Tekscan FlexiForce A201-25 Force Sensor - 111 N (11kg) Range, 3-Pin Male Square Pin

The sensor acts as a variable resistor. Create a voltage divider circuit by connecting one sensor pin to your microcontroller's analog input pin and the other to ground, with a pull-up resistor (typically 10kΩ to 1MΩ, chosen based on desired sensitivity) between the analog pin and a voltage reference (3.3V or 5V). The center pin of the 3-pin connector is inactive. The analog reading will decrease as force increases.

The feedback resistor (often in a transimpedance amplifier circuit) sets the gain and determines the output voltage range for a given force. A smaller feedback resistor will result in a lower output voltage swing, effectively increasing the maximum measurable force (wider range) but reducing sensitivity. Conversely, a larger resistor increases sensitivity for lower forces but saturates at a lower maximum force.

Yes, but with an important distinction. The sensor's flexible polyester substrate allows it to be bent or conform to a surface without damage. However, its piezoresistive element only responds to force applied normally (perpendicular) to the 9.53 mm circular sensing area at the tip. Bending the sensor without applying pressure to this active area will not produce a significant change in resistance.

The sensor itself has no inherent voltage requirement; the drive voltage is determined by your conditioning circuit. Common configurations use the microcontroller's logic voltage (3.3V or 5V) as the reference in a voltage divider. For optimal performance and to avoid self-heating, keep the voltage across the sensor below 5V. The dynamic range can be tuned by adjusting this voltage along with the feedback resistor value.