Product details

TF-UW500

Sensors & Perception

Benewake (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

TF-UW500

About this product

TF-UW500 is an underwater single-point LiDAR module for pool-cleaning robots and other host-sealed underwater systems. It specifies a range greater than 5 m indoors at NTU <0.5 and 30% target reflectivity with perpendicular incidence, and a default 20 Hz output. The bare module has no stated protection rating; sealing, optical windows and optical alignment belong to the host design. UART and I²C are command-selectable. The manual gives inconsistent default distance-unit wording, retained as a configuration gap. Cover image: Manufacturer exact-model reference illustration.

Model
TF-UW500
Category
Sensors & Perception, Components

Specifications & evidence

Source-backed claims. Configuration, workload and evidence type matter when comparing products.

Accuracy

< 3 cm (0.1 ~ 2m)

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; 0.1–2 m; 100 klux, NTU <0.5, 30% target reflectivity, perpendicular incidence, water depth greater than 1 m (note 1).

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Accuracy① | < 3 cm (0.1 ~ 2m)

Air-distance conversion factor

1.33

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 11; Manufacturer conversion instruction for underwater output used in air; not an accuracy guarantee.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
Dist: Output underwater distance measurement value, multiplied by a coefficient of 1.33 in air,

Ambient light resistance

100 KLux

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Ambient light resistance | 100 KLux

Average power consumption

< 5V × 100mA

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Indoors, 0 klux, 25 °C (note 2). Power formula retained literally; startup peak duration unspecified.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Average power consumption② | < 5V × 100mA

Blind zone

≤0.1 m

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Blind zone | ≤0.1 m

Central wavelength

Red

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Central wavelength | Red

Communication interface

UART / I²C (Can be switched by command)

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Communication Interface | UART / I²C (Can be switched by command)

Configurable uart baud rates

9600, 14400, 19200, 38400, 56000, 57600, 115200, 128000, 230400, 256000, 460800, 500000, 512000, 600000, 750000, 921600

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 11; Listed supported settings; other values fall back to 115200.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
Baud rate can be set to 9600, 14400, 19200, 38400, 56000, 57600, 115200, 128000, 230400, 256000, 460800, 500000, 512000, 600000, 750000, and 921600. If other value were set, TF-UW500 will set it to 115200.

Connector

1.0mm-4P, model is HC-1.0-4PWT

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Connector | 1.0mm-4P, model is HC-1.0-4PWT

Connector pin assignment

1 GND; 2 VCC; 3 UART RX / I²C SDA; 4 UART TX / I²C SCL

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 10

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
NO. UART I2C PIN 1 GND GND PIN 2 VCC VCC PIN 3 RX SDA PIN 4 TX SCL

Default distance unit (manual prose)

mm

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 11; Conflicts with same-page 9-byte/cm default heading and page 14 default0x01; confirm actual saved device configuration.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
Dist: Output underwater distance measurement value, multiplied by a coefficient of 1.33 in air, can be configured to output in millimeters or centimeters as needed, mm is default.

Default frame rate

Default 20 Hz

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Default frame rate | Default 20 Hz

Default serial output format (table heading)

9-byte/cm

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 11; Manual heading and page 14 default format 0x01 indicate cm; same page prose says mm default. Both preserved, no selected default assumed.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
Serial port output format: 9-byte/cm (Default)

Detection range under water

> 5 m Indoor, NTU< 0.5, 30% reflectivity, the light beam is perpendicular to the target surface

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Indoors, NTU <0.5, 30% reflectivity, light perpendicular to target; greater than 5 m is the printed claim, not a maximum.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Detection range under water | > 5 m Indoor, NTU< 0.5, 30% reflectivity, the light beam is perpendicular to the target surface

Dimensions (typical)

24.0 mm × 16.0 mm × 20.4 mm

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred. Typical reference values; detailed tolerances require manufacturer confirmation.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Typ. Dimensions③ | 24.0 mm × 16.0 mm × 20.4 mm

Distance output limit defaults

Minimum 0 mm; maximum 65535 mm

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 18; Configurable protocol output limits, not sensor physical range.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
Default 0 65535 Opt: !1: read, 1: write Min_dist: minimum distance output in mm Max_dist: maximum distance output in mm

Distance resolution

1 mm

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Distance resolution | 1 mm

Eye safety

Class1 (IEC 60825-1:2014; EN 60825-1:2014+A11:2021)

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Eye safety | Class1 (IEC 60825-1:2014; EN 60825-1:2014+A11:2021)

Field of view

< 0.5°

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
FoV | < 0.5°

Fov geometry

Rectangular spot; divergence <0.5° in any direction

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 8; Theoretical values; manual explicitly notes manufacturing and installation differences from theory.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
The field of view of TF-UW500 is shown in the following figure, with a rectangular spot shape and a divergence angle of less than 0.5 ° in any direction.

I²c address configuration

7-bit; default 0x10; range 0x08–0x77; default write 0x20/read 0x21

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 12

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
In this document, the address of I²C slave device is a 7-bit value with value range [0x08, 0x77] ([08, 119] in decimal). For the first byte after I²C releases a start signal, the 7-bit address should be shifted leftward for one bit (i.e. multiplied with 2), and then filled with the read-write sign on the lowest bit. For TF-UW500, the default address of slave device is 0x10, the address for write operations is 0x20, and the address for read operations is 0x21.

I²c clock limit (literal unit)

Up to 400kps

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 12; Manufacturer literal kps retained, not silently normalized to a different unit.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
TF-UW500 supports up to 400kps clock speed as slave machine and its default address is 0x10.

I²c distance registers

0x00/0x01 cm; 0x3C/0x3D mm

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 19

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
0x00 R DIST_LOW -- Ranging value in cm as the unit 0x01 R DIST_HIGH -- 0x3C R DIST_LOW -- Ranging value in mm as the unit 0x3D R DIST_HIGH --

I²c write-to-validation-read delay

100 ms

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 12; Manufacturer recommends waiting before reading to validate a preceding write.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
After a write operation on the I²C register, it takes TF-UW500 some time to process. If users need to read the value from the register for validation purposes, we recommend waiting for 100ms after the write operation, prior to the next read operation.

Light source

Laser

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Light source | Laser

Logical voltage

3.3 V TTL

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Logical voltage | 3.3 V TTL

Manufacturer launch announcement date

2025-10-16

Manufacturer specification

Configuration: TF-UW500; manufacturer web page; Day-precision manufacturer launch announcement; article says officially available worldwide and mass production underway. Exact first shipment date is not independently established.

Benewake tf-uw500-launch
“The Underwater Eye” Evolves Again! Benewake Launches the World’s First Mass-Produced Underwater Single-Point LiDAR – TF-UW500 2025-10-16

Mass (typical)

< 5 g (excluding cables)

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred. Typical reference values; detailed tolerances require manufacturer confirmation.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Typ. Weight③ | < 5 g (excluding cables)

Mounting positioning holes

2

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 9

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
TF-UW500 has 2 installation positioning holes available for use.

Operating temperature

0 ℃~ + 50 ℃

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Operating temperature | 0 ℃~ + 50 ℃

Optical barrel clearance

At least 1 mm in every direction

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 9

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
Due to optical assembly tolerances, please leave at least 1mm of additional space in all directions around the circular barrel.

Output format options

0x01: 9-byte cm; 0x06: 9-byte mm

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 14; Output format setting; default table says0x01, while earlier prose saysmm default.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
Format: 0x01: 9byte cm, 0x06: 9byte mm

Peak current at startup

< 700mA

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Indoors, 0 klux, 25 °C (note 2). Power formula retained literally; startup peak duration unspecified.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Peak current at start up ② | < 700mA

Power-on output

Automatic data transmission; no power switch

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 11

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
The LiDAR does not include a power switch. When power is supplied to the LiDAR, data will begin to be automatically transmitted.

Power supply

DC 5±0.2 V

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Power supply | DC 5±0.2 V

Protection level

NA

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; NA applies to the module; underwater application requires host sealing and optical-window integration, not an IP rating for this bare component.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Protection level | NA

Repeatability

< 1 cm @ 1σ(0.1 ~ 2m)

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 1; 0.1–2 m; 100 klux, NTU <0.5, 30% target reflectivity, perpendicular incidence, water depth greater than 1 m (note 1).

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Repeatability① | < 1 cm @ 1σ(0.1 ~ 2m)

Settings persistence

Explicit save required; unsaved changes revert

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 14

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
Any change without “save current setting” instruction will not be saved and will restore to original setting.

Signal-strength quality bands

Peak ≥200 good; 100<Peak<200 repeatability declines; 30≤Peak≤100 poor; Peak<30 outputs 65535

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 11; Unitless signal-strength indicator and protocol invalid-output sentinel.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-20-pdf-0
Peak: Signal strength. In general, data quality is good when Peak ≥200; When 100<Peak<200, the data repeatability accuracy begins to decrease; Poor repeatability and accuracy when 30 ≤Peak ≤100; When Peak<30, the signal strength is too low for process, LiDAR output 65535.

Storage temperature

- 20 ℃~ +70 ℃

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Storage temperature | - 20 ℃~ +70 ℃

Uart baud rate

Default 115200 (Configurable)

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Baud rate | Default 115200 (Configurable)

Uart data bits

8

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Data bit | 8

Uart parity

None

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Parity | None

Uart stop bits

1

Reported claim

Configuration: TF-UW500; datasheet/manual PDF page 2; Captured manufacturer table; no unprinted tolerance or operating mode inferred.

Benewake doc-tf-uw500-19-pdf-0
Stop bit | 1

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