Force Sensors

Force Sensors

Force sensors are a common synonym for load cells. Force sensors, like load sensors, are measuring devices that monitor and gauge forces of compression, tension, and shear. They are used widely in mechanical testing, ongoing system monitoring and as components in devices such as industrial scales.

The measuring of levelness and tension is the main purpose of force sensors. The information that they monitor is then signaled to a recorder or other computerized data collection system. Force sensors can utilize analog or digital technology for the recording and transferring of information. When they are used to measure any variance in certain ongoing systems, they can sound an alarm or shut down the system itself until the discrepancy is corrected.

Force sensors can vary greatly in size and shape depending on the type of use. The two basic components of a force sensor are the sensing element and circuit. The sensing element is most often a strain gauge, which is comprised of coil; the circuit is the connection of these gauges throughout the force sensor. Force sensor outputs include analog voltage, analog current, analog frequency, switch or alarm, serial, and parallel. The most basic designs consist of four gauges, which make up the measuring circuit. More complex and detailed sensors can have up to thirty gauges as part of the measuring circuit. The more gauges inside the force sensor, the more sensitive the sensor is in recording and monitoring variance in measurement.