UAV
LiDAR Sensors for Drones or UAVs
TFA300 Series10,000 Hz Ultra High-Frequency Drone Altitude Sensor & Gimbal Rangefinder
The TFA300 series includes the ultra-light TFA300-L without housing version and the TFA300 with IP67 protective housing. Both models feature a high frequency of up to 10,000 Hz. In applications such as Electro optical/infrared (EO/IR) Gimbals, SAR（search and rescue）Drone, and Utra High-speed FPV racing Drone, the TFA300 series facilitates camera focal distance auto-adjustment, precise localization, stable altitude maintenance during cruise, and obstacle avoidance during high-speed flight.
Key specifications
- Measuring range
- 0.1 ~ 290 m
- Frame rate
- 1 ~ 10,000 Hz
- Interface
- UART, CAN
- Protection
- IP67
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Applications
Full specifications
| Parameter | Value | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measuring range | 0.1 ~ 290 m | Detecting accuracy | ± 10 cm (<10 m)1% (≥ 10 m) |
| Frame rate | 1 ~ 10,000 Hz | Interface | UART, CAN |
| Protection | IP67 | Dimensions | 49.4 mm × 37.0 mm × 28.6 mm |
| Power consumption | ≤ 0.45 W | Weight | 10.5 g |
| Field of view | < 0.5° | Output data | Single-point Distance Value |
| Operating voltage | DC 5 V ± 10% |
Applicable scope and usage limits
Applicable scenarios
Suitable for 300 m-class long-range measurement, UAV payloads and engineering-survey positioning assistance.
Condition: Bounded by the range, accuracy and operating conditions in the product datasheet.
Not applicable
TFA300 is not intended for measurements beyond this model's datasheet range, accuracy or interface limits, and is not a substitute for certified redundant safety systems.
Condition: If the target requirement exceeds the specification boundary, complete a selection review or contact technical support first.
Balancing range, weight and environment at long distance
Set the working distance and margin for the real target reflectivity first, then compare weight, enclosure, protection, interface and update rate. These are current specification differences, not a performance ranking without matched-condition tests.
View comparison topicTFA170-L
A weight-conscious 170 m-class module
TFA170-L is currently specified at 0.1–170 m, about 10 g, RS-232 and 12 V for systems that need long-range input while tightly controlling payload.
Boundary: It has no enclosure; verify output rate and delivered version, and validate structural, water and thermal protection for outdoor use.
View model detailsTF03
180 m-class sensing with IP67 and multiple interfaces
TF03 is currently specified at 0.1–180 m and IP67 with UART, CAN, RS-232 and RS-485 for outdoor tasks that can carry about 86 g and need enclosure and interface choice.
Boundary: High rates must match baud rate and interface version; target surface, background, vibration and control latency still require system validation.
View model detailsTFA300 SeriesCurrent model
More range and high update rate with controlled weight
TFA300 is currently specified at 0.1–290 m, up to 10000 Hz and IP67 with UART and CAN for tasks where long range and fast sampling both matter.
Boundary: Headline maxima do not replace tests with the real target and environment; verify power, data-link bandwidth, mounting stiffness and version together.
View model detailsTF350
350 m-class sensing in a protected enclosure
TF350 is currently specified at 0.2–350 m and IP67 with UART, CAN, RS-232 and RS-485 for platforms prioritizing range margin and interface choice and able to carry about 224 g.
Boundary: Greater range comes with more weight and size; do not select by maximum range alone—validate target, environment, mounting and system stopping or control margin.
View model details| Parameter | TFA170-L | TF03 | TFA300 Series | TF350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measuring range | 0.1 ~ 170 m | 0.1 ~ 180 m | 0.1 ~ 290 m | 0.2 ~ 350 m |
| Detecting accuracy | ± 10 cm (< 10 m), 1% (≥ 10 m) | ± 10 cm (≤ 10 m)1% (> 10 m) | ± 10 cm (<10 m)1% (≥ 10 m) | ± 10 cm (≤ 10 m)1% (> 10 m) |
| Frame rate | 1 ~ 1000 Hz | 1 ~ 9800 Hz | 1 ~ 10,000 Hz | 1 ~ 1000 Hz |
| Interface | RS-232 | UART, CAN, RS-232, RS-485 | UART, CAN | UART, CAN, RS-232, RS-485 |
| Protection | Without enclosure | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 31.0 mm × 30.2 mm × 19.2 mm | 44 mm × 43 mm × 32 mm | 49.4 mm × 37.0 mm × 28.6 mm | 78 mm × 67 mm × 40 mm |
| Power consumption | ≤ 1 W | ≤ 0.8 W | ≤ 0.45 W | ≤ 1 W |
| Weight | ~ 10 g | 86 ± 3 g | 10.5 g | 224 ± 3 g |
| Field of view | < 0.5° | 0.5° | < 0.5° | 0.35° |
| Operating voltage | DC 12 ± 10% V | 5 ~ 24 V | DC 5 V ± 10% | 5 ~ 24 V |
FAQ
What is the maximum measurement range of the TFA300?
The TFA300 achieves 270 m at 90% reflectivity in 100 KLux ambient light, while the TFA300-L variant extends this to 290 m under the same conditions. At lower reflectivity (10%), range drops to 90 m for TFA300 and 100 m for TFA300-L. Minimum blind zone is ≤0.1 m.
What communication protocols does the TFA300 support?
The TFA300 supports both UART and CAN protocols, switchable by command. Default UART baud rate is 115,200 bps (configurable), with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. JST GH 1.25 mm 6-pin connector is used for all connections.
What applications is the TFA300 best suited for?
The TFA300 is ideal for mid-to-long range applications requiring compact, lightweight sensors with IP67 protection: autonomous vehicles, industrial distance measurement, altitude hold in drones, obstacle avoidance in mobile robots, terrain mapping, and structural monitoring. Its configurability (frame rate up to 10,000 Hz) supports both real-time and high-frequency measurement scenarios.
What are the accuracy and precision specifications?
Accuracy is ±10 cm for distances less than 10 m, then ±1% for distances 10 m and beyond. Repeatability is excellent at <3 cm (1σ), ensuring consistent measurements across repeated measurements. Distance resolution is 1 cm, enabling fine-grain obstacle detection.
What are the operating environment limits?
Operating temperature range is -20°C to +60°C, with storage temperature from -40°C to +80°C. IP67 rating ensures full dust protection and immersion in water up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Ambient light resistance is rated at 100 KLux, suitable for both indoor and outdoor daylight conditions.
What power supply does the TFA300 require?
The TFA300 requires DC 5V ±10% input with average power consumption of ≤0.45 W and peak current <0.75 A (measured at 25°C, 50 Hz). Low power draw makes it suitable for battery-powered systems and embedded IoT applications without heavy charging infrastructure.
What are the physical dimensions and weight?
Standard TFA300 dimensions are 49.4 mm × 37.0 mm × 28.6 mm with weight of 35.5 g (excluding cables). The ultra-compact TFA300-L variant measures 32.0 mm × 30.2 mm × 20.2 mm and weighs only 10.5 g, ideal for weight-critical applications like small drones and compact robotics.
When should the TFA300 NOT be used?
Avoid TFA300 in extreme cold below -20°C or heat above +60°C without thermal management. Reflectivity below 10% significantly degrades range (90 m standard, 100 m long-range), so measure carefully on non-reflective surfaces. The <0.5° field of view requires precise aiming—it cannot detect off-axis obstacles. High ambient light (>100 KLux) also reduces effective range.
How does the TFA300 compare to the Lightware LW series or Garmin LidarLite?
TFA300 and TFA300-L are different hardware variants: the housed IP67 TFA300 reaches 270 m and weighs 35.5 g, while the un-housed TFA300-L reaches 290 m and weighs 10.5 g. Both support UART/CAN; choose the variant according to protection, range, and weight requirements.
What platforms and systems does it integrate with?
TFA300 integrates with embedded systems via UART (Arduino, STM32, PLC, industrial controllers) and automotive/robotic networks via CAN bus (CAN-FD compatible systems). Logical voltage is 3.3V TTL, compatible with modern single-board computers. JST GH connectors enable quick integration into drone flight controllers (Pixhawk-compatible via UART to CAN bridges) and AGV/AMR platforms. Configurable frame rate (1–10,000 Hz) allows tuning for real-time OS and edge computing constraints.