FSR touch-pressure sensor

FSR sensors react to physical pressure, such as the touch of a finger or the weight of an object. They can be used to create digital interfaces or react to a mass. In this second case, the sensors are incorporated into a sensitive surface, as they cannot be walked on directly.

- FSR contact/pressure sensor - Various sizes and sensitivity
- FSR Posture Board (not available to purchase)

Videos

Force/Pressure sensor – medium round FSR by Interface-z

Force/Pressure sensor – small round FSR by Interface-z

Application example :

Comparison of different stretched wires – spiderweb by Interface-z

Contact/Pressure FSR sensor

A simple FSR sensor (without a board) can be used to create a surface sensitive to finger pressure, but it should not be stepped on directly, as it is fragile and cannot withstand a pressure of more than 10 kilos.

Contact/pressure/force sensors have at least one small adjustment potentiometer that lets you choose their detection hardness: the sensor becomes more or less "dull" or "sensitive" depending on the chosen setting, meaning it's easier or harder to reach the minimum value when you press it.

The very long FSR has 2 adjustment settings (as shown below).

This pressure sensor is available in six versions:

- Big square FSR
- Small circle FSR
- Medium circle FSR
- Long FSR
- Very long FSR

- Very long industrial FSR

- Big square FSR :

Technical data :

Size of the sensitive module : Square patch : 45 x 45 mm/ sensitive area : 40 x 40 mm.

Power consumption : below 5 mA.

Data variation : in the absence of contact, returned data is at maximum (maximum value depending on the interface one is using, 127 in Midi for example). When one presses the sensor, the data value decreases.

- Small circle FSR :

Technical data :

This is our smallest FSR sensor. Its sensitive area is small and discreet, and can be easily hidden when integrated into a device.

Size of the sensitive module : Small round patch : 8 mm diameter / sensitive area : 5 mm diameter.

Power consumption : below 5 mA.

Data variation : in the absence of contact, returned data is at maximum (maximum value depending on the interface one is using, 127 in Midi for example). When one presses the sensor, the data value decreases.

- Medium circle FSR :

Small sized tactile surface, increased sensitivity

Compared to the previous sensors, our medium round FSR is the most sensitive. It can detect very light touches, taps or strokes. It reacts well to light brushes or light stroking.

Technical data :

Size of the sensitive module : Round patch : 19 mm diameter / sensitive area : 15 mm diameter.

Power consumption : below 5 mA.

Data variation : in the absence of contact, returned data is at maximum (maximum value depending on the interface one is using, 127 in Midi for example). When one presses the sensor, the data value decreases.

- Long FSR :

Large sensitive surface area

Application example :  tactile interfaces that are more progressive and malleable than buttons, detecting an object that is being put down or picked up, equipping a decorative object in a play that can interact with a performer, musical games... etc

Technical data :

Size of the sensitive module : Long rectangular patch : 13 mm x 100 mm / sensitive area : 11 mm x 80 mm.

Power consumption : below 5 mA.

Data variation : in the absence of contact, returned data is at maximum (maximum value depending on the interface one is using, 127 in Midi for example). When one presses the sensor, the data value decreases.

- Very long FSR :

Very long sensitive surface area

Shown above are the two types of very long FSR modules, "very long" vs "very long industrial".

Technical data :

This sensor has two adjustment potentiometers that let one choose the detection hardness (sensitivity), and the base data value (rest/zero level). This setting is essential because the bending of the sensitive module can change the data variation. The sensor is both receptive to bending and pressure. Its data response is hence different depending on the shape upon which one attaches the sensor, and the value returned at rest (when not pressed) needs to be adjusted with the settings.

Capteur en cercle.

Size of the sensitive module : Very long rectangular patch : 610 mm x 15 mm / sensitive area : 610 mm x 12,5 mm.

It's possible to shorten the sensor's sensitive module by simply cutting it. However, please note that the piece that has been cut off can not be used as another sensor.

Power consumption : around 15 to 20 mA if bent.

Data variation : in the absence of contact, returned data is at maximum (maximum value depending on the interface one is using, 127 in Midi for example). When one presses the sensor, the data value decreases.

Application example : : in association with the 50 cm flexible ribbon potentiometer, one can create a tactile surface that is sensitive both to pressure and position.

Example : FSR sensor stuck to a flexible ribbon potentiometer, itself attached to an aluminum surface.

CAUTION, please do not forget to buy the analog sensor extension cords.

- No longer available to purchase : Large round FSR

Size of the sensitive module : Large circle patch : 28 mm diameter / sensitive area : 26 mm diameter.

Settings direction :