Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) RP-C10-LT (Force Sensor)

The Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) RP-C10-LT is a type of sensor that changes its resistance based on the amount of force or pressure applied to its surface. FSRs are typically used for detecting physical forces, such as pressure, touch, or force applied to an object or surface.

Key Features of RP-C10-LT Force Sensitive Resistor:

1. Pressure Sensitivity: The RP-C10-LT sensor is sensitive to force or pressure applied to its surface, making it useful for detecting physical interactions. The resistance decreases as the force applied increases.
2. Resistance Range:

• At low pressure (no force applied), the resistance is very high, often in the megaohm (MΩ) range.
• As pressure increases, the resistance decreases, and the sensor becomes conductive.
• The relationship between force and resistance is non-linear, meaning the resistance changes rapidly with small amounts of force initially but becomes more gradual at higher forces.

1. Size: The RP-C10-LT is a relatively small and flexible sensor. It can be integrated into various applications such as touch pads, pressure-sensitive applications, and force measurement systems.
2. Operating Voltage: Typically, FSRs like the RP-C10-LT are operated with low voltage (usually 3.3V to 5V).
3. Output: The output from the FSR is an analog signal, meaning the resistance change is reflected in a voltage change that can be read by a microcontroller, such as Arduino, using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
4. Durability: The sensor is designed to withstand multiple presses and is generally durable, though its lifetime may depend on the type of application and frequency of pressure application.

How FSR Works:

• The resistance of the Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) changes depending on the amount of force applied to the surface of the sensor.
• FSRs work by utilizing the conductive polymer or carbon-based material that changes its resistance when compressed. When no force is applied, the resistance is very high, but when pressure is applied, the material deforms, causing a reduction in resistance, which allows more current to pass through.

Pinout:

The RP-C10-LT has two terminals:

1. Pin 1 (input): This pin is connected to a voltage source (e.g., 5V or 3.3V).
2. Pin 2 (output): This pin provides an analog voltage signal that changes with the applied force.

Using the RP-C10-LT with Arduino:

To read the force or pressure from an FSR, you typically use a voltage divider circuit. This allows the change in resistance of the FSR to be converted into a measurable voltage that an analog input pin on an Arduino can read.

Example Circuit:

You can use the FSR in combination with a fixed resistor to form a voltage divider. This allows you to read the change in resistance as a change in voltage.

Components Needed:

• RP-C10-LT FSR
• Fixed resistor (e.g., 10kΩ)
• Arduino (e.g., Arduino Uno)
• Breadboard and jumper wires

Circuit Setup:

1. Connect one terminal of the FSR to 5V on the Arduino.
2. Connect the other terminal of the FSR to one terminal of a 10kΩ resistor.
3. Connect the other terminal of the resistor to GND (ground).
4. The junction between the FSR and the resistor will provide the output voltage, which should be connected to an analog input pin on the Arduino (e.g., A0).

This forms a voltage divider circuit, and the voltage at the junction of the FSR and the resistor will change as the resistance of the FSR changes.

Arduino Code to Read FSR Values:

int fsrPin = A0;  // Pin connected to the output voltage from the voltage divider
int fsrReading = 0;  // Variable to store the raw reading from the FSR
float voltage = 0.0;  // Voltage calculated from the analog reading

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);  // Start serial communication at 9600 baud rate
}

void loop() {
  fsrReading = analogRead(fsrPin);  // Read the value from the FSR
  voltage = (fsrReading / 1023.0) * 5.0;  // Convert the reading to voltage (0-5V scale)

  Serial.print("FSR Voltage: ");
  Serial.print(voltage);  // Print the voltage corresponding to the pressure applied
  Serial.println(" V");
  
  delay(500);  // Delay for a short period before reading again
}

Code Explanation:

• The analogRead(fsrPin) reads the voltage at the junction of the FSR and the fixed resistor.
• The voltage is calculated by converting the raw reading (0 to 1023) from the ADC into a corresponding voltage (0V to 5V range for a 5V Arduino).
• The voltage value is printed to the Serial Monitor, which can be used to determine the amount of force or pressure applied to the FSR.

Example Output:

• When no pressure is applied to the FSR, the voltage will be closer to 5V (depending on the resistor value).
• As pressure increases, the voltage will decrease, reflecting the reduction in resistance in the FSR.

Applications of the RP-C10-LT FSR:

1. Touch Pads: Used in interactive touch-sensitive devices like buttons, pads, or capacitive touch sensors.
2. Pressure Sensing: Detects force or pressure in applications like pressure-sensitive surfaces, wearable devices, or human-machine interfaces.
3. Robotics: Used in robots for feedback on grip strength, object handling, or pressure sensing in the fingers of a robotic hand.
4. Human Interaction Detection: Can be used in custom applications for detecting the pressure of hands, feet, or other body parts.
5. Weighing Systems: Can be used in DIY scales to measure weight or pressure exerted by an object.

Important Notes:

• Linear Response: The FSR’s response to pressure is non-linear, meaning the relationship between pressure and resistance isn’t a perfect straight line. However, for most general applications, this is sufficient, but you may need to perform some calibration depending on your requirements.
• Sensor Lifetime: FSRs are generally durable but will degrade over time with repeated force, so for applications requiring long-term stability, consider that the sensor may need replacing.
• Calibration: It’s important to calibrate the sensor for the particular application to get accurate readings, especially if it will be used in a specific pressure range.

Origin: China

Brand: Generic