The TMF8801 is a true direct time-of-flight (ToF) sensor system in a single modular package which offers highly accurate depth accuracy detection through a sub-nanosecond light pulse and an antialiasing “stop-watch” method to measure round-trip time of pulse. It provides single zone detection of an object irrespective of the color, reflectivity and texture of the object. The single module with VCSEL emitter offers high dynamic range and detection sensing measurements from 2 – 250 cm distances.

The device utilizes highly sensitive SPAD detection with fast compact time-to digital converters to make highly accurate distance measurements within ±5% and is capable of operation in dark environments and in the presence of sunlight. A built-in histogram is featured to detect cover glass and reports an object distances operating with the highest SNR while compensating for dirt and smudges contaminants on a products cover glass to produce artifact free measurement. The histogram delivers dynamic cover glass calibration and crosstalk compensation and background light noise is minimized through on-chip sunlight rejection filters.

Data output is through a 1.8V I²C fast-mode communications interface and an integrated micro controller is featured with all algorithms included on-chip with no need for external optics.