Benewake TFMINI Micro LIDAR Module IP65 (12 m) connection

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hello,

I am new to electronics and I am doing a research project for my college. I purchased a Benewake TFMINI Micro LIDAR Module IP65 (12 m) with product code RB-Ben-03 and I want to connect it to a computer. What kind of adapter would I need to convert it and let me do some experiments with it?

Thanks,
Mak

2

Hi Mak,

The device uses a UART TTL 3.3 V DC interface, therefore you will need a USB-to-UART TTL converter that can work with 3.3 V DC on the device side.
Once connected through this device to your computer, you will obtain some kind of port, depending on your OS. For Windows, it will be a VCP (Virtual COM Port). For Linux and UNIX-based OS, you will get a file (like everything else!) that can be used to read/write to. Most modern OS should have the drivers already for whichever adapter you choose to use.

You can see more about this in the datasheet available on the product page, under Useful Links.

Please note you also still need to provide a 5 V DC power source and GND connection to the device. Make sure it provides enough current for it to work properly.

Sincerely,

3

Hello,

Sorry for the late reply and for my lack of knowledge. Do you mean something like this? robotshop.com/en/quickusb-33 … cable.html

Also, what do you mean by a GND connection and a 5 V DC Power Source? Would I not be able to connect it straight to a computer?

Thanks,
Mak

4

Hi Mak,

Yes, the RB-Tig-14 seems like a good option for 3.3 V DC UART TTL connection.

Concerning the power issue, it is mostly because the device requires 5 V DC;which you will not get from your adapter or USB port. Therefore, you would need an external power supply to provide power.
A secondary concern is the power requirements. As seen in the datasheet on page 5, this device can require up-to 800 mA of peak power for the sensor. As you may already know, most USB ports cannot provide more than 500 mA (and not even fully at 5 V DC, also). This means you most certainly need an external power source for the device to use it properly.

Something as simple as the RB-Spa-108 should do the job. You can either cut off the barrel at the end or use an adapter for easier connection (without modifying the power supply’s cable), such as the RB-Dfr-182.

Please see the attached image for an idea of how the connections would look.

Sincerely,
Schematic - Sensor - power source - UART TTL to USB.png