0 glossary, Terminology – Interlink Electronics FSR 400 Series User Manual

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FSR

Integration Guide

10.0 Glossary

Terminology

Active Area:

The area of an FSR device that responds to normal force with a decrease

in resistance. This is typically the central area of the sensor more than 0.5mm from the
inside edge of the spacer.

Actuator:

An object that contacts the sensor surface and applies force to FSRs.

Applied Force:

The force applied by the actuator on the sensor active area.

Array:

Any grouping or matrix of FSR sensors that can be individually actuated and

measured, usually all built together as a unit.

Break Force:

The minimum force required, with a specific actuator size, to cause the

onset of the FSR response. Typically defined as the force required to reach below
100kΩ.

Cross-talk:

Measurement noise or inaccuracies of a sensor as a result of the actuation

of another sensor on the same substrate. See also false triggering.

Drift:

The change in resistance with time under a constant (static) load. Also called

resistance drift.

Durometer:

The measure of the hardness of rubber.

EMI:

Electromagnetic interference.

ESD:

Electrostatic discharge.

False triggering:

The unwanted actuation of a FSR device from unexpected stimuli; e.g.,

bending or cross talk.

Force Resolution:

The smallest measurable difference in force.

FSR:

Force Sensing Resistor. A polymer thick film device with exhibits a decrease in

resistance with an increase in force-applied normal to the device surface.

Graphic Overlay:

A printed substrate that covers the FSR. Usually used for aesthetics

and protection.

Housed Female:

A stitched on AMP connector with a receptacle (female) ending. A

black plastic housing protects the contacts. Suitable for removable ribbon cable
connector and header pin attachment.

Hysteresis:

In a dynamic measurement, the differences between instantaneous force

measurements at a given force for an increasing load versus a decreasing load.

Repeatability:

The ability to repeat, within a tolerance, a previous response

characteristic.