Tekscan is pleased to announce the launch of its new FlexiForce™ OEM Development Kit. OEM design engineers utilizing FlexiForce sensors will find this complete development kit valuable in helping to expedite the proof of concept phase, thereby getting their products to market quicker. The economical kit combines a MicroView display module, USB programmer interface, and analog front-end FlexiForce Quickstart board. This package, along with open-source software and two FlexiForce sensors results in a complete development solution which enables engineers to quickly test how FlexiForce sensors will behave in their specific product or application environment. 

Proving Concepts Quicker

The data provided by the FlexiForce OEM Development Kit helps engineers quickly and easily understand how the sensors will behave once integrated into a particular product and/or application environment. The battery or USB-powered kit works by gathering analog data from the Quickstart Board and FlexiForce sensor, easily calibrating it, and producing immediate force measurements. The software option allows users to calibrate, set data acquisition parameters, and record data for analysis within minutes.

Mark Lowe, Tekscan's Vice-President of Sensors, explains,

 At Tekscan, we’re always exploring new ways to make it easier and more cost-effective for OEMs to test and embed FlexiForce technology into their products. We’re excited that this tool will help reduce design and development time by offering a quick and easy proof-of-concept solution.

FlexiForce™ Sensor Options and Applications

FlexiForce sensors can measure force between almost any two surfaces and are durable enough to stand up to most environments. These sensors are available off-the-shelf for prototyping or can be customized to meet the specific needs of a customer's product design and application requirements. Currently Tekscan offers six standard FlexiForce sensor options, and will soon be introducing a seventh option. Each is differentiated by size and/or pressure sensitive ink technology variations. These characteristics lend them to be utilized in a wide range of designs depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, amount of force or pressure being applied, and product size. The thin, flexible, and lightweight force sensors are ideal for products and applications where size, portability, and low power requirements are important. FlexiForce sensors have successfully been installed in thousands of applications, especially medical devices, robotics, sports and fitness, and consumer products.

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