FlexiForce^® Sensors

Specifications and Features    |      Download Order Form

FlexiForce Sensor Model A201.

With its paper-thin construction, flexibility and force measurement ability, the FlexiForce sensor can measure force between almost any two surfaces and is durable enough to stand up to most environments. FlexiForce has better sensor properties, linearity, hysteresis, drift and temperature sensitivity than any other thin film force sensor.

The new and improved FlexiForce A201 sensor is an ultra-thin (0.008"), flexible printed circuit. It is 0.55" (14 mm) wide and 8" (203 mm) in full length. The active sensing area is a 0.375" diameter circle at the end of the sensor. The sensors are constructed of two layers of substrate, such as a polyester film. On each layer, a conductive material (silver) is applied, followed by a layer of pressure-sensitive ink. Adhesive is then used to laminate the two layers of substrate together to form the sensor. The active sensing area is defined by the silver circle on top of the pressure-sensitive ink. Silver extends from the sensing area to the connectors at the other end of the sensor, forming the conductive leads. A201 sensors are terminated with a male square pin, which allows them to be incorporated into a circuit. The two outer pins of the connector are active and the center pin is inactive.

NEW- Users can now customize the length of the sensors. They can either trim the sensors to the length of their choosing, or Tekscan can trim the sensors at lengths of 2", 4", and 6" for an additional charge.

Typical sensor response (based on Sample Drive Circuit shown on Specifications page).

The FlexiForce single element sensor acts as a resistor in an electrical circuit. When the sensor is unloaded, its resistance is very high. When a force is applied to the sensor, this resistance decreases. The resistance can be read by connecting an ohmmeter to the outer two pins of the sensor connector and applying a force to the sensing area.

There are many ways to integrate the A201 sensor into an application. One way is to incorporate it into a force-to-voltage circuit. A means of calibration must then be established to convert the output into the appropriate engineering units. Depending on the setup, an adjustment could then be done to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the sensor.

FlexiForce single element sensors are independent of electronics and allow OEM engineers and designers to use the patented Tekscan sensor technology to suit almost all of their force measurement needs. These durable sensors are flexible and pliable enough to allow for non-intrusive measurement, can be attached to many surfaces, and can be combined with plastic or metal films for increased stiffness or for added protection from abrasion. FlexiForce sensors are so versatile that they can be custom designed to meet all of your specific application needs.

Specifications and Features    |      Download Order Form