This is the worlds smallest and cheapest lidar unit.  Using the time of flight ranging principle, the TFmini is able to achieve 1000Hz range update rate. This new S version has some improvements with the most notable being an improvement in the range detection algorithm to offer better performance. Other hardware improvements include a smaller blind spot (10cm) distance, being able to detect ranges as close as 0.1m to 12m. The new algorithm also lets you ahieve an update rate of up to 1000Hz

Key Features

• 0.1m to 12m detection range
• Up to 1000Hz update rate
• UART, I2C, I/O interface (user configurable)
• Small and Light at just 5g (4.2×1.5×1.6cm)

Essentially this is the same size and similar cost as many ultrasonic rangefinders, but has significantly better performance.  The TFmini communicates over UART that is compatible with many systems including pixhawk, arduino etc…  The TFmini uses advanced algorithms to automatically adjust to indoor/outdoor environments to always ensure you are getting good ranging performance.  This unit runs on 5V, and has a peak current of 200mA with a FOV of 2.3°.

Datasheet

• SJ-GU-TFmini-S-01 A00 Datasheet