Product Description: Laser Lidar Distance Sensor - 14m - I2C / UART / IO - Benewake TF-Nova
TF-Nova by Benewake is an advanced laser sensor designed for demanding projects where precise detection of obstacles or the presence of objects on the detection line is crucial. It is a LiDAR with a one-dimensional detection field with a linear beam , which offers unique application possibilities, including in robotics, automation, autonomous vehicles and Smart Home systems. The design with a volume of only 7 cm³ facilitates installation even in very limited space. The sensor offers a measurement range of up to 14 m and accuracy of up to ± 5 cm in the range of 0.1 m to 4 m. Built-in compensation algorithms and resistance to strong light (up to 100,000 lux) ensure stable operation even in demanding lighting conditions. The sensor housing is equipped with a waterproof lens with an IP65 class , and a wide set of commands and configuration options make TF-Nova versatile and ready to work in extensive systems.
Key Features of the TF-Nova Sensor
- Linear laser beam : Detects an area of 25 x 1.7 cm at a distance of 1 m - ideal for detecting presence and obstacles
- Range up to 14 m : precise measurement with an accuracy of ± 5 cm in the range from 0.1 m to 4 m and above 4 m with increased range
- Light resistance : reliable operation even in sunlight of 100,000 lux - the sensor will work well in outdoor conditions
- Broad compatibility : UART, I2C and I/O output support - facilitates integration with various platforms and controllers
- Miniature housing : just 26.5 x 21.05 x 12 mm and weighing less than 5 g - ideal for mobile and compact devices
- High reading frequency : can work at up to 900 Hz - very fast measurement update
- Class 1 laser : user-safe according to EN 60825
Compact design and lightweight
TF-Nova has been designed for easy integration with modern systems with limited mounting space. Its dimensions are only 26.5 x 21.05 x 12 mm and the weight does not exceed 5 grams , making it an ideal choice for drones, AGV robots or IoT devices. Thanks to its small volume (approx. 7 cm³), it easily adapts to various forms of housing.
Laser Technology and Safety
The sensor uses Pulse Time-of-Flight (PToF) technology with a 905 nm VCSEL laser. The angle of view is 14° (horizontal) by 1° (vertical) , which allows for detection in the form of a thin line. The TF-Nova meets the Class 1 laser safety standards (EN 60825) , so it can be used near people and animals without the risk of eye damage.

TF-Nova effectively detects objects as small as 5 cm with a low reflectivity of 10% from a distance of up to 2 m.
Stable operation inside and outside
TF-Nova is characterized by high resistance to light interference . Thanks to this, it reliably detects objects even in very strong sunlight ( up to 100,000 lux ) and in low light conditions. The sensor detects objects with a low reflectivity , such as black surfaces or clothing, from a distance of 2 m, which is crucial in outdoor and industrial applications.
Versatile interfaces and easy integration
TF-Nova offers three different communication modes: UART (default 115200 bps), I2C (up to 400 kbps) and digital output I/O . This gives you great freedom in choosing the communication method and you can match the sensor to most microcontrollers and single-board computers . Additionally, the available set of commands allows for advanced configuration of operation.
Practical applications
- Mobile and autonomous robots : avoiding obstacles and preventing falls by precisely detecting height differences
- Automatic doors and elevators : detection of people or objects in the door opening area
- Parking Systems : Reducing Energy Consumption in Intelligent Parking Systems
- Pallet transport : real-time monitoring of the environment of industrial robots
- Automatic triggers : Activate devices based on presence, e.g. in automatic bins, cameras or facial recognition systems
TF-Nova Technical Specifications
- Measurement range:
- ≥ 14 m (for 90% reflection at 0 klux)
- ≥ 13 m (for 10% reflection at 0 klux)
- ≥ 7 m (for 90% reflection at 100 klux)
- ≥ 4 m (for 10% reflection at 100 klux)
- Measurement accuracy: ± 5 cm in the range of 0.1 m to 4 m
- Repeatability: < 1 cm (1σ)
- Measurement resolution: 1 cm
- Reading frequency: 1 Hz to 900 Hz (default 100 Hz)
- Laser light: VCSEL, 905 nm
- Angle of View (FoV): 14° (horizontal) x 1° (vertical)
- Laser safety class: Class 1 (EN60825)
- Supply voltage: 5V DC (±5%)
- Power consumption: < 500 mW
- Communication: UART (115200 bps), I2C (up to 400 kbps), I/O output
- Operating temperature range: -25°C to 70°C
- Storage temperature range: -30°C to 80°C
- Cable length: 10 cm
- Connector: 1.25mm - 5 pin
- Lens protection level: IP65
- Dimensions: 26.5 x 21.05 x 12 mm
- Weight: < 5 g