Force-Sensing Resistors (FSRs) exhibit the unique characteristic of dynamic resistance related to the amount of applied force. In general, the more force applied to the surface of the sensor, the lower the resistance. The resistance change is inversely proportional to the applied force (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Typical FSR Force vs Resistance
Typical force-sensing resistors are characterized for Human Machine Interface (HMI) or Machine-Machine Interface (MMI)
applications with a sensing range from circa 20g to 5Kg. Specific
device characteristics will depend on the size, shape and materials used in construction.
Force-sensing resistors are intended for applications where a
delta in applied force is to be detected. They are not intended for
high accuracy or specific weight measurement applications
1.1 FSR Explained
In an FSR sensor there are 3 different mechanisms in effect which together form the force resistance characteristics. Each of these mechanisms add together and merge to create the total response curve of a typical FSR and each mechanism has different dependencies on sensor construction, mechanical integration and the electrical properties of the ink.
Break force This is the force required for the 2 membrane layers to contact. In this region the resistance is infinite until enough force is
applied to make contact.
Area Effect In this region the size of the contact area between the two layers is increasing with increasing force and thereby reducing the
resistance.
Surface Effect In this region as the force is increased the contact of the two ink surfaces increases at a microscopic level.
1.2 FSR Construction
FSR construction can generally be categorized into two types, Shunt Mode or Thru Mode. These alternate types
exhibit di erent Force vs. Resistance characteristics. In general the construction of both types of FSR is similar in
that both are an assembly of two separate printed substrate layers laminated together with a spacer adhesive
around the outside of the sensing area.
The difference between Thru and Shunt mode is in the printed electrode structure. It is these different electrode structures that change the dominance of the di erent mechanisms to give di erent characteristics.
FORCE
FORCE
Membrane (PET)
FSR ink
Adhesive
Figure 2. Typical FSR Force vs Resistance showing mechanisms