FSS-SMT Series

Honeywell 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 mV output over the force range.

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 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.