Sensors
TMF8829 Multi-Zone Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor Breakout Board
The Boardoza TMF8829 R1.0 is a compact multi-zone distance-sensing breakout board built around ams OSRAM’s TMF8829 direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) sensor. The device combines a 940 nm infrared light source, high-sensitivity SPAD detectors, Time-to-Digital Converter technology, and histogram-based processing to generate detailed depth information. It supports configurable sensing resolutions of 8 × 8, 16 × 16, 32 × 32, and 48 × 32 zones, providing up to 1,536 independent measurement zones. With a measurement range from approximately 10 mm to 11 m and an 80° diagonal field of view, the module is suitable for object detection, presence sensing, gesture recognition, robotics, industrial automation, access control, smart appliances, and three-dimensional scene mapping. Unlike conventional single-zone proximity sensors, the TMF8829 can measure multiple areas of a scene simultaneously and detect up to four objects per depth point. Raw optical data is processed directly inside the sensor, reducing the workload on the host microcontroller. The device provides distance measurements with a 0.25 mm reporting resolution, together with confidence values, received-signal amplitude, and ambient-light information. Its histogram and peak-detection architecture improves measurement reliability and provides increased tolerance to fingerprints, dust, and smudges on the protective cover glass. Because depth is measured without capturing conventional images, the sensor is also suitable for privacy-sensitive presence and occupancy detection applications. The Boardoza module simplifies integration of the TMF8829 into embedded systems by providing practical access to its power and digital communication connections. The sensor operates from a 2.9 V to 3.6 V supply and supports I3C with I²C compatibility as well as a high-speed SPI interface for sensor control, processed measurement output, and raw histogram streaming. Raw-data access enables developers to implement advanced filtering, object classification, and AI-assisted depth-analysis algorithms on an external processor. With its compact construction and high-resolution multi-zone sensing capability, the Boardoza TMF8829 R1.0 provides a practical platform for developing accurate short- and long-range depth-sensing applications.
