FlexiForce A2011 Flex Sensor

The FlexiForce A201/1 flex sensor is an ultra-thin and flexible printed circuit, which can be easily integrated into most applications. With its paper-thin construction, flexibility and force measurement ability, the FlexiForce force sensor can measure force between almost any two surfaces and is durable enough to stand up to most environments. FlexiForce has better force sensing properties, linearity, hysteresis, drift, and temperature sensitivity than any other thin-film force sensors.

The active sensing area is a 0.375 diameter circle at the end of the sensor. The sensor has two layers of the substrate. This substrate is composed of polyester film (or Polyimide in the case of the High-Temperature Sensors). On each layer, a conductive material (silver) is applied, followed by a layer of pressure-sensitive ink. The adhesive is then used to laminate the two layers of substrate together to form the sensor. The silver circle on top of the pressure-sensitive ink defines the active sensing area.

Silver extends from the sensing area to the connectors at the other end of the sensor, forming the conductive leads.
FlexiForce sensors are terminated with a solderable male square pin connector, which allows them to be incorporated into a circuit. The two outer pins of the connector are active and the centre pin is inactive. The length of the sensors can be trimmed to predefined lengths of 2, 4 and 6 as per the requirements. If the sensor is trimmed, a new connector must be attached. This can be accomplished by purchasing staked pin connectors and a crimping tool. A conductive epoxy can also be used to adhere to small wires to each conductor.

The sensor acts as a variable resistor in an electrical circuit. When the sensor is unloaded, its resistance is very high (greater than 5 Meg-ohm); when a force is applied to the sensor, the resistance decreases. Connecting an ohmmeter to the outer two pins of the sensor connector and applying a force to the sensing area can read the change in resistance.

Note:

The sensing area is the silver circle on the top of the sensor only.

Typical Performance:

1. Force Range: 0-1 lb (4.4 N)
2. Operating Temperature Range: 15F to 140F (-9C to 60C)
3. Linearity (Error): +/- 3%
4. Repeatability : +/- 2.5% of full scale (conditioned sensor, 80% force applied)
5. Hysteresis: <4.5% of full scale (conditioned sensor, 80% force applied)
6. Drift: <5% per logarithmic time scale (constant load of 90% sensor rating)
7. Response Time: <5 microseconds
8. Output Change/Degree F: Up to 0.2% (~0.36% / C).
   Loads <10 lbs, the operating temperature can be increased to 165F (74C).

   Specifications :-

   Connector	3-pin male square pin (center pin is inactive)
   Drift	< 5% per logarithmic time scale
   Force Range	0-4.4N (0-0.45kg)
   Hysteresis	< 4.5 % of full scale
   Length ( cm )	8 Inch (20.3 cm)
   Linearity (Error)	< 3% of full scale
   Max Current (A)	0.2
   Operating Temperature Range (C)	-9 to 60
   Operating Voltage (VDC)	5
   Pin Spacing (mm)	2.54
   Repeatability	+/-2.5% of Full Load
   Response Time ( S)	5
   RoHS Compliant	Yes
   Sensing Area (mm)	9.53
   Surface Layer	Polyester
   Thickness (mm)	0.203
   Width (mm)	14