Ultra-low-power innovations, enhanced precision, and extended versatility: ams OSRAM unveils the TMF8806 direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) sensor module

• Speed and precision for home appliances, mobile robots, autofocus for cameras, building automation, inventory management systems, security systems, and virtual barriers
• Accurate, low-power measurements with rapid response times for superior resolution and precision
• Easy integration into applications with limited space thanks to the compact dimensions of the TMF8806

Premstaetten, Austria and Munich, Germany (September 5, 2024) — ams OSRAM (SIX: AMS), a global leader in intelligent sensors and emitters, has revealed the TMF8806 next-generation single-zone direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) sensor module for obstacle detection and collision avoidance in home and industrial robotics applications.
 

The new sensor extends ams OSRAM’s dToF family, already adopted in over 50 flagship smartphone models as well as in autonomous appliances and smart-home devices, bringing enhanced performance and increased versatility. With new ultra-low-power operation, the TMF8806 can be switched off completely between measurements, and the very fast startup time thanks to the pre-installed firmware provides instant response to events. Also featuring enhanced 1 cm to 5 m ranging capability, and with 1.2 V- and 1.8 / 3.3V compatible I/Os, the TMF8806 brings the speed and precision of dToF sensing to home appliances, mobile robots, autofocus for cameras, building automation, inventory management systems, security systems, virtual barriers and more.
 

“This compact yet powerful sensor redefines precision and performance, offering unmatched accuracy for diverse applications,” says David Smith, Product Manager Time-of-Flight at ams OSRAM. “With its ultra-short light pulse technology, extended detection range, and energy-efficient design, the TMF8806 ensures rapid, low-power measurements in any environment,” he added.
 

Leveraging proven dToF technology, the TMF8806 captures precise distance measurements by measuring the time to send and receive ultra-short light pulses. The technology ensures accurate, low-power measurements with rapid response times for superior resolution and precision. Statistical processing in the sensor eliminates interference effects from reflections to ensure consistently high accuracy. Additionally, the sensor offers a 24° Field of View (FoV) and operates from -40°C to 85°C. Its compact dimensions, at just 3.6 x 2.2 x 1.0 mm, ease integration into applications with limited space.
 

The TMF8806 offers enhanced single-zone detection with an extended range of 1cm to 2.5 m in standard mode and up to 5 m in long-range mode. It supports a wide range of cover glass thicknesses and allows easy adjustments to the distance from the sensor to the cover glass, for customizing the optical stack. Designed for energy efficiency, the TMF8806 reduces current to as low as 0.26 µA in ultra-low-power shutdown mode.
 

Easy-to-use tools simplify the developer’s workload, with hardware including the TMF8806-Shield Board, an Arduino ® Uno R3 platform for quick evaluation, and a small sensor breakaway board that allows easy integration into custom hardware. The plug-and-play modules are ready to use without downloading firmware, allowing developers to start working on their next projects instantly. A Universal GUI provides a comprehensive graphical user interface for visualization and control of the TMF8806, and sample Python scripts for logging and calibration are provided. The ams OSRAM GitHub repository has more drivers and software examples.
 

Here you can find more information on the TMF8806 Single-Zone Time-of-Flight Sensor and its capabilities.