ams OSRAM, a global leader in intelligent sensors and emitters, is launching a new direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) sensor with innovative ultra-low power characteristics, improved precision and expanded functionality to support developers’ motion design.

ams OSRAM today announced the launch of its next-generation single-domain direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) sensor module, the TMF8806, for obstacle detection and collision avoidance in domestic and industrial robotics applications.

The new sensors extend ams OSRAM’s dToF family, which is already featured in more than 50 flagship smartphone models as well as autonomous home appliances and smart home devices, offering enhanced performance and versatility.

The TMF8806 has a novel ultra-low power operation design that allows it to be completely powered off during measurements, and its pre-installed firmware provides a very fast startup time, allowing it to respond immediately to events.

Additionally, with improved operating range (1 cm to 5 m) and 1.2 V and 1.8 / 3.3 V compatible I/O, the TMF8806 provides fast dToF detection speed and precision for home appliances, mobile robots, and autofocus for cameras, building automation, inventory management systems, security systems, virtual barriers, and more.

David Smith, Time of Flight (ToF) Product Manager at ams OSRAM, said: ““The compact yet powerful sensor redefines precision and performance, delivering exceptional accuracy for a wide range of applications. Featuring ultra-short optical pulse technology, extended sensing range and energy-efficient design, the TMF8806 ensures fast, low-power measurements in all environments,” he said.

Leveraging proven dToF technology, the TMF8806 provides accurate distance measurements by measuring the time it takes to send and receive ultra-short optical pulses. This technology ensures accurate, low-power measurements with fast response times for excellent resolution and precision. Statistical processing in the sensor eliminates interference effects due to reflections, ensuring consistently high accuracy. Additionally, the sensor offers a 24° field of view (FoV), operates from -40 to 85°C, and has a compact size of just 3.6 x 2.2 x 1.0mm, making it easy to integrate into space-constrained applications.

The TMF8806 provides enhanced single-area sensing capability over an extended range of 1 cm to 2.5 m in standard mode and up to 5 m in long-range mode. It supports a wide range of protective cover glass thicknesses and allows for easy adjustment of the distance from the sensor to the cover glass, allowing the user to customize the optical design geometry. Designed for energy efficiency, the TMF8806 reduces current to 0.26 μA in ultra-low power (off) mode.

Easy-to-use tools, including the TMF8806-Shield Board, the Arduino® Uno R3 platform for quick evaluation, and a small sensor isolation board for easy integration into custom hardware, simplify the developer's workload. The plug-and-play modules can be used without downloading firmware, so developers can start working on their next project right away. The Universal GUI provides a comprehensive graphical user interface for visualizing and controlling the TMF8806, and sample Python scripts for logging and calibration are provided. More drivers and software examples are available in the ams OSRAM GitHub repository (https://github.com/ams-OSRAM-Group).

More information and features about the TMF8806 can be found on our website.