User Guide for FSR Sensor

Page 16 FSR Integration Guide and Evaluation Parts Catalog
with Suggested Electrical Interfaces
Glossary of Terms
Active Area The area of an FSR device that responds to normal force with a decrease in resistance.
Actuator The object which contacts the sensor surface and applies force to FSRs.
Applied Force The force applied by the actuator on the active area of the sensor.
Array Any grouping or matrix of FSR sensors which can be individually actuated and
measured.
Break Force The minimum force required, with a specific actuator size, to cause the onset of the FSR
response.
Cross-talk Measurement noise or inaccuracies of a sensor as a result of the actuation of another
sensor on the same substrate. See also false triggering.
Driff The change in resistance with time under a constant (static) load. Also called resistance drift.
Durometer The measure of the hardness of rubber.
EMI Electromagnetic interference.
ESD Electrostatic discharge.
False triggering The unwanted actuation of a FSR device from unexpected stimuli; e.g., bending or
cross-talk.
Fixed Resistor The printed resistor on linear potentiometers that is used to measure position.
Footprint Surface area and force distribution of the actuator in contact with the sensor surface.
Force Resolution The smallest measurable difference in force.
FSR™ Force Sensing Resistors®. A polymer thick film device with exhibits a decrease in
resistance with an increase in force applied normal to the device surface.
Graphic Overlay A printed substrate that covers the FSR. Usually used for esthetics and protection.
Housed Female A stitched on AMP connector with a receptacle (female) ending. A black plastic housing
protects the contacts. Suitable for removable ribbon cable connector and header pin
attachment.
Hysteresis In a dynamic measurement, the difference between instantaneous force measurements at
a given force for an increasing load versus a decreasing load.
Interdigitating Electrodes The conductor grid. An interweaving pattern of linearly offset conductor
traces used to achieve electrical contact. This grid is shunted by the semiconductor layer
to give the FSR response.
Lead Out or Busing System The method of electrically accessing each individual sensor.
Lexan® Polycarbonate. A substrate used for graphic overlays and labels. Available in a variety of
surface textures.