FSS-SMT Series
Low Profile Force Sensor
DESCRIPTION
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.
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.
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 millivolt 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
of 44 N over-force. The stainless steel ball provides excellent
mechanical stability, and is suitable for a variety of potential
medical and commercial applications.
FEATURES/BENEFITS
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Surface Mount Technology allows for automated assembly and may eliminate hand soldering
RoHS-compliant materials meet Directive 2002/95/EC
Low deflection (30 microns typical at full scale) help reduce measurement error
Direct mechanical coupling of the actuation ball to the sense element reduces coupling errors and keeps mechanical hysteresis
to a minimum
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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
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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
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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) (8 KV) meets ESD Sensitivity Classification Level 3, reducing special handling
during assembly
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Sensor output has low sensitivity to many mounting stresses