SparkFun Qwiic dToF Imager - TMF8820

The SparkFun Qwiic dToF TMF8820 Imager is a direct time-of-flight (dToF) sensor that includes a single modular package with an associated Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) from AMS. The dToF device is based on Single Photon Avalanche Photodiode (SPAD), time-to-digital converter (TDC) and histogram technology to achieve a 5000mm detection range. Due to its lens on the SPAD, it supports 3x3 multizone output data and a very wide, dynamically adjustable field of view. A multi-lens-array (MLA) inside the package above the VCSEL widens up the FoI (field of illumination). All processing of the raw data is performed on-chip and the TMF8820 provides distance information together with confidence values on its I2C interface. The high performance on-chip optical filter blocks most of the ambient light, and enables distance measurements in dark and sunlight environments.

To make it even easier to get your readings, all communication is enacted exclusively via I2C, utilizing our handy Qwiic system so no soldering is required to connect it to the rest of your system. However, we still have broken out 0.1”-spaced pins in case you prefer to use a breadboard. The TMF8820 offers two configurable GPIO pins and one enable (EN) pin, which are broken out as PTH pads. The board also includes a power LED and I2C pull-up resistors, each configurable via jumpers. This version has a footprint that uses the Qwiic Standard size (1.0in. x 1.0in.). For a smaller footprint, check out our Qwiic Mini dToF TMF8820 Imager board!

This sensor is great for projects such as distance measurement for camera autofocus - Laser Detect Autofocus - LDAF (mobile phone), presence detection (computing and communication), object detection and collision avoidance (robotics), and light curtain (industrial).

Note: CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CLASSIFIED IEC 60825-1 2014.

Important: We recommend a microcontroller with enough flash to run your program code. Sorry, Uno's (or any development board using the ATmega328P) are out. We recommend choosing either an Artemis Thing Plus, ESP32 Thing Plus, or comparable device as your development board.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I2C sensors, actuators, shields and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong.


  • Operating Voltage
    • 2.7V to 3.6V
    • (typically 3.3V via Qwiic cable)
  • Current Consumption
    • 8µA (standby)
    • 57mA (active)
  • AMS TMF8821 Multi-zone Time-of-Flight Sensor
    • Direct ToF technology with high sensitivity SPAD detection
    • 3x3 configurable multi-zone configuration with multi-object detection
    • Fast Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) architecture
    • Sub-nanosecond light pulse
    • On-chip histogram processing
    • High performance on-chip sunlight rejection filter and algorithm
  • Measurement Range: 10mm to 5000mm @ 30Hz
  • Light Source: Class 1 940nm VCSEL
  • Field of View: adjustable up to 63° diagonally
  • Max Read Rate: up to 30Hz
  • 2x Qwiic Connectors
  • I2C Address: 0x41
  • Operating Temperature Range
    • -30°C to +70°C
  • Breakout Pads
    • 1x Ground
    • 1x Power
    • 1x I2C Port
    • 1x Interrupt
    • 2x GPIO
    • 1x Enable
  • Power LED (configurable via jumper)
  • I2C pull-ups (configurable via jumper)
  • Board Dimensions: 1.0" x 1.0" (2.54cm x 2.54cm)

SparkFun Qwiic dToF Imager - TMF8820 Product Help and Resources

Qwiic dToF Imager (TMF882X) Hookup Guide

April 14, 2022

Getting started with the AMS dToF imagers (TMF8820 and TMF8820).

Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

3 Programming

Skill Level: Competent - The toolchain for programming is a bit more complex and will examples may not be explicitly provided for you. You will be required to have a fundamental knowledge of programming and be required to provide your own code. You may need to modify existing libraries or code to work with your specific hardware. Sensor and hardware interfaces will be SPI or I2C.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

2 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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