Precision Point Ranging | Creatrol Sensor ToF Presence Sensor Application Guide

By Creatrol Engineering March 3rd, 2026 89 views

Want to precisely detect a single workstation or a specific parking space?
Traditional wide-angle sensors often fall short due to overly broad coverage and blurry boundaries. If mechanical masking is used, you sacrifice essential "presence sensing"capabilities.

Common Scenarios:
- Independent workstation detection in offices.
- Individual stall monitoring in public restrooms.
- Specific parking space detection in underground garages.

These scenarios share a common requirement: the sensor must make high-certainty judgments within a minimal physical range.

Is it difficult to achieve both "Point Detection" and "Presence Sensing" ?

Now, Creatrol Sensor brings a disruptive solution: the ToF Ranging/Presence Sensor. By measuring the "Time of Flight" of light, it directly reads absolute distances. This shifts spatial perception from vague "area" coverage to precise "linear" distance mapping, achieving centimeter-level precision for point-based presence detection.

ToF Sensor Intro

What is ToF?

ToF (Time of Flight) is an active optical ranging technology. It accurately measures the absolute distance between two points by calculating the round-trip time of a light pulse between the sensor and the target.

High Precision: Centimeter-level accuracy with stable data, virtually unaffected by ambient light.
Fast Response: Optical ranging with a 30Hz refresh rate, achieving millisecond-level, lag-free response.
Ultra-Narrow Angle: An 11° detection angle that does not penetrate doors or walls, providing physical isolation against false alarms.

Advantages of ToF

When your needs focus on a specific point, line, or area, ToF is the optimal solution.

Clear Boundaries, Targeted Focus: The 11° narrow angle acts like a "precision ruler," focusing only on the target directly in front. This effectively eliminates interference from adjacent areas, preventing accidental triggers from neighboring workstations or parking spaces.
Ultra-Low False Alarms: Based on precise physical measurements, it is immune to peripheral interference (e.g., shadows in a nearby aisle). No trigger occurs unless the target enters the designated distance zone.
Privacy & Unobtrusive Protection: It reads distance data without identifying biological features, enabling smart sensing while respecting privacy.

Core Functions

ToF sensors transform a simple "line" into a programmable intelligent space.

1. Ranging
Real-time output of centimeter-level detection distance.

2. Zone Occupancy
Set two independent sensing zones within the range. Triggers only occur when an object appears within the preset distances; other areas (gray zones) are completely shielded.

3. Three-Segment Detection
Divide the 0-3.2m range into A (Near), B (Mid), and C (Far) zones. Entering different segments can trigger different scenes.
Example: Far (C) turns on ambient light; Mid (B) turns on main lights; Near (A) plays music.

4. Approach/Departure
Set two points within the range to perceive movement direction.
Example: F to N (Approach): Triggers Scene 1 (Device On). N to F (Departure): Triggers Scene 2 (Device Off).

Application Scenarios

With exceptional precision and stability, ToF sensors excel in a wide range of applications.

Workstation Management: Distinguishes "passing by" from "sitting down." Lights turn off precisely when the user leaves, maximizing energy efficiency.
Parking Detection: Uses the 11° vertical monitoring to accurately judge individual parking space status (occupied/vacant) without interference from adjacent vehicles.
Restroom/Changing Room Occupancy: Independent installation per stall. Signals do not penetrate partitions, solving the "false triggers through walls" issue common with traditional radar.
Local Home Detection: Precise local triggering (e.g., at the start of a staircase). The narrow angle ensures lights only trigger when stepping on the first stair, regardless of nearby movement.
Touchless Panel Wake-up: Detects personnel approaching a wall panel to wake it up automatically.
Exhibitions & Security: Sets three-segment distances to link lighting/music or establish security alert perimeters for exhibits.
Production Line Monitoring: Detects operator presence at workstations to automatically control equipment start/stop.

Detection Range

When setting detection distance between 0.1~3.2 meters:
At a 2.0m setting, the coverage diameter is ∅ 0.4m.

Specifications

Technology	ToF (Time of Flight)
Installation Height	2.0~4.0 meters
Detection Angle	11°
Detection Distance	When setting the detection distance between 0.1~3.2 meters, at a 2.0m height, the coverage diameter is ∅ 0.4m. (Note: Pure black/white colors may reduce precision)
Detection Range	0.1~3.2 meters
Delay Time	1~3600 seconds
Illuminance Sensor	0~32000 Lux (Accuracy ±4%)
Operating Environment	Temperature -20 ~ 45°C, Humidity < 95%
LED Indicator	Breathing indicator light; automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light level (Can be set to "Off" mode).
Product Dimensions	Outer Diameter: 43mm Cutout Diameter: 35mm
Power Supply	DC12~30V AC100~240V
Protocol Support	KNX/RS485/WiFi/ZigBee/DALI and other options available.

Various Installation Accessories (Universal for Mini Series)

Frameless Embedded Parts: For pre-installed suspended ceilings, allowing the sensor to sit flush with the ceiling surface.
Wall Panel Cover: Standard 86-type box panel for wall-mounted installations.
Surface Mount Sleeve: For exposed external mounting; features a magnetic back for easy attachment.
Angle-Adjustable Universal Mount: Used with surface mount accessories to provide a wide range of detection angle adjustments.
Large Aperture Adapter Ring: For use when the ceiling hole is too large or when replacing legacy devices.
90° Bracket: For scenarios requiring horizontal detection, such as under desks or bed frames.

Multi-Protocol Versions

Mini Embedded Version
Version / Model / Part Number	Product Image	Order Now
Dry Contact Mini-ToF-REL [60.99.7101]
RS485 Mini-ToF-485 [60.99.7108]
UART Mini-ToF-UART [60.99.7181]
KNX Mini-ToF-KNX V2 [60.99.7113]
AC Light Control 300W Mini-ToF-S1 [60.99.7111.F20]
AC Light Control 1KW Mini-ToF-S1+ [60.99.7111.F21]
Dual-Channel AC Light Control Mini-ToF-S2 [60.99.7111.F22]
Tuya ZigBee Mini-ToF-TYZ/AC [60.99.7116.F61]
Tuya WiFi Mini-ToF-TYW/AC [60.99.7126.F62]
Tuya ZigBee/S1 Mini-ToF-TYZ/S1 [60.99.7116.F20]
Tuya WiFi/S1 Mini-ToF-TYW/S1 [60.99.7126.F20]
Tuya ZigBee/S1+ Mini-ToF-TYZ/S1+ [60.99.7116.F21]
Tuya WiFi/S1+ Mini-ToF-TYW/S1+ [60.99.7126.F21]
0-10V Mini-ToF-0-10V [60.99.7104.F42]
DALI Light Control Mini-ToF-DALI/LTC [60.99.7105.F51]
DALI Mini-ToF-DALI/STD [60.99.7115]

Version Descriptions

Tuya Version

The sensor integrates into the global Tuya IoT ecosystem via ZigBee/WiFi. Users can easily manage devices, configure scenes, and enable remote control through the Tuya App. Its flexible deployment and seamless automation with massive Tuya-compatible devices (lights, sockets, curtains) make it ideal for smart homes, hotels, and commercial projects.

Wiring: 220V Mains -> Power Box -> Sensor

KNX Version

KNX is the global standard for home and building control. It uses a dedicated bus for power and communication, ensuring superior stability and interference resistance. The Creatrol Sensor KNX version maintains ultra-low power consumption (only 10mA) even with Radar, PIR, and Lux sensors fully active. It requires no auxiliary power, significantly reducing installation complexity and costs.

Wiring: KNX Bus Power -> Sensor 1 -> Sensor 2

ETS Programming
Certified database provided. All parameters are configured via ETS. Creatrol offers complete bilingual tutorials covering database setup, Easy/Advanced modes, and scene linkage.

For detailed ETS operations, please scan the QR code below or click the link to access the CTL-KNX series user manuals and video tutorials.

RS485 Version

The sensor outputs a wealth of detection data via RS485—including presence status, illuminance (Lux), switch status, real-time distance measurements, approach/departure triggers, and zone occupancy triggers—enabling the master control system to perform precise logic judgments and data analytics. Options include the universal Modbus-RTU protocol or the high-real-time Unified Active Transmit Protocol.

RS485 Modbus

RS485 Unified Active Transmit Protocol

Wiring: DC Power -> RS485 Gateway -> Sensor 1 -> Sensor 2

DALI Version

Native support for the DALI-2 standard. Connects directly to existing DALI lighting systems as a smart input device, requiring no additional gateways or complex configurations.

Wiring Reference: DALI Power -> Sensor -> DALI Driver -> Lamp

0-10V Version

Compatible with the widely used 0-10V dimming standard. Connects directly to most drivers, ballasts, or controllers without complex programming or dedicated systems, significantly lowering the barrier for installation and commissioning.

Dry Contact Version

Features a silent solid-state relay with no mechanical vibration or arcing, ensuring a much longer lifespan than traditional relays. Ideal for integration with various smart and security systems.

Wiring: Connects to Smart System Input Modules.

AC Power Version

Simplifies lighting control with 220V mains power. The sensor directly controls lights (On when occupied, Delay Off when vacant). Connects to 300W or 1kW Light Control BOX.