A transducer is a device that converts applied energy into some other form of energy. The force sensor, in particular, is a type of transducer that convers physical force, resulting in strain/deformation. You might also hear these words: strain cell, strain gauge, touch sensor, or load cell.

Force transducers have many applications. Load cells measure static and dynamic forces of 100s or 1000s of kilonewtons in building structures. Force sensitive resistors (FSR) can detect very small amounts of pressure in what are known as “concealed pad security alarms.”

Three types of transducers exist today: the strain gauge resistor is the one most commonly mentioned. This piece changes its electrical resistance in direct proportion to applied force when physically stressed. A digital output signal is calibrated in load figures.

People in the business will take four (4) of these strain resistors and place them in a square, bonding them to a rugged cell body, usually made of stainless steel. Two corners are aligned with the axis of the applied force. This improves readings. The goal here is a whetstone bridge resistance measurement circuit. It’s easier said than done, but with Interlink Electronics, there is no worry!

Force sensors are used in many specialized load cells. A pancake load cell, for example, is at the heavyweight end of the spectrum. They have a low-profile compact and rugged construction. You might find these in compression testing machines. They measure static loading and dynamic loads of up to 6 kHz. Fatigue testing is the aim as up to 109 cycles can be completed before the load cell malfunctions.

A secondary application exists n seismic monitoring.

If you are looking for custom sensors, then this is your company: www.interlinkelectronics.com.

Contact us:

Address: 1267 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: +1.805.484.8855
Fax: +1.805.530.5598
Website: https://www.interlinkelectronics.com/