10g - 20 kg Force & Pressure Sensor Flexible Precision Thin Film RP-S40-ST

Specifications:

• Model: RP-S40-ST
• Sensor Type: Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) / Piezoresistive
• Force Sensing Range: 10g to 20kg
• Active Area: 40mm x 40mm (Square)
• Total Thickness: < 0.45mm
• Static Resistance (No Load): > 10MΩ
• Response Time: < 1ms
• Recovery Time: < 15ms
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C
• Durability: > 1 Million cycles
• Terminal Type: 2-pin Male (standard 2.54mm pitch compatible)

Applications :

Smart Seating: Detect occupancy and posture in office chairs or automotive seats.

Medical Devices: Monitor patient movement or bandage pressure for rehabilitation.

Robotics: Give robotic arms tactile feedback for "soft-touch" object manipulation.

Industrial HMI: Create rugged, waterproof touch buttons and control panels.

Sports Tech: Integrate into shoes or impact pads to measure force distribution.

⚠️ Critical Warning: Do not solder directly to the sensor pins! The plastic film is heat-sensitive. Use a breadboard or female jumper wires to make connections.

Package Includes:

1 x 10g - 20kg Force & Pressure Sensor Flexible Precision Thin Film

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can the RP-S40-ST measure weight like a kitchen scale?
   No, it is designed for relative force and pressure changes, not high-precision weight measurements.
2. Is the sensor waterproof?
   The active area is generally moisture-resistant, but the connectors must be kept dry.
3. Does it require an amplifier like the HX711?
   No, it works with a simple voltage divider and a standard ADC pin.
4. Can I cut the sensor to a smaller size?
   No, cutting the film will break the internal electrodes and destroy the sensor.
5. How do I mount this to a flat surface?
   Use thin double-sided adhesive (like 3M) on the edges, ensuring the active center can still flex.
6. What happens if I apply more than 20kg?
   The resistance will bottom out, and excessive force may permanently deform the film.
7. Is the sensor linear?
   No, FSR sensors have a logarithmic response.
8. Can I use this with an ESP32 (3.3V logic)?
   Yes, just ensure your voltage divider is calculated for 3.3V levels.
9. What is the life expectancy of the sensor?
   It is rated for over 1 million individual presses.
10. Does it measure atmospheric pressure?
    No, it only measures physical force applied directly to its surface.
11. Can I use multiple sensors on one Arduino?
    Yes, each sensor requires one Analog Input pin.
12. What is the resting resistance?
    Typically above 10 Mega-ohms (effectively an open circuit).
13. How fast is the response?
    It responds in less than 1 millisecond.
14. Is it flexible enough to wrap around a cylinder?
    Yes, it is very thin and can be bent, though extreme folds should be avoided.
15. What pull-down resistor value is best?
    10kΩ is standard for general use; lower values increase the range for higher forces.
16. Can I use this for footstep detection?
    Yes, it is ideal for placement under insoles or mats.
17. Does the output voltage go up or down when pressed?
    If using a pull-down configuration, the voltage increases as force increases.
18. Are the pins standard pitch?
    Yes, they are 2.54mm (0.1") pitch.
19. Can I use this without a microcontroller?
    Yes, it can trigger a transistor or comparator circuit directly.
20. Is there a larger version available?
    Yes, we carry the RP-L series for long-strip applications.