| Feature | Details |
| Sensing Area | 0.5" (12.7mm) Diameter |
| Sensor Type | Piezoresistive (Resistive) |
| Force Range | ~0.1N to 100N (10g to 10kg) |
| Thickness | ~0.45 mm |
| Standby Resistance | > 10M $\Omega$ (No Load) |
| Interface | 2-pin Male Header / Solder Tabs |
Product Description
The 0.5-inch Circular Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) is a polymer thick film (PTF) device that exhibits a decrease in resistance as the force applied to the active surface increases. This sensor is exceptionally thin and flexible, allowing it to be integrated into applications where space is at a premium. Unlike a load cell, an FSR is designed for qualitative rather than quantitative measurement, making it ideal for detecting the presence of a touch, the firmness of a grip, or the distribution of pressure across a surface.
Key Highlights
Ultra-Thin Form Factor: At less than 0.5mm thick, this sensor can be placed inside shoes, under buttons, or behind flexible skins without altering the ergonomics of the device.
Wide Sensing Range: Capable of detecting everything from a light finger tap to heavy pressure, providing a high dynamic range for interactive projects.
Durable & Reliable: Engineered for millions of actuations, making it suitable for high-traffic interfaces and industrial control buttons.
Simple Integration: Acts as a variable resistor in a circuit. It can be easily interfaced with any microcontroller (like Arduino or ESP32) using a basic voltage divider.
Customizable Sensitivity: By changing the value of the fixed resistor in your voltage divider circuit, you can tune the sensor to be more sensitive to light touches or heavy loads.
Technical Specifications
Repeatability: ±2% to ±5%
Hysteresis: +10%
Rise Time: < 3 microseconds
Operating Temperature: -30°C to +70°C
Active Area Diameter: 12.7mm (0.5")
Prototyping & Installation Tip
To protect the sensor and ensure accurate readings, avoid applying force with sharp objects; instead, use a small rubber or felt "actuator" on the sensing area to distribute pressure evenly. The FSR is not a precision scale and should not be used for high-accuracy weight measurement, but it is excellent for detecting "pressure events." When connecting to an Arduino, use a 10k $\Omega$ or 100k $\Omega$ pull-down resistor to create a voltage divider. This allows the changing resistance to be read as a varying voltage on an analog pin.
Note: This product is the Force Sensitive Resistor ONLY. Jumper wires, fixed resistors, and microcontrollers are sold separately. Product images are for illustration purposes only.