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Description
FlexiForce™ A101 Sensor
The A101 is our smallest sensor optimized for high volume manufacturing and ideal for embedding into products. The 2-pin sensors are currently our smallest standard sensor.
The sensors can measure up to 10 lbs.* The dynamic range of this mini force sensor can be modified by changing the drive voltage and adjusting the resistance of the feedback resistor (see "How to Adjust the Force Range" within the Electronics tab on the left).
- Sensor acceptance criteria ±40% of nominal
- Sensor resistance measured 20 seconds after applied load
- Sensor loaded through a polycarbonate puck equal to 68% (0.0123 in2) of total active area
- Sensor was not attached to any drive circuitry
Specifications & Performance
| Sensor Thickness: | 0.203 mm (0.008 in.) |
| Force Sensor Length: | 15.7 mm |
| Sensing Size (Diameter/Width): | 3.8 mm |
| Standard Force: |
18 N |
| Temperature Range (Low): | -40 °C |
| Temperature Range (High): | 60 °C |
| Connector: | 2-pin Male Square Pin |
| Substrate: | Polyester |
| Pin Spacing: | 2.54 mm (0.1 in.) |
| Notes: | Tekscan's smallest standard FlexiForce sensor |
Typical Performance†
| Linearity (Error): | < ±3% of Full Scale (Line drawn from 0 to 50% load) |
| Repeatability: | < ±2.5% (Conditioned Sensor, 80% of Full Force Applied) |
| Hysteresis: | < 4.5 % of Full Scale (Conditioned Sensor, 80% of Full Force Applied) |
| Drift: | <5% / logarithmic time (Constant Load of 111 N (25 lb)) |
| Response Time: | < 5 µsec (Time required for the sensor to respond to an input force; Impact load - recorded on Oscilloscope) |
| Operating Temperature: | -40°C - 60°C (-40°F - 140°F) |
| Acceptance Criteria: |
±40% sensor-to-sensor variation |
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Durability: |
≥ 3 million actuations (Perpendicular load, room temperature, 22 N (5 lb)) |
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Temperature Sensitivity: |
0.36%/°C (± 0.2%/°F) (Conductive heating) |
†All data above was collected utilizing an Op Amp Circuit. If your application cannot allow an Op Amp Circuit, consult the FlexiForce Integration Guide, or contact a FlexiForce Applications Engineer.
Electronics
Tekscan Recommends Using an Op Amp Circuit
If your application cannot allow an Op Amp Circuit, consult the FlexiForce Integration Guide, or contact a FlexiForce Applications Engineer. If you prefer to build your own electronics, we recommend using a circuit similar to the diagram below. This will provide linear data, making it easier to calibrate the sensor.
How to Adjust the Force Range:
*In order to measure higher forces, apply a lower drive voltage (-0.5 V, -0.25 V, etc.) and reduce the resistance of the feedback resistor (1kΩ min.) To measure lower forces, apply a higher drive voltage and increase the resistance of the feedback resistor.
Related Products
Measurement Tools
If you need help selecting the best measurement tool for your application, take a look at our comparison chart or contact us.
FlexiForce™ OEM Development Products
For: Design, OEM, and Product Engineers
Tekscan offers two products created to help design engineers proceed through all phases of the FlexiForce sensor-integration process. The FlexiForce Prototyping Kit allows you to efficiently progress your FlexiForce-embedded design through advanced integration phases. *Note: The A101 standard sensor is not compatible with the FlexiForce OEM Development Kits. However, the FlexiForce sensors that are included with each kit purchase are of the same material and conductive ink formulations as the A101. Therefore, you can expect that the performance from these sensors will be similar to the A101. For more information, contact us today. |
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Load Concentrators
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These peel-and-stick delrin FlexiForce Load Concentrators (otherwise known as "Pucks") are used to evenly distribute force across a FlexiForce sensor's sensing region, helping you optimize sensor linearity and repeatability. |
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FlexiForce Quickstart Board
For: Design, Lab, OEM, and Product EngineersThe FlexiForce Quickstart Board is a single source circuit that provides signal conditioning to the sensor and a linear voltage output with an applied load. It can be quickly dropped into a prototype or easily designed into a finished product. |
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Standard Multimeter (not sold by Tekscan)
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While standard multimeters can be used, most do not provide a constant voltage supply (which is recommended for FlexiForce sensors) and they are more difficult to calibrate compared to the tools above. |
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Related Resources
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The FlexiForce Integration Guide is the next best thing to having a Tekscan Application's Engineer at your side. Covering everything from protecting the sensor, to circuit selection, this document offers comprehensive tips and instructions for embedding FlexiForce sensors into your device design. |
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Additional Resources |
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The FlexiForce Sensors User Manual |
4 Ways to Use FlexiForce Sensors in an Embedded Application |
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| Click to Access | Get the eBook | Watch the Video |
Related Products
FlexiForce Sensor Characterization Kit
The FlexiForce™ Sensor Characterization Kit is a time-saving, affordable tool enabling engineers and designers to understand how FlexiForce sensors perform in a controlled loading environment.
FlexiForce Prototyping Kit
The new and improved replacement for the OEM Development Kit. The FlexiForce™ Prototyping Kit allows you to efficiently progress your FlexiForce-embedded design through advanced integration phases.
FlexiForce Quickstart Board
The FlexiForce Quickstart Board is a finished single voltage source circuit which can be quickly dropped into a prototype or easily designed into a product to obtain force measurements.
FlexiForce Load Concentrators
Optimize FlexiForce sensor linearity and repeatability with these delrin load concentrators, or "pucks."
FlexiForce Analog Circuit Modules
Interchangeable circuit modules for use with the FlexiForce Sensor Characterization Kit, the FlexiForce Prototyping Kit, or your own electronics.
