Uçuş Süresi (TOF) technology has become an essential component of modern İHA systems, delivering precise mesafe ölçümü for altitude hold, terrain following, engellerden kaçınma, and long-range navigation. In 2025, Meskernel’s dToF (direct TOF) and phase-based lazer mesafesi modules offer high accuracy, compact size, low power consumption, and industry-leading performance for drone applications.
This guide provides a complete overview of the best tof distance tespit sensor options for drones.
1. What Is a TOF Distance Detection Sensor for UAVs?
A tof distance detection sensor measures distance by calculating the time it takes for a laser pulse to travel to a target and return. Meskernel’s portfolio includes:
Direct TOF (dToF) Pulse Laser Rangefinders
- Long-range measurement: 3 m to 1500–3000 m
- 905 nm Class I laser
- 1–500 Hz output depending on model
- UART / RS485 / RS232 interfaces
- Highly resistant to outdoor sunlight
Phase-Based TOF Modules (iToF)
- Millimeter accuracy
- Range from 0.03 m to 40/60/100/150/200 m
- Red (610–690 nm) or green (510–550 nm) laser
- Extremely lightweight (2–9 g)
- Ideal for close-range altitude hold and precision landing
Both categories are suitable for UAVs, with different advantages depending on the mission.
2. Best TOF Distance Detection Sensor for Drones (2025 Product Line)
Fly Safer and Smarter: TOF Distance Detection Sensor for Drones Recommend
Below is a corrected and refined list of the most suitable drone sensors.
2.1 TS1224 — Mini dToF Laser Rangefinder (5–1500 / 2000 m)
A compact long-range tof distance detection sensor ideal for fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs.
Key Specifications:
- Range: 5–1500 m / 2000 m
- Doğruluk: ±1 m
- Frequency: 1–5 Hz
- Wavelength: 905 nm, Class I
- Size: 25.72 × 24.60 × 13.40 mm
- Weight: 10 g
- Interfaces: UART / RS485 / RS232
En iyisi: long-range mapping, terrain measurement, surveillance drones.
2.2 PTFS Series — High-Frequency dToF Sensor (50–500 Hz)
A square-structured dToF module designed for high-speed measurement.
Key Specifications:
- Range Options: 3–100 / 200 / 300 / 400 m; or 3–400 / 700 / 1300 m
- Doğruluk: ±1 m
- Frequency: 50–500 Hz
- Weight: 30 g
- Wavelength: 905 nm
- Interfaces: UART / RS485 / RS232
En iyisi: fast obstacle detection, UAV agility, real-time altitude control.
2.3 TC25 — Ultra-Compact Cylindrical dToF Sensor (3–1200 m)
Designed for gimbals, compact airframes, and payload integration.
Key Specifications:
- Range: 3–1200 m
- Doğruluk: ±1 m
- Frequency: 1–3 Hz
- Weight: 18 g
- Size: Φ25 × 47 mm
- Interfaces: UART / RS485 / RS232
En iyisi: integrated UAV payloads, drone-mounted optics, targeting systems.
These lightweight iToF tof distance detection sensor modules offer millimeter-level accuracy with red or green lasers.
Key Specifications (typical):
- Range: 0.03–40 / 60 / 100 / 150 / 200 m
- Doğruluk: ±1 mm to ±3 mm
- Weight: 2–9 g
- Frequency: 3–100 Hz
- Lasers: 610–690 nm (red), 510–550 nm (green)
- Interfaces: UART / RS232 / RS485
En iyisi: precision landing, low-altitude hold, indoor UAV flight, warehouse automation.
Although not dToF, LDJU provides extremely high measurement speed for specialized UAV tasks.
Key Specifications:
- Range: 0.2–25 m
- Frequency: Up to 10 kHz
- Doğruluk: ±(3 mm + D/10000)
- Interfaces: TTL UART / RS485 / RS232
En iyisi: high-frequency surface tracking and vibration-sensitive drone systems.
3. Wiring a Meskernel TOF Sensor to Pixhawk/ArduPilot
All Meskernel tof distance detection sensor support universal serial interfaces compatible with Pixhawk flight controllers.
Standard UART Wiring (TS1224 / PTFS / TC25 / Phase Modules)
| Meskernel Sensor | Pixhawk TELEM2 |
|---|
| TX | RX |
| RX | TX |
| GND | GND |
| VIN (3.3 V or 5 V) | Power |
Important Notes:
- Many long-range tof distance detection sensor modules use 3.3 V input.
- Use level shifters if your Pixhawk port outputs 5 V logic.
- All modules support UART/RS485/RS232, making them flexible for custom integration.
4. ArduPilot Parameter Configuration
For dToF Sensors (TS1224 / PTFS / TC25):
RNGFND1_TYPE = 8
RNGFND1_MIN_CM = 300 ; 3 m minimum
RNGFND1_MAX_CM = 150000 ; e.g., 1500 m
RNGFND1_ORIENT = 25
RNGFND1_GNDCLEAR = 3
RNGFND1_PORT = 2
RNGFND1_BAUD = 115 ; 115200 baud
For Phase Modules (Close-Range Precision):
RNGFND1_MIN_CM = 3
RNGFND1_MAX_CM = 6000 ; 60 m
After reboot, verify data under:
Mission Planner → Status → sonarrange
5. UAV Applications Based on Real Sensor Capabilities
1) Long-Range Terrain Following (dToF)
- TS1224, PTFS, TC25
- Reliable performance in strong sunlight
- Suitable for mapping drones, fixed wings, VTOL transition altitude hold
2) High-Speed Obstacle Detection (PTFS 50–500 Hz)
- Ideal for multirotors navigating forests, canyons, or industrial sites
3) Precision Landing (Phase Modules)
- Millimeter accuracy improves landing accuracy under complex conditions
4) Indoor Flight & GPS-Denied Environments
- Phase modules work well under low-light or reflective surfaces
6. Handling Sunlight, Interference & Special Surfaces
Sunlight Interference
- 905 nm dToF modules (TS1224, PTFS, TC25) have strong resistance to high-lux environments
- High-transmittance optics improve return signal quality
Dark/Matte Surfaces
- dToF performs more reliably than traditional phase sensors
- Modules with larger receiver apertures yield better results
Incorrect Data or Noise
- Check baud rate and UART voltage
- Ensure correct orientation and EKF configuration
- Verify that the target is within the sensor’s minimum range
7. Why a TOF Distance Detection Sensor Is Essential for 2025 UAV Systems
A tof distance detection sensor provides reliable, fast, and accurate distance measurement essential for modern UAV missions. With Meskernel’s extensive lineup of dToF and phase-based sensors, drone developers gain access to:
- Long-range capability up to 1500–3000 m
- High-frequency scanning up to 500 Hz or 10 kHz
- Millimeter-level accuracy for low-altitude flight
- Lightweight modules suitable for even small UAVs
- Flexible interfaces (UART, RS232, RS485)
These advantages make Meskernel tof distance detection sensor ideal for mapping, automation, industrial inspection, smart robotics, and advanced UAV autonomy.
FAQ —About Meskernel & Our TOF / Laser Measurement Technology
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Who is Meskernel and what is our background in laser measurement?
Meskernel is a high-tech company specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of lazer ölçümü sensors, TOF modules, and lazer menzili chips. With over 20 years of experience in lazer mesafe ölçümü, we develop high-precision, compact, and low-power laser ranging solutions used in UAVs, automation, ölçme, robotics, and defense applications.
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Do we provide customization for laser distance sensors and TOF modules?
Yes. We offer full OEM and ODM customization, including measurement range, accuracy, frequency, operating temperature, interface options (UART, RS485, RS232, CAN, USB, Bluetooth), communication protocol, enclosure design, and IP ratings (IP54–IP68). Our team can tailor both the hardware and firmware to meet specific UAV or industrial requirements.
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What types of laser measurement sensors do we offer?
We provide a wide range of lazer ölçüm sensörleri, including TOF distance detection sensor, long-range dToF laser rangefinders, high-frequency ranging modules, phase-based lazer mesafe sensörleri, and 2D/3D LiDAR solutions. These products support short-range precision measurement, high-speed dynamic sensing, and long-range detection up to 3000 meters.
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What technical strengths and certifications does Meskernel have?
We have a strong R&D foundation with dozens of patents, a professional engineering team, and certifications including ISO, CE, RoHS, FCC, and FDA. Our products are developed inside a TUV-certified manufacturing facility, ensuring stable quality and long-term reliability for professional UAV and industrial applications.
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Do we offer after-sales support for integration and technical issues?
Yes. We provide complete after-sales support, including wiring guidance, communication protocol assistance, firmware configuration, product debugging, and installation advice. Our standard warranty covers 12 months for non-human-damage issues, and we continue offering technical support even after the warranty period.
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Are our TOF and laser rangefinder modules suitable for outdoor UAV applications?
Yes. Our lazer telemetre modules are designed for stable performance in outdoor environments with high sunlight, long distances, dust, and vibration. We also offer customizable IP54–IP68 protective housings for harsh environments, making our sensors suitable for terrain following, mapping, surveying, and UAV navigation.
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Can we develop a customized TOF distance detection sensor for a specific drone project?
Yes. We can develop fully customized TOF modules, including custom ranges (from 0.03 m to 3000 m), laser wavelengths, update frequencies, communication interfaces, enclosures, and software protocols. This makes our sensors adaptable to different drone platforms, including multirotors, fixed-wings, and VTOL systems.
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Why do UAV manufacturers choose our TOF distance detection sensor?
UAV manufacturers choose our sensors for their long-range capability, strong sunlight resistance, high-frequency scanning options, compact size, low power consumption, and reliable performance. Our sensors integrate easily with Pixhawk, ArduPilot, and other UAV controllers via UART, RS485, or RS232.
https://meskernel.net/robot-sensors/
