FSS-SMT Series
Low Profile Force Sensor
DESCRIPTION
Honeywell’s FSS-SMT Series force sensors are designed to be
one of the most reliable force sensors available as illustrated
by 20 million Mean Cycles to Failure (MCTF) at 25 °C [77 °F]
rating. This low profile Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
sensor allows for automated assembly on a printed circuit
board, often helping the customer to reduce assembly costs.
Force sensors operate on the principle that the resistance of
silicon-implanted piezoresistors will change when the resistors
flex under applied force. The sensor concentrates force from
the applications, through the stainless steel ball, directly to the
silicon-sensing element. The amount of resistance changes in
proportion to the amount of force being applied. This change in
circuit resistance results in a corresponding mV output level
change.
The FSS-SMT Series force sensor is designed to provide
precise and reliable force sensing performance in a compact
commercial-grade package. The sensor incorporates
Honeywell sensing technology that uses a specialized
piezoresistive micromachined silicon sensing element. The low
power, unamplified, uncompensated Wheatstone bridge circuit
design provides inherently stable mV output over the force
range.
The sensor package design incorporates patented modular
construction. The use of innovative elastomeric technology and
engineered molded plastics results in load excitation capacities
up to 60 N (range dependent). The stainless steel ball provides
excellent mechanical stability, and is suitable for a variety of
potential medical and commercial applications.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
Medical
Infusion pumps
Ambulatory non-invasive pumps
Occlusion detection
Kidney dialysis machines
Enteral pumps
Surface Mount Technology allows for automated
assembly and may eliminate hand soldering
RoHS-compliant materials meet Directive 2002/95/EC
Low deflection (approx. 30 µm typical at full scale) helps
reduce measurement error
Direct mechanical coupling of the actuation ball to the
sense element reduces coupling errors and keeps
mechanical hysteresis to a minimum
Product rating of 20 million MCTF at 25 °C [77 °F], subject
to application variation, provides for consistent output over
time and reduces repairs or replacements
Small size minimizes space on the printed circuit board
(PCB)
Provides enhanced sensitivity without compromising signal
integrity, resulting in low system noise and reducing
measurement errors
Industrial
Load and compression sensing
Variable tension control
Robotic end-effectors
Wire bonding equipment
Electrically ratiometric output accommodates supply
voltage variations, leading to low ratiometricity error
Low voltage supply allows for use in many battery powered
applications
High resistance to electrostatic discharge (ESD) meets
ESD Sensitivity Classification Level 3B (8 KV), reducing
special handling during assembly
Sensor output has low sensitivity to many mounting
stresses