FlexiForce FAQs

Tekscan, Inc, 307 West First Street, South Boston, MA 02127-1309. Tel: [phone].464.4500 Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] Website: www.tekscan.com
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How can I measure forces greater than 100 lbs?
In order to measure forces above 100 lbs. (up to 1000 lbs.), apply a lower drive voltage and reduce the resistance of the
feedback resistor (1kΩ min.) The force ranges of the sensors are based on our electronics. Please refer to
FlexiForce®
Specifications.
What drive voltages can I apply to the sensor?
0.1V (as long as signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio remains acceptable) to 18V is the typical range. The sensors output is also a
function of the drive voltage/current therefore a constant voltage is recommended (see resistive element question
below).
Why do I need an excitation circuit to read force with FlexiForce A201 sensors?
You should use an excitation circuit such as the one shown
here to provide a constant drive voltage/current and provide an
output voltage that is proportional to the applied force.
What is the maximum recommended current for the FlexiForce sensor?
The maximum recommended current for the FlexiForce sensor is 2.5 mA.
Does the resistive element react similar to a semiconductor (diode, etc.) that varies conductance with applied
voltage?
Yes.
What is the resistance range of the sensor?
The resistance range of the sensor is typically from >5M
• at no load to approximately 5k• at full load. This can vary
depending on the electronics being used to drive and read the sensor.
How do I connect the sensor after it has been trimmed?
If Tekscan trims the A201 sensors to two inches, four inches, or six inches, the sensor will come with three (3) male
square pin connectors spaced at 0.1" (2.54mm). If you trim the sensor yourself, you will need to re-connect the sensor
using one of two methods. You can purchase staked pin connectors and a crimping tool, or you can use a conductive
epoxy to adhere small wires to each conductor.