Force Sensitive Resistor 0.5"

The Force Sensitive Resistor 0.5" from Sparkfun is a versatile and compact sensor that changes its resistance based on the amount of pressure applied to its round, 12.7mm diameter sensing area. The more pressure applied, the lower the resistance. Without any pressure, the resistance exceeds 1MΩ. It can detect forces in the range of 100g to 10kg.

The sensor comes with two pins extending from the bottom, spaced at 2.54mm apart, making it compatible with breadboards. It also features a peel-and-stick rubber backing on the opposite side of the sensing area for easy mounting.

Although these sensors are not highly accurate, they are excellent for detecting pressure variations. They are ideal for applications where pressure detection is more critical than precision, such as detecting squeezes. However, they may not be suitable for applications requiring exact measurements, like a scale.

It's essential to avoid soldering directly to the exposed silver traces of the sensor. The flexible substrates of the sensor can easily distort or melt during soldering, and the solder joint will not hold. Instead, Sparkfun recommends using a male or female clincher connector.

The Force Sensitive Resistor 0.5" has an overall length of 6.0325cm and a width of 1.905cm. The compact dimensions of the sensor make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Sparkfun provides comprehensive documentation for the Force Sensitive Resistor 0.5", including a datasheet, an integration guide, and a quick start guide. These resources provide valuable information and guidance for integrating and using the sensor effectively.