1. Introdución
The Waveshare TOF (Time of Flight) Laser Range Sensor is a compact and precise distance measurement device. It integrates an embedded MCU and a sophisticated ranging algorithm, enabling accurate measurements up to 5 meters with a resolution of 1mm and an accuracy of ±1.5cm. This sensor supports flexible data output options, including active and query modes, via UART or CAN bus, making it suitable for a wide array of applications.
Figura 1.1: Máisview of the TOF Laser Range Sensor highlighting its key features: optical filter, embedded MCU and algorithm, and cascade ranging capability.
2. Key Features and Capabilities
- Alta precisión: Offers 1mm resolution and ±1.5cm accuracy, with a standard deviation of <5mm for 0-3m range.
- Short Blind Zone: Capable of measuring distances as close as 1cm, minimizing the blind zone.
- Campo axustable de View (FOV): The FOV is adjustable from 15° to 27°, allowing customization for specific application needs.
- Comunicación flexible: Supports both UART and CAN bus interfaces, with two identical ports for versatile connectivity.
- Rango en cascada: Multiple sensors can be connected in series (up to 8x via UART, 7x via CAN) with individual ID configuration, enabling data acquisition from all sensors through a single bus.
- Configurable Output: Provides active output and query output modes for data acquisition.
Figura 2.1: detallada view of the sensor's high accuracy, minimal blind zone, and adjustable field of view.
Figure 2.2: Illustration of cascade ranging capabilities, UART/CAN support, and the user interface of the host computer assistant software.
3. Setup and Hardware Connection
The TOF Laser Range Sensor can be easily integrated with various development boards such as Raspberry Pi and Arduino. Ensure proper power supply and communication line connections as detailed below.
3.1 Descrición do pinout
- VCC: Power supply input (3.7-5.2V)
- GND: Terra
- TX/CAN_L: Transmit (UART) / CAN Low
- RX/CAN_H: Receive (UART) / CAN High
3.2 Connecting with Raspberry Pi
Connect the sensor to your Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins according to the diagram. Ensure the UART or CAN pins are correctly mapped and configured on the Raspberry Pi.
3.3 Connecting with Arduino
For Arduino integration, connect the sensor's pins to the corresponding digital I/O pins on your Arduino board. Pay attention to the voltage levels (3.3V TTL signal level for UART).
Figure 3.1: Detailed hardware connection diagrams for Raspberry Pi and Arduino, including pin assignments and the sensor's outline dimensions in millimeters.
4. Operation and Software
The TOF Laser Range Sensor comes with a dedicated Host Computer Assistant Software to facilitate configuration, data monitoring, and analysis. This software provides functionalities such as sensor configuration, waveform monitoring, data analysis, data record and replay, and firmware upgrades.
4.1 Data Output Modes
- Saída activa: The sensor continuously outputs ranging data at a set interval.
- Saída da consulta: The sensor outputs ranging data only when a query command is received from the host device.
Refer to the software's user guide for detailed instructions on configuring communication parameters (baud rate, sensor ID) and selecting data output modes.
5. Aplicacións
The versatility and precision of the TOF Laser Range Sensor make it suitable for a variety of applications:
- Common Distance Measuring: Accurate measurement for general purposes.
- Robot Obstacle Avoidance: Essential for autonomous robots to detect and navigate around obstacles.
- Robot Route Planning: Provides data for mapping environments and planning efficient paths.
- Drone Altitude Setting: Enables precise height control for unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Ceiling Detection: Useful in indoor navigation and mapping.
- Automatización industrial: For position sensing and object detection in automated systems.
6. Especificacións
Figure 6.1: Detailed technical specifications of the TOF Laser Range Sensor.
| Parámetro | Valor |
|---|---|
| Rango de medición | Short: 0.012-2.18m, Mid: 0.012-3.60m, Long: 0.01-5.00m |
| Precisión típica | Short range: ±1.0cm, std dev <0.3cm Mid range: ±1.0cm, std dev <1.5cm Long range: ±1.5cm, std dev <0.5cm (0-3m), std dev <8cm (3-5m) |
| Resolución | 1 mm |
| Lonxitude de onda | 940nm (Class 1 standard compliant) |
| Campo de View (FOV) | 15°-27° (adjustable) |
| Interface de comunicación | UART (3.3V TTL signal level), CAN (both ports can be used simultaneously) |
| velocidade en baudios | UART: 115200-3000000bps (921600bps by default) CAN: 100000-3000000bps (1000000bps by default) |
| Cascade Support | UART: supports up to 8 cascades CAN: supports up to 7 cascades |
| Fonte de alimentación | 3.7-5.2 V |
| Consumo de enerxía | 290mW (UART active output, long-range mode, 5.0V power supply, 58mA current) |
| Peso | 0.444 onzas (aprox. 12.6 g) |
| Dimensións (L×W×H) | 35.58 × 12 × 8.05 mm |
| Número de modelo do artigo | TOF Laser Range Sensor |
| ASIN | B08F57PXKV |
7. Mantemento
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your TOF Laser Range Sensor, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Limpeza: Gently clean the sensor's optical window with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could scratch the lens.
- Manexo: Handle the sensor with care to prevent physical damage. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to excessive force.
- Almacenamento: Store the sensor in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use. Protect it from extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Fonte de alimentación: Always use a stable and appropriate power supply within the specified voltagrango e (3.7-5.2V).
8 Solución de problemas
If you encounter issues with your TOF Laser Range Sensor, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Sen saída de datos:
- Verify power supply connections and voltage.
- Check communication wiring (TX/RX, CAN_L/CAN_H) for correct polarity and secure connections.
- Ensure the baud rate and communication protocol (UART/CAN) are correctly configured on both the sensor and the host device.
- Confirm the sensor ID is correctly set, especially in cascade mode.
- Lecturas inexactas:
- Ensure the sensor's optical window is clean and free from obstructions.
- Check for strong ambient light sources that might interfere with the laser.
- Verify the target surface is suitable for TOF measurement (non-reflective, non-transparent).
- Ensure the sensor is within its specified measuring range.
- Problemas de conexión do software:
- Confirm the correct COM port is selected in the Host Computer Assistant Software.
- Asegúrate de que ningún outro software estea a usar o mesmo porto COM.
- Reinstall the necessary drivers for your USB-to-UART/CAN converter, if applicable.
If problems persist, refer to the official Waveshare documentation or contact technical support.
9. Garantía e soporte
This Waveshare TOF Laser Range Sensor is manufactured by Waveshare. For technical support, product inquiries, or warranty information, please visit the official Waveshare websitio web ou póñase en contacto cos seus canais de asistencia.
Fabricante: Waveshare
Oficial Websitio: www.waveshare.com
Figure 9.1: Product packaging displaying manufacturer information and contact details.
