain (less than 25mm/24h), snow, and fog conditions without performance degradation.

The TF350 accepts a wide supply voltage range of 5V–24V, with average current consumption of ≤150mA at 5V, ≤80mA at 12V, and ≤50mA at 24V. Total power consumption is ≤1W, making it energy-efficient for battery-powered platforms like UAVs and industrial IoT applications. This low power profile enables integration into resource-constrained systems.

The TF350 measures 78mm (length) × 67mm (width) × 40mm (height) with a weight of 222g (standard version) or 225g (RS485 version, ±3g tolerance). Its compact aluminum alloy enclosure is designed for mounting on vehicles, drones, and industrial equipment. The 70cm cable length allows flexible installation in diverse mechanical configurations.

The TF350 is not suitable for applications requiring scanning or field-of-view angles greater than 0.35° (it is a single-point sensor, not a scanning LiDAR). It is not recommended for extreme environmental conditions beyond its operating temperature range (-25°C to +60°C), heavy rainfall exceeding 25mm/24h, or applications requiring safety-grade laser sensor certifications beyond Class 1 (EN60825). It is also unsuitable as a replacement for full 3D scanning LiDAR in autonomous driving mapping tasks.

Compared to the Garmin LidarLite V3 (max range ~40m) and Lightware SF45 (scanning sensor), the TF350 offers significantly longer maximum range (350m indoors, 300m outdoors) and higher configurable frame rate (up to 1000 Hz standard, 10 kHz customizable). While the TF350 is a single-point sensor like LidarLite V3, its IP67 rating and integrated outdoor glare compensation provide superior environmental durability for industrial and automotive applications. The TF350's multi-interface support (UART/CAN/RS485/RS232) also offers more integration flexibility than competitors.

The TFA1200-L has a detection range of 3 m to 1200 m, making it suitable for long-range applications. This extended range is particularly valuable for UAV gimbal integration, perimeter security, and overhead crane monitoring where distant target detection is critical. Accuracy at ranges up to 200 m is <1%, with a distance resolution of 10 cm throughout the operating range.

The TFA1200-L integrates with any microcontroller, embedded system, or flight controller with UART capability: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and PLC systems via standard serial communication. The TTL 3.3V interface is directly compatible with most single-board computers; no level-shifting is required. While not explicitly listed in the datasheet, the sensor's UART protocol supports master-slave commands for ranging modes, making it compatible with ROS (Robot Operating System) drivers and Pixhawk autopilots via standard telemetry adapters, though custom integration code will be required.

The TFA1200-L communicates via UART (TTL 3.3V) at a default baud rate of 115200 bps, with configurable 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. It outputs 3.3V TTL signals and uses a proprietary binary command protocol (master-slave communication) for controlling ranging modes (single, continuous, standby) and retrieving distance measurements. The 6-pin interface includes dedicated UART_TX/UART_RX lines plus a POWER_EN control pin for module enable/disable.

The TFA1200-L is optimized for UAV gimbal integration, perimeter security systems, overhead crane hook collision prevention, and engineering surveying applications. Its compact 25×25×13 mm form factor and lightweight 11 g design make it ideal for payload-constrained platforms like drones. The long 1200 m range and high-precision dToF technology enable effective distance measurement even in varying target reflectivity and strong sunlight conditions.

The TFA1200-L delivers <1% accuracy at ranges ≤200 m with 6 cm repeatability in the same distance band. Distance resolution is 10 cm across the entire 3–1200 m range. These specifications are measured during outdoor daytime conditions with a 90% reflectivity target and the laser spot entirely on the target object, representing typical real-world operating conditions.

The TFA1200-L operates reliably from -40°C to +65°C, with a storage temperature range of -40°C to +70°C and maximum operating humidity of ≤70%. The sensor is rated for Class 1 eye safety per EN60825 and offers 100 KLux ambient light resistance, enabling robust outdoor daylight operation without interference. However, the datasheet does not specify an IP rating for water/dust ingress protection.

The TFA1200-L accepts DC power input from 2.7 V to 5.0 V, with typical average power consumption below 1.1 W at 25°C. This low-power design makes it suitable for battery-powered and energy-constrained applications such as autonomous drones and portable survey equipment. The POWER_EN pin (pin 6) allows software control of the module's power state via TTL 3.3V logic.

The TFA1200-L measures 25 × 25 × 13 mm (compact cubic footprint) and weighs 11 g ± 0.5 g. This ultra-lightweight and compact design is specifically engineered for integration into gimbal systems, fixed-wing UAVs, and other space-constrained platforms where minimizing sensor mass is critical for flight stability and endurance.

The TFA1200-L's 3 Hz frame rate (3 measurements per second) makes it unsuitable for real-time obstacle avoidance in fast-moving applications (rovers, autonomous vehicles, drones in rapid flight). The narrowly focused 6 mrad field-of-view cannot detect targets outside its beam; multiple sensors would be required for multi-directional obstacle detection. No IP rating means it lacks explicit weatherproof sealing—users should protect it from direct rain and submersion. The low baud rate and simple TTL interface limit integration with high-speed industrial networks.

The TFA1200-L is a single-point fixed-beam dToF sensor (6 mrad FoV) and is not directly comparable to the Lightware SF45, which is a rotating multi-beam 2D LiDAR. However, versus the Lightware LW20-A single-point rangefinder, the TFA1200-L offers superior range (1200 m vs. ~40 m), comparable power efficiency (<1.1 W), and similar UART interface. The TFA1200-L achieves its range through dToF pulsed laser technology (905 nm EEL source) rather than phase-shift or continuous-wave ToF, providing robust performance in daylight without requiring complex beam modulation.

The TFA1500-L offers 0.5 to 1500 m range in low-frequency mode and 0.5 to 1300 m in high-frequency mode. The sensor achieves 1 cm distance resolution across both modes, allowing precise measurements for long-range applications like handheld rangefinders and drone altimetry.

The UART TTL 3.3V interface integrates directly with Arduino, STM32, Pixhawk autopilots, and Linux-based flight controllers via USB-UART adapters. The 500 kbps baud rate supports both high-frequency streaming (800 Hz via Pin 3) and low-frequency polling (4 Hz via Pin 4). The binary command protocol enables integration with ROS nodes, PLC systems, and custom C/C++/Python firmware without requiring specialized drivers.

The TFA1500-L communicates via UART with TTL 3.3V logic levels at 500000 bps baud rate. It supports both single-shot and continuous ranging commands through a binary protocol, with separate output pins (Pin 3 and 4) for high-frequency and low-frequency data streams, enabling flexible integration with microcontrollers and embedded systems.

The TFA1500-L is optimized for handheld rangefinders, mini drones with altitude hold, rangefinding scopes, and applications requiring compact long-range distance sensing. Its lightweight design (11±0.5 g) and small footprint (≤25×26×13 mm) make it ideal for weight-constrained platforms while its 1500 m range suits surveying, outdoor ranging, and high-altitude drone operations.

Accuracy is ±0.5 m (≤80 m), ±1.0 m (>80 m), and ±(0.2+0.0015*D) for distances >1000 m. The sensor delivers 1 cm distance resolution and maintains ≤1% false detection rate under specified conditions (visibility ≥10 km, humidity ≤70%, targets larger than laser spot size), providing reliable measurements across its full range.

The TFA1500-L operates from -20 to +60°C with storage range of -45 to +70°C. Since the module is not hermetically sealed, it requires relative humidity below 80% for safe operation; fogging and contaminants can damage the optical surfaces. An anti-reflection coating (905±20 nm, >95% transmittance) on the front window is recommended to maintain performance.

The sensor requires DC 3.0 to 5.0 V input with operating power consumption ≤2.5 W and standby consumption ≤0.8 W. This low power draw makes it suitable for battery-powered platforms; correct polarity is critical as reversed polarity causes permanent damage. The Power_EN pin (Pin 6) allows TTL-level power control for dynamic sleep mode.

Dimensions are ≤25 mm (length) × 26 mm (width) × 13 mm (height), with total weight of 11±0.5 g. The compact form factor integrates into mini drones, handheld devices, and gimbal systems without significantly affecting payload capacity or balance. The connector is FWF08002-S06B13W5M with 6 pins for power, ground, data, and control signals.

Avoid use in high-humidity environments (>80% RH) due to non-hermetic sealing risk. Performance degrades severely in fog, rain, or sandstorms; adverse atmospheric conditions significantly reduce effective range. Targets at oblique angles or with low reflectivity (e.g., dark surfaces) reduce measurement distance. The device also cannot operate while plugged/unplugged under power, and direct eye exposure to the 905 nm laser is not recommended.

The TFA1500-L's 1500 m maximum range in low-frequency mode exceeds Garmin LidarLite V3 (40 m) and approaches Lightware SF45 (100+ m) in extended applications. However, it trades off measurement rate (1-4 Hz standard vs. 100+ Hz for competitors) and does not provide automotive-grade IP ratings. Its strength lies in extreme long-range capability at minimal size and power for drone and handheld platforms.

The TFA170-L achieves a maximum range of 170m at 90% reflectivity and 70m at 10% reflectivity, with a minimum detection distance of 0.1m. Range performance is specified at 25°C and 85kLux ambient light conditions; environmental changes may affect results.

The RS-232 serial interface enables straightforward integration with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PLC controllers, and embedded Linux systems via USB-to-serial adapters. While not natively specified, ROS integration is possible via serial bridge middleware, and the configurable 1-1000Hz frame rate accommodates diverse payload requirements from lightweight drones to stationary monitoring systems.

The TFA170-L uses RS-232 as the default communication interface with a baud rate of 115200, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. Custom interfaces are available upon request from Benewake support; the 1.25mm-4P connector accommodates the standard serial configuration.

The TFA170-L is ideal for long-range industrial applications including drone altitude hold, AGV/AMR obstacle avoidance, silo and tank level monitoring, smart parking systems, and industrial IoT deployments. Its 170m range and <0.5° narrow field-of-view make it suited for point-distance measurements in outdoor and indoor environments.

The TFA170-L provides ±10cm accuracy for distances under 10m and 1% accuracy for distances 10m and beyond, with a 1cm distance resolution. Accuracy is calibrated at 25°C indoors with 90% reflectivity; environmental variations may impact measurement precision.

The TFA170-L operates between -20°C and +60°C with a storage temperature range of -20°C to +80°C. It features 100kLux ambient light resistance and Class 1 eye-safe laser certification per EN60825, suitable for both indoor and outdoor deployment; however, no IP protection rating is specified.

The TFA170-L requires DC 12±10%V input with an average power consumption of ≤1W and peak current of 120mA at 12V. This low power profile makes it suitable for battery-powered platforms and embedded systems with limited power budgets.

The TFA170-L measures 31.0 × 30.2 × 19.2mm and weighs approximately 10g, making it one of the most compact long-range LiDAR options. The small form factor and light weight enable easy integration into space-constrained platforms like drones, robots, and IoT devices.

The TFA170-L has no IP protection rating, so it is not recommended for harsh environments with water spray, dust, or extreme vibration without protective enclosure. Its narrow <0.5° field-of-view prevents simultaneous multi-directional ranging; multiple units are required for 2D/3D scanning, and frame rate is limited to 1-1000Hz, making real-time volumetric mapping impractical compared to scanning LiDAR.

TFA170-L's 170 m range exceeds Lightware LW20-100 (100 m) and Garmin LidarLite V4 (40 m), making it suitable for farther industrial applications. Within Benewake's portfolio, TF03 reaches 180 m and TF350 reaches 350 m, so choose TFA170-L when its range, weight, and interface fit the platform.

The TFA300 achieves 270 m at 90% reflectivity in 100 KLux ambient light, while the TFA300-L variant extends this to 290 m under the same conditions. At lower reflectivity (10%), range drops to 90 m for TFA300 and 100 m for TFA300-L. Minimum blind zone is ≤0.1 m.

TFA300 integrates with embedded systems via UART (Arduino, STM32, PLC, industrial controllers) and automotive/robotic networks via CAN bus (CAN-FD compatible systems). Logical voltage is 3.3V TTL, compatible with modern single-board computers. JST GH connectors enable quick integration into drone flight controllers (Pixhawk-compatible via UART to CAN bridges) and AGV/AMR platforms. Configurable frame rate (1–10,000 Hz) allows tuning for real-time OS and edge computing constraints.

The TFA300 supports both UART and CAN protocols, switchable by command. Default UART baud rate is 115,200 bps (configurable), with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. JST GH 1.25 mm 6-pin connector is used for all connections.

The TFA300 is ideal for mid-to-long range applications requiring compact, lightweight sensors with IP67 protection: autonomous vehicles, industrial distance measurement, altitude hold in drones, obstacle avoidance in mobile robots, terrain mapping, and structural monitoring. Its configurability (frame rate up to 10,000 Hz) supports both real-time and high-frequency measurement scenarios.

Accuracy is ±10 cm for distances less than 10 m, then ±1% for distances 10 m and beyond. Repeatability is excellent at <3 cm (1σ), ensuring consistent measurements across repeated measurements. Distance resolution is 1 cm, enabling fine-grain obstacle detection.

Operating temperature range is -20°C to +60°C, with storage temperature from -40°C to +80°C. IP67 rating ensures full dust protection and immersion in water up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Ambient light resistance is rated at 100 KLux, suitable for both indoor and outdoor daylight conditions.

The TFA300 requires DC 5V ±10% input with average power consumption of ≤0.45 W and peak current <0.75 A (measured at 25°C, 50 Hz). Low power draw makes it suitable for battery-powered systems and embedded IoT applications without heavy charging infrastructure.

Standard TFA300 dimensions are 49.4 mm × 37.0 mm × 28.6 mm with weight of 35.5 g (excluding cables). The ultra-compact TFA300-L variant measures 32.0 mm × 30.2 mm × 20.2 mm and weighs only 10.5 g, ideal for weight-critical applications like small drones and compact robotics.

Avoid TFA300 in extreme cold below -20°C or heat above +60°C without thermal management. Reflectivity below 10% significantly degrades range (90 m standard, 100 m long-range), so measure carefully on non-reflective surfaces. The <0.5° field of view requires precise aiming—it cannot detect off-axis obstacles. High ambient light (>100 KLux) also reduces effective range.

TFA300 and TFA300-L are different hardware variants: the housed IP67 TFA300 reaches 270 m and weighs 35.5 g, while the un-housed TFA300-L reaches 290 m and weighs 10.5 g. Both support UART/CAN; choose the variant according to protection, range, and weight requirements.

The TFmini-i achieves a maximum range of 12 meters indoors and outdoors at 90% reflectivity (white board), and 7 meters at 10% reflectivity (black board) under standard 25°C conditions. For outdoor use, the sensor maintains 70Klux ambient light immunity, making it suitable for bright daylight applications.

The TFmini-i integrates with Pixhawk autopilots via rangefinder PWM inputs, ROS robotic frameworks through serial protocol drivers, industrial PLCs and SCADA systems via RS-485/CAN, and Arduino/embedded platforms through standard UART serial communication. Its dual-interface design supports vehicle gateway modules, mobile robot navigation stacks, and distributed sensor networks in Industry 4.0 deployments.

The TFmini-i provides two industrial-grade interfaces: RS-485 (115200 baud default, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity) and CAN (250 kbps default, standard frame format with 0x00000003 transmitting/receiving ID). Both interfaces enable seamless integration into distributed industrial control systems.

The TFmini-i is optimized for pedestrian detection, vehicle detection, altitude measurement on drones/aircraft, and robotic obstacle avoidance. Its compact 50×34×41 mm form factor and IP65 rating make it ideal for outdoor robotics, AGV/AMR safety systems, and motion height control in industrial automation environments.

The TFmini-i delivers ±6 cm accuracy at close range (0.1–6 meters) and ±1% accuracy at extended range (6–12 meters), measured with a 90% reflectivity white board at 25°C. Distance resolution is 1 cm across the entire measurement range, providing centimeter-level precision for most industrial applications.

The TFmini-i operates reliably between -20°C and +60°C, supporting cold-weather outdoor installations and heated industrial environments. Storage temperature range extends to -30°C to +75°C, allowing extended dormant storage without affecting sensor performance once returned to operating conditions.

The TFmini-i accepts a wide DC input range of 7–30V, consuming ≤0.8W at 12V typical operation with an average current of ≤65mA. Peak current reaches 100mA during transmission, allowing flexible integration with battery packs, automotive 12/24V supplies, or industrial 24V power rails without additional voltage regulation.

The TFmini-i measures 50mm (L) × 34mm (H) × 41mm (W) and weighs 52g with integrated cables. Cable options include a 70cm harness with 7-pin terminal connector or 200cm without terminal for extended installation distances, making it suitable for compact drone payloads and space-constrained robot mounts.

Avoid the TFmini-i in applications requiring scanning or mapping capability—it is a single-point rangefinder only, not a scanning LiDAR. Its 2° narrow field-of-view and maximum 12m range also make it unsuitable for long-range surveillance (>15m), low-reflectivity target detection (<5% reflectivity), or high-speed automotive ADAS applications requiring wider coverage. Indoor deployment at lighting <0Klux (complete darkness) is also not recommended.

The TFmini-i is the successor to TFmini-S, featuring optimized CAN/RS-485 industrial communication interfaces and a wider input voltage range (7–30V vs. traditional 5V). Both share identical ranging performance (0.1–12m, ±6cm/±1% accuracy), but TFmini-i adds industrial-grade bus protocols for PLC and embedded system integration, making it better suited for factory automation and vehicular CAN networks.

The TFmini-Plus achieves 0.1 m to 12 m range at 90% reflectivity, but performance degrades significantly at low reflectivity—down to 0.1 m to 4 m at 10% reflectivity. Ambient light of up to 70 Klux does not degrade this range specification. For 90% reflectivity targets indoors, you can reliably detect at the full 12 m range.

The TFmini-Plus integrates readily with Arduino via UART/I2C libraries, supports ROS (Robot Operating System) through community drivers, and works with Pixhawk autopilots as a rangefinder input via UART serial protocol. Standard 5V I/O-level communication (LVTTL at 3.3V) allows direct connection to embedded Linux systems, microcontroller boards, and PLC analog input modules. For high-frequency synchronization (1000 Hz), UART is preferred over I2C due to I2C's 100 Hz software limit.

The TFmini-Plus supports UART and I2C interfaces. UART operates at a default baud rate of 115200 bps with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity; it is configurable from 9600–921600 bps and allows frame rates up to 1000 Hz. I2C operates at up to 400 kbps, supports slave mode only with a default address of 0x10 (configurable 0x01–0x7F), and allows frame rates up to 100 Hz.

The TFmini-Plus excels in four key areas: pedestrian detection, vehicle detection, altitude measurement for drones/robots, and robot safety systems (fall-arrest). Its compact form (35 × 18.5 × 21 mm), low power consumption (550 mW typical, <100 mW in low-power mode), and up to 1000 Hz output rate make it ideal for UAV altimetry, AMR/AGV obstacle avoidance, and real-time dynamic sensing applications.

The TFmini-Plus delivers ±5 cm accuracy at 0.1–5 m range and ±1% accuracy at 5–12 m range, tested at 25°C indoors on 90% reflectivity targets. Repeatability (1σ) is better than 3 cm at 100 Hz output rate. Note that accuracy degrades if operating conditions deviate from standard test conditions (temperature, reflectivity, ambient light).

The TFmini-Plus operates across -20°C to +60°C and carries an IP65 protection rating, meaning it resists dust and low-pressure water jets—suitable for outdoor and semi-rugged environments. Storage temperature range is -20°C to +75°C. The 850 nm LED light source is classified as Exemption level per EN62471, making it eye-safe.

The TFmini-Plus requires a regulated 5V ± 0.5V supply with an average current draw of ≤110 mA, resulting in typical power consumption of 550 mW. A low-power consumption mode reduces this to <100 mW, which is configurable via UART commands. Peak current can reach 140 mA during measurement cycles, so power supply design must account for this transient.

The TFmini-Plus measures 35 mm × 18.5 mm × 21 mm and weighs 12 g ± 1 g, making it extremely compact. The enclosure uses PC/ABS material for durability. It ships with a 30 cm pre-attached cable, allowing direct integration into UAV, robotic, or portable sensor payloads without bulky connectors or adapters.

Do not use the TFmini-Plus for measuring highly reflective surfaces (>90% reflectivity—e.g., mirrors or polished metal), as it may return saturated/false readings. It is unsuitable for outdoor high-ambient-light scenarios exceeding 70 Klux (e.g., direct sunlight without optical filters) without range loss. The 3.6° field of view limits its use to single-point detection only—it cannot perform 2D/3D scanning. Finally, the ±50 mm accuracy at close range may be insufficient for applications requiring sub-centimeter precision.

Garmin edges slightly on long-range accuracy at 10–12 m, where TFmini Plus's ±1% specification yields about ±10–12 cm versus Garmin's ±10 cm. At close range (0.1–5 m), TFmini Plus's ±5 cm outperforms Garmin's ±10 cm.

The TFmini-S achieves 12 m range at 90% reflectivity and 7 m at 10% reflectivity in standard conditions. Under high ambient light (70 Klux), the same range specifications are maintained. The minimum detection range (blind zone) is 0.1 m, which is shortened from earlier TFmini versions.

The TFmini-S integrates via UART and I2C with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PLC systems, and embedded Linux platforms. The configurable frame rate (1-1000 Hz), standard UART protocol, and I2C slave mode enable drop-in integration with ROS stacks, Pixhawk flight controllers, and real-time systems without special drivers or libraries.

The TFmini-S supports three communication interfaces: UART (default 115200 baud, adjustable 9600-921600 bps), I2C (400 kbps max transmission rate, default address 0x10), and digital I/O. Frame rate is adjustable from 1-1000 Hz over UART/I/O, and 1-100 Hz over I2C.

The TFmini-S is optimized for pedestrian detection, vehicle detection, intelligent barrier gate systems, and altitude measurement in drones. Its high frame rate (up to 1000 Hz), short blind zone (10 cm), and compact form factor make it ideal for real-time proximity sensing and mobile robotics applications.

The TFmini-S provides ±6 cm accuracy at 0.1-6 m range and ±1% accuracy at 6-12 m range, with 1 cm distance resolution. Accuracy is calculated on a standard white board (90% reflectivity) at 25°C; field conditions and surface reflectivity variations may increase errors.

The TFmini-S operates in the range 0°C to 60°C and resists up to 70 Klux ambient light (strong outdoor sunlight). It is classified as Photobiological Safety Class 1 per EN60825. Storage temperature range is -20°C to 75°C; no IP rating is specified, so it is not rated for immersion or spray protection.

The TFmini-S requires a 5V ±0.1V power supply with average current consumption ≤140 mA (peak 200 mA, typical power <0.7 W). Communication is LVTTL at 3.3V logic levels. This low power profile makes it suitable for battery-powered and low-power embedded systems.

The TFmini-S measures 42 mm (L) × 15 mm (W) × 16 mm (H) and weighs 5 g ±0.3 g, housed in durable PC/ABS plastic. The integrated 10 cm cable is pre-attached. This compact, lightweight form factor fits easily into UAV payloads, robotic arms, and confined spaces.

The TFmini-S is not suitable for outdoor detection of low-reflectivity objects beyond 7 m or safety-critical applications (it lacks IP rating and is Class 1 laser, not safety-rated like SICK scanners). It is also unsuitable for imaging applications requiring full 2D/3D point clouds—use a multi-beam LiDAR instead. Performance degrades significantly with glass, transparent, or highly reflective surfaces.

Compared to the TF-Luna (8 m range, 5 g), the TFmini-S extends range to 12 m and improves reflectivity robustness. Versus TF02-Pro (40 m range), the TFmini-S trades some range for a shorter 10 cm blind zone and lower power (<0.7W vs. ~1W), making it better for proximity and altitude applications where range <12 m suffices.

The TFS20-L achieves a maximum range of 20 m at 90% reflectivity under low ambient light (0 Klux), dropping to 15 m in bright sunlight (100 Klux). For low-reflectivity targets (10%), the range is 12 m at 0 Klux and 9 m at 100 Klux. Minimum detectable distance is 0.2 m across all conditions.

The TFS20-L is compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, ESP32, and other 3.3V microcontroller platforms via UART (115200 baud) or I²C (400 kbps) interfaces. It integrates with ROS via standard sensor drivers and autopilot systems like Pixhawk for altitude hold and obstacle avoidance through serial telemetry. PLC systems can interface via RS485 converters using the UART port.

The TFS20-L supports two communication protocols: UART at 115200 baud (8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity) and I²C at up to 400 kbps with slave-mode operation. The I²C default address is 0x10, configurable within the range 0x10–0x7F. Both use 3.3V LVTTL logic levels for direct microcontroller interfacing.

The TFS20-L is optimized for compact, power-constrained systems: drone altitude hold and obstacle detection, AGV/AMR proximity sensing, IoT distance monitoring, smart parking systems, and robotics. Its small form factor (21×15×7.87 mm) and ≤0.43 W power consumption make it ideal for battery-powered and embedded applications requiring extended flight or runtime.

The TFS20-L delivers ±60 mm (±6 cm) accuracy at 0.2–6 m range, improving to ±1% accuracy beyond 6 m. Precision (1σ repeatability) is 2 cm across the 0.2–6 m range. These specifications assume 25°C indoor conditions and 90% target reflectivity; environmental variation may degrade performance.

The TFS20-L operates from –20°C to +60°C with storage capability to –40°C to +85°C. It resists ambient light up to 100 Klux (equivalent to direct sunlight). However, the datasheet specifies 'N/A' for IP protection rating, meaning no sealed enclosure—not rated for dust or water ingress. Suitable for indoor or sheltered outdoor use only.

The TFS20-L requires DC 3.3 V ±9% (operating range 3.0–3.6 V) with average power consumption ≤0.43 W. Peak current during transmission is 130 mA at 3.3 V. This low power budget makes it compatible with standard 3.3V microcontroller supplies (Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi) without dedicated regulators.

The TFS20-L measures 21×15×7.87 mm and weighs approximately 1.35 g. It terminates with a 0.8 mm 6-pin connector (Model WF08006-01207), enabling easy integration into compact UAVs, robotic platforms, and handheld devices with minimal mechanical footprint and weight penalty.

The TFS20-L lacks IP rating and cannot withstand dust, moisture, or water spray—unsuitable for unprotected outdoor use, underwater applications, or high-vibration industrial settings. Its <2° field of view provides single-point ranging only, not 2D/3D scanning. In direct sunlight (100 Klux), maximum range reduces from 20 m to 15 m. Not suitable for safety-critical systems requiring sealed enclosures and FMEA certifications.

Both are single-point LiDAR modules for lightweight applications. The TFS20-L achieves 20 m range at 90% reflectivity (vs. LidarLite V3's ~40 m) but consumes less power (≤0.43 W vs. ~0.75 W). The TFS20-L supports dual UART+I²C communication and has a smaller form factor (21×15×7.87 mm vs. 22×29×14 mm) and lighter weight (1.35 g vs. ~3.8 g), favoring drone integration over long-distance ground applications.

The VLS-H5 achieves a maximum detection range of 5 meters at 30% reflectivity under 0 KLux ambient light and water turbidity below 0.5 NTU. The blind zone is ≤ 0.1 m, meaning it can detect objects as close as 100 mm from the sensor. This makes it suitable for close-range underwater scanning and obstacle detection applications.

The VLS-H5's UART/TTL interface is compatible with any system supporting serial communication: microcontroller boards (Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi via USB-to-serial adapters), embedded Linux systems, single-board computers, and PLC devices. Being a hardware serial interface, no special driver is required—only serial port parsing firmware. Integration with ROS and autonomous platform software depends on end-user middleware implementation.

The VLS-H5 communicates exclusively via UART (serial interface) at 230400 baud rate with 3.3 V TTL output levels. The sensor uses an M14-4P aviation-style connector (female head, gold-plated punch pins) with a 350 ± 20 mm cable. This standard serial interface is compatible with most embedded systems, microcontrollers, and edge computing platforms.

The VLS-H5 is specifically optimized for underwater SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) navigation, and underwater positioning applications. Its 360° scanning capability, dedicated underwater algorithm, and IPX8 waterproof rating at 4m depth make it ideal for subsea mapping, obstacle avoidance, and environmental surveys in freshwater and lightly turbid waters.

The VLS-H5 delivers absolute accuracy of < 3 cm (single measurement) and repeatability accuracy of < 2 cm (1σ standard deviation) when measuring targets at 0.1–2 m distance with 10% reflectivity and minimal ambient light. Range resolution is 1 mm, enabling fine-grained distance discrimination. These tight tolerances ensure reliable positional data for SLAM and mapping algorithms.

The VLS-H5 operates safely between 0°C and +50°C, with storage range of −20°C to +70°C. It carries an IPX8 waterproof rating certified for continuous operation at depths up to 4 meters, making it fully submersible. This environmental hardness suits long-duration underwater missions and extreme outdoor conditions.

The VLS-H5 requires a regulated DC 5.4 V ± 5% power supply, with average current consumption of < 450 mA and peak current of < 750 mA. Total average power budget is approximately 2.4 W, making it suitable for battery-powered autonomous platforms and compact embedded systems. Power delivery is via the M14-4P connector.

The VLS-H5 measures 52.0 mm × 75.0 mm × 53.1 mm (excluding the 350 mm cable), resulting in a compact hexagonal form factor optimized for AUV integration. The sensor features an aviation-grade M14-4P connector for environmental sealing. The small footprint and integrated mechanical rotation system make it ideal for payload-constrained underwater platforms.

The VLS-H5 is designed exclusively for underwater/aquatic environments and is not suitable for above-water autonomous driving (ADAS), drone altitude hold, or high-speed robotics applications. Its 6 Hz scan rate (5 m max range) is insufficient for vehicle safety systems requiring > 100 Hz refresh rates. It is also not rated for saltwater (marine) environments where higher corrosion protection is needed, and performance degrades significantly in highly turbid water (> 0.5 NTU).

Unlike Lightware's LW series (which are single-point rangefinders), the VLS-H5 is a 360° scanning LiDAR with integrated mechanical rotation, enabling full 2D environmental mapping in a single device. At 5 m range and < 3 cm accuracy, the VLS-H5 offers comparable distance performance to Lightware's optical rangefinders but with 360° field-of-view coverage. The trade-off is that it requires higher power consumption (2.4 W vs. < 0.5 W for point sensors) and is mechanically more complex.