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Integrating ESP32 With the DM0301 1D ToF Sensor: Architecture, Wiring, Performance, and Real Applications

ESP32 has become a dominant platform in IoT, robotics, and embedded sensing systems due to its wireless capability, high performance, and low power consumption.When paired with a high-precision ToF module such as 1D ToF Sensor DM0301, ESP32 becomes a fully capable distance-sensing and perception node suitable for industrial automation, smart buildings, and service robots.

This article explains the architecture, wiring, workflow, data output, and practical applications of an ESP32 + DM0301 system, accompanied by six illustration placeholders.

1. Overview of the DM0301 ToF Sensor

The DM0301 is a highly integrated 1D Time-of-Flight ranging module with built-in VCSEL, SPAD array, micro-lens system, TDC (Time-to-Digital Converter), and MCU.

DM0301 Specifications

Item Specification
Range Up to 4000 mm
Light Source
Receiver SPAD array
Processor Internal MCU + TDC
Interface I²C
Accuracy ±2% typical
Anti-Ambient Algorithm Yes
Eye Safety Class I compliant

 

DM0301 outputs distance directly through I²C, with noise filtering and ambient-light compensation handled internally.

2. ESP32 + DM0301 System Architecture

2.1 High-Level Architecture

      ┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
      │                  ESP32                    │
      │  • I2C Master                             │
      │  • Data Processing                        │
      │  • Logic Control                          │
      │  • Wi-Fi / BLE Communication              │
      └───────────────┬───────────────┬──────────┘
                      SDA            SCL
                      │               │
                      ▼               ▼
              ┌─────────────────────────────┐
              │           DM0301            │
              │   VCSEL → Emit IR           │
              │   SPAD  → Detect Return     │
              │   MCU   → Ranging Output    │
              └─────────────────────────────┘

3. Wiring Between ESP32 and DM0301

Standard I²C Connection

ESP32          DM0301
------------------------
3.3V     →     VCC
GND      →     GND
GPIO 21  →     SDA
GPIO 22  →     SCL

4.7kΩ pull-up resistors are recommended for robust I²C communication.

4. ESP32–DM0301 Communication Flow

ESP32 Performs

Initialize I²C bus

Configure DM0301 measurement mode

Poll distance register

Process data or upload online

DM0301 Provides

Distance (mm)

Signal strength

Ambient light estimation

Error/validity flags

Sample Output

Distance: 832 mm
Signal Quality: 94%
Ambient: Low
Distance: 832 mm
Signal Quality: 94%
Ambient: Low

 

5. Performance Characteristics

5.1 Distance Range vs Object Type

Object Type Reflectivity Max Range
White board ~90% ~4000 mm
Human skin ~30–40% ~2500 mm
Black cloth ~10% ~1500 mm

5.2 Ambient Light Resistance

Lighting Condition Effective Range
Indoor 4000 mm
Cloudy outdoor ~1200 mm
Direct sunlight ~1000 mm

6. Real-World Applications

6.1 Smart Occupancy Monitoring

  • Ceiling-mounted DM0301 measures user presence

  • ESP32 uploads to cloud

  • Supports real-time room utilization analytics

6.2 Service Robots (e.g., Restaurant Delivery Robot)

DM0301 provides:

  • Obstacle detection

  • Short-range human detection

ESP32 provides:

  • Robot logic

  • Wireless communication

6.3 Warehouse Picking & Inventory Automation

  • Shelf distance measurement

  • Detect presence/absence of items

  • Smart AGV navigation

  • Bin-level detection

6.4 People Counting Systems

Using multiple DM0301 sensors:

  • ESP32 processes beam breaks

  • Determines direction of movement

  • Achieves high accuracy without a camera

7. Example ESP32 Code for Reading Distance

#include <Wire.h>

#define DM0301_ADDR 0x29

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Wire.begin(21, 22); // SDA, SCL
}

uint16_t readDistance() {
  Wire.beginTransmission(DM0301_ADDR);
  Wire.write(0x00);   // Distance register
  Wire.endTransmission();
  Wire.requestFrom(DM0301_ADDR, 2);

  uint16_t dist = Wire.read() << 8 | Wire.read();
  return dist;
}

void loop() {
  uint16_t distance = readDistance();
  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(distance);
  Serial.println(" mm");
  delay(100);
}

Conclusion

By integrating ESP32 with the DM0301 ToF sensor, developers can build high-precision, real-time sensing systems suitable for automation, robotics, smart buildings, and consumer applications.
The system delivers:

  • 1D millimeter-level precision

  • Real-time wireless data transmission

  • Stable anti-ambient performance

  • Compact and low-power IoT deployment

This combination is ideal for next-generation sensing and intelligent environments.

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