TFMini - Micro LiDAR Module (Qwiic) Hookup Guide

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Contributors: bboyho
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Introduction

SparkFun Qwiic Logo

Heads up! This tutorial is for the Qwiic enabled TFMini. Serial data is output via I2C. If you are using the TFMini that outputs serial data via UART [ SEN-14588 ], please refer to the TFMini - Micro LiDAR Module Hookup Guide.

The TFMini is a ToF (Time of Flight) LiDAR sensor capable of measuring the distance to an object as close as 30 cm and as far as 12 meters! The TFMini allows you to integrate LiDAR into applications traditionally reserved for smaller sensors such as the SHARP GP-series infrared rangefinders. With the added Qwiic feature, you can quickly connect to the sensor via I2C! In this tutorial, you will learn how to connect to the TFMini using an Arduino microcontroller with the Qwiic system.

TFMini - Micro LiDAR Module (Qwiic)

SEN-14786
5 Retired

Required Materials

To follow along with this tutorial, you will need the following materials. You may not need everything though depending on what you have. Add it to your cart, read through the guide, and adjust the cart as necessary.

Arduino Pro Mini 328 - 3.3V/8MHz

Arduino Pro Mini 328 - 3.3V/8MHz

DEV-11114
$10.95
54
SparkFun Beefy 3 - FTDI Basic Breakout

SparkFun Beefy 3 - FTDI Basic Breakout

DEV-13746
$17.50
14
Break Away Headers - Straight

Break Away Headers - Straight

PRT-00116
$1.75
20
SparkFun Qwiic Adapter

SparkFun Qwiic Adapter

DEV-14495
$1.60
4
USB Micro-B Cable - 6 Foot

USB Micro-B Cable - 6 Foot

CAB-10215
$5.50
15
Qwiic Cable - Breadboard Jumper (4-pin)

Qwiic Cable - Breadboard Jumper (4-pin)

PRT-14425
$1.50
Tip: You could also use RedBoard Qwiic. It's basically a RedBoard with additional features. The board includes the same AP2112K 3.3V voltage regulator that is populated on the Beefy 3 and Qwiic connector on the board. This would reduce the amount of components and time soldering headers to the board. Additionally, a USB port can provide up to about 500mA so the TFMini may want to pull more power when auto ranging for longer distances.

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

DEV-15123
$21.50
19

Tools

Depending on your setup, you will need a soldering iron, solder, and general soldering accessories.

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

TOL-09325
$9.95
8

Weller WLC100 Soldering Station

TOL-14228
2 Retired

Suggested Reading

If you aren't familiar with the Qwiic system, we recommend reading here for an overview.

Qwiic Connect System
Qwiic Connect System

We would also recommend taking a look at the following tutorials if you aren't familiar with them.

Logic Levels

Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.

I2C

An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.

Using the Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V

This tutorial is your guide to all things Arduino Pro Mini. It explains what it is, what it's not, and how to get started using it.