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Force-Sensing Resistors are manufactured on polymer thick film consisting of several layers:
- Flexible substrate with printed semi-conductor
- Spacer adhesive with vent
- Flexible substrate with printed interdigitating electrodes
By applying an external force to the sensor, the conductive material on the substrate contacts the active area, exhibiting the force versus resistance characteristics as shown:
The turn on threshold or "break force" within the sensor that allows for a dynamic range of resistance is determined, and can be customized for any unique application, by the following:
- substrate thickness
- substrate flexibility
- spacer thickness
- spacer opening size (surface area allowed for contact)
- conductivity of the ink resistor
- size and shape
Each Force-Sensing Resistor will have a point when increasing pressure will not affect nor change the resistance. This point is referred to as the saturation point.