User Guide for FSR Sensor

FSR Integration Guide and Evaluation Parts Catalog Page 17
with Suggested Electrical Interfaces
Melinex® A brand of polyester(PET). A substrate with lower temperature resistance than Ulterm®
or PES, but with excellent flexibility and low cost. Similar to Mylar™.
Part or Device The FSR. Consists of the FSR semiconductive material, conductor, adhesives, graphics
or overlays, and connectors.
PES Polyethersulfone. A transparent substrate with excellent temperature resistance,
moderate chemical resistance, and good flexibility.
Pin Out The descriptions of a FSR’s electrical access at the connector pad (tail).
Repeatability The ability to repeat, within a tolerance, a previous response characteristic.
Response Characteristic The relationship of force or pressure vs. resistance.
Saturation Pressure The pressure level beyond with the FSR response characteristic deviates from its
inverse power law characteristic. Past the saturation pressure, increases in force yield
little or no decrease in resistance.
Sensor Each area of the FSR device that is independently force sensitive (as in an array).
Solder-tabs Stitched on AMP connectors with tab endings. Suitable for direct PC board connection
or for soldering to wires.
Space and Trace The widths of the gaps and fingers of the conductive grid; also called pitch.
Spacer Adhesive The adhesive used to laminate FSR devices tighter. Dictates stand-off.
Stand-off The gap or distance between the opposed polymer film layers when the sensor in
unloaded and unbent.
Stand-off Resistance The FSR resistance when the device is unloaded and unbent.
Substrate Any base material on which the FSR semi-conductive or metallic polymers are printed.
(For example, polyetherimide, polyethersulforne and polyester films).
Tail The region where the lead out or busing system terminates. Generally, the tail ends in a
connector.
Ulterm® Polyetherimide (PEI). A yellow, semi-transparent substrate with excellent temperature
and chemical resistance and limited flexibility.
Interlink Electronics, Inc. holds international patents for its Force Sensign Resistor technology.
FSR is a trademark and Force Sensing Resistors is a registered trademark of Interlink Electronics. Interlink and the six dot logotype
are registered marks or Interlink Electronics.
Ultem and Lexan are registered trademarks of G.E., Melinex is a registered trademark of ICI, and Mylar is a trademark of E.I.
Dupont & Co.