FSS Series
Low Profile Force Sensor
DESCRIPTION
The FSS Series Force Sensor provides precise, reliable force
sensing performance in a compact, commercial-grade package
at a cost effective price. The sensor features a proven sensing
technology that uses a specialized piezoresistive,
micromachined silicon sensing element. The low power,
unamplified, uncompensated Wheatstone bridge circuit design
provides inherently stable mV outputs over the force range.
Force sensors operate on the principle that the resistance of
silicon-implanted piezoresistors will increase when the
resistors flex under any applied force. The sensor concentrates
force from the application, through the stainless steel ball,
directly to the silicon-sensing element. The amount of
resistance changes in proportion to the amount of force being
applied. This change in circuit resistance results in a
corresponding mV output level change.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
RoHS-compliant materials meet Directive 2002/95/EC
allows use in industries requiring regulation compliance
Low deflection (approx. 30 µm typical at full scale) helps
reduce measurement error
Direct mechanical coupling of the actuation ball to the
sense element reduces coupling errors and keeps
mechanical hysteresis to a minimum
Product rating of 20 million MCTF at 25 °C [77 °F], subject
to application variation, provides for consistent output over
time and reduces repairs or replacements
Small size minimizes space on the printed circuit board
(PCB)
Provides enhanced sensitivity without compromising
signal integrity, resulting in low system noise and reducing
measurement errors
Electrically ratiometric output accommodates supply
voltage variations, leading to low ratiometricity error
Low voltage supply allows for use in many battery
powered applications
High resistance to electrostatic discharge (ESD) meets
ESD Sensitivity Classification Level 3B (8 KV), reducing
special handling during assembly
Sensor output has low sensitivity to many mounting
stresses
The sensor package design incorporates patented modular
construction. The use of innovative elastomeric technology and
engineered molded plastics results in overforce capacities of
up to three times the rated force. The stainless steel ball
provides excellent mechanical stability and is adaptable to a
variety of applications.
The FSS Series Sensor delivered 20 million operations in
Mean Cycles to Failure (MCTF) reliability testing at 50°C
[122°F]. This test determines the number of possible sensor
operations at full scale until failure.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
Medical
Infusion pumps
Ambulatory non-invasive pumps
Occlusion detection
Kidney dialysis machines
Enteral pumps
Industrial
Load and compression sensing
Variable tension control
Robotic end-effectors
Wire bonding equipment
FSS Series
Table 1. Performance Characteristics (At 10 ±0.01 Vdc, 25 °C [77 °F].)
1
N
Vdc
FSS005WNSX
Min. Typ. Max.
0 to 5
3.3
10
12.5
FSS010WNSX
Min. Typ. Max.
0 to 10
3.3
10
12.5
FSS015WNSX
Min. Typ. Max.
0 to 15
3.3
10
12.5
FSS020WNSX
Min. Typ. Max.
0 to 20
3.3
10
12.5
mV
-30
0
+30
-30
0
+30
-30
0
+30
-30
0
+30
mV
±0.5
±0.5
±0.5
±0.5
mV
330
360
390
330
360
390
330
360
390
330
360
390
% span
mV/V/N
6.6
±0.5
7.2
7.8
3.3
±0.5
3.6
3.9
2.2
±0.5
2.4
2.6
1.65
±0.5
1.8
1.95
% span
±5.0
±5.0
±5.0
±5.0
% span
±0.2
±0.2
±0.2
±0.2
Response time
(10 %FS to 90 %FS)
ms
0.1
0.5
0.1
0.5
0.1
0.5
0.1
0.5
Input resistance
kΩ
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
Output resistance
kΩ
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
Plunger deflection
10
Overforce
µm
N
26
15
28
30
33
45
39
60
Characteristic
Unit
Force sensing range
2
Excitation
3
Null offset
4
Null shift
(25 to 0°, 25 to 50° C)
Span
5
Linearity (BFSL)
6
7
Sensitivity
8
Sensitivity shift
(25 °C to 0°, 25 °C to 50 °C)
Repeatability
9
Notes:
1. All force-related specifications are established using dead weight or compliant force.
2. The range of voltage excitation which can be supplied to the product to produce an output which is
proportional to force but due to ratiometricity errors may not remain within the specified performance limits.
Non-compensated force sensors, excited by constant current (1.5 mA) instead of voltage, exhibit partial
temperature compensation of span.
3. The output signal obtained when the zero force is applied to the sensor. Also known as "null" or "zero".
4. The change in the null resulting from a change in temperature. It is not a predictable error as it can shift up
and down from unit to unit. Change in temperature causes the entire output curve to shift up or down along
the voltage axis.
5. The algebraic difference between output signals measured at the upper and lower limits of the operating force
range. Also known as "full scale output" or simply "span".
6. The maximum deviation of product output from a straight line fitted to output measured over the operating
force range. The straight line through a set of points which minimizes the sum of the square of the deviations
of each of the points from the straight line.
7. The ratio of output signal change to the corresponding input force change. Sensitivity is determined by
computing the ratio of span to the specified operating force range multiplied by the supply voltage being
used.
8. The maximum deviation in sensitivity due to changes in temperature over the operating temperature
range, relative to sensitivity measured at 25 °C.
9. The maximum difference between output readings when the same force is applied consecutively, under
the same operating conditions, with force approaching from the same direction within the operating
force range.
10. The maximum force which may safely be applied to the product for it to remain in specification once force is
returned to the operating force range. Exposure to higher forces may cause permanent damage to the
product. Unless otherwise specified, this applies to all temperatures within the operating temperature range.
CAUTION
EXCEEDING
PRODUCT
OVERFORCE RATING
Ensure the overforce
ratings given in Table
1 are not exceeded
during any phase of
sensor assembly to
the board, as well as
during the use of the
sensor in the
application.
Failure to comply with
these instructions may
result in product
damage.
Table 2. Environmental Specifications
Characteristic
Operating temperature
Parameter
1
-40 °C to 85 °C [-40 °F to 185 °F]
Shock
Vibration
MCTF (Mean Cycles To Failure)
Output ratiometric
qualification tested to 150 g
qualification tested to 0 to 2 kHz, 20 g sine
2
20 million at 25 °C [77 °F]
within supply range
Notes:
1. The temperature range over which the product may safely be exposed without excitation or force applied. Under these conditions the
product will remain in specification after excursion to any temperatures in this range. Exposure to temperatures beyond this range may cause
permanent damage to the product.
2. MCTF is a basic measure of reliability for a non-repairable device. It is the mean number of cycles to maximum operating force over which
a sensor can be expected to operate until failure. The mean value is determined statistically from a probability distribution for failures
based upon test data. MCTF may vary depending on the specific application in which a sensor is utilized.
2
sensing.honeywell.com
Low Profile Force Sensor
Table 3. Absolute Maximum Ratings
Characteristic
Storage temperature
1
Parameter
2
3
-40 °C to 100 °C [-40 °F to 212 °F]
Solderability
10 s at 260 °C [500 °F]
ESD
Meets ESD Sensitivity Classification Level 3B
Notes:
1. Absolute maximum ratings are the extreme limits that the product can withstand without damage to the product.
2. The temperature range over which the product may safely be exposed without excitation or force applied. Under these conditions, the
product will remain in the specification after excursions to any temperature in this range. Exposure to temperatures beyond this range may
cause permanent damage to the product.
3. The maximum temperature and time to which the product may be exposed for processing of solder electrical connections.
Figure 1. Excitation Schematic (Excitation 5 Vdc Typ., 6 Vdc max.)
1. Circled numbers refer to sensor terminals (pins).
Pin 1 = Supply Vs (+), Pin 2 = Output Vo (+), Pin 3 = Ground Vg (-), Pin 4 = Output Vo (-)
1
2. The force sensor may be powered by voltage or current. Maximum supply voltage is
+
not to exceed 6 V. Maximum supply current is not to exceed 1.2 mA. Power is
Vs
+ Vo 2
4
applied across Pin 1 and Pin 3.
3. The sensor output should be measured as a differential voltage across Pin 2
and Pin 4 (Vo = Vo(+)-Vo(-)). The output is ratiometric to the supply voltage.
3
Shifts in supply voltage will cause shifts in output. Neither Pin 2 nor Pin 4 should
be tied to ground or voltage supply.
Figure 2. Sensor Mounting Dimensions (For reference only: mm/[in].)
FSS005WNSX, FSS010WNSX, FSS015WNSX, FSS020WNSX
Force Sensing
Range
0 N to 5 N
0 N to 10 N
0 N to 15 N
0 N to 20 N
Ball (Actuator)
Height
0.375 ±0.10 mm
[0.0148 ±0.0039 in]
0.452 ±0.10 mm
[0. 0178 ±0.0039 in]
0.504 ±0.10 mm
[0.01984 ±0.0039 in]
0.562 ±0.10 mm
[0.0221 ±0.0039 in]
Figure 3. Packaging Dimensions (For reference only.)
Short Tube: 43,9 mm [1.73
in] long, 5 units/tube
Standard Tube: 584 mm
[22.99 in] long, 100 units/
tube
Tape and Reel (mm)
1. Pocket position
relative to sprocket
hole measured as
true position of
pocket, not pocket
hole.
2. 10 sprocket hole pitch
cumulative tolerance
is ±0.2 mm.
Camber is in
compliance with EIA
481.
Ao and Bo are
calculated on a plane
at a distance “R”
above the bottom of
the pocket.
Honeywell Sensing and Control
3
Order Guide
Catalog Listing
Description
FSS005WNSB
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 5 N force range, short tube packaging
FSS005WNSR
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 5 N force range, tape and reel packaging
FSS005WNST
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 5 N force range, standard tube packaging
FSS010WNSB
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 10 N force range, short tube packaging
FSS010WNSR
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 10 N force range, tape and reel packaging
FSS010WNST
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 10 N force range, standard tube packaging
FSS015WNSB
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 15 N force range, short tube packaging
FSS015WNSR
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 15 N force range, tape and reel packaging
FSS015WNST
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 15 N force range, standard tube packaging
FSS020WNSB
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 20 N force range, short tube packaging
FSS020WNSR
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 20 N force range, tape and reel packaging
FSS020WNST
FSS Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 20 N force range, standard tube packaging
WARNING
WARNING
MISUSE OF DOCUMENTATION
The information presented in this product sheet is for
reference only. Do not use this document as a product
installation guide.
Complete installation, operation, and maintenance
information is provided in the instructions supplied with
each product.
Failure to comply with these instructions could result in
death or serious injury.
WARRANTY/REMEDY
Honeywell warrants goods of its manufacture as being free of
defective materials and faulty workmanship. Honeywell’s
standard product warranty applies unless agreed to otherwise
by Honeywell in writing; please refer to your order
acknowledgement or consult your local sales office for specific
warranty details. If warranted goods are returned to Honeywell
during the period of coverage, Honeywell will repair or replace,
at its option, without charge those items it finds defective. The
foregoing is buyer’s sole remedy and is in lieu of all other
warranties, expressed or implied, including those of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall Honeywell be liable for consequential, special,
or indirect damages.
While we provide application assistance personally, through
our literature and the Honeywell web site, it is up to the
customer to determine the suitability of the product in the
application.
PERSONAL INJURY
DO NOT USE these products as safety or emergency stop
devices or in any other application where failure of the
product could result in personal injury.
Failure to comply with these instructions could result
in death or serious injury.
SALES AND SERVICE
Honeywell serves its customers through a worldwide network
of sales offices, representatives and distributors. For
application assistance, current specifications, pricing or name
of the nearest Authorized Distributor, contact your local sales
office or:
E-mail: info.sc@honeywell.com
Internet: sensing.honeywell.com
Phone and Fax:
Asia Pacific
+65 6355-2828
+65 6445-3033 Fax
Europe
+44 (0) 1698 481481
+44 (0) 1698 481676 Fax
Latin America
+1-305-805-8188
+1-305-883-8257 Fax
USA/Canada
+1-800-537-6945
+1-815-235-6847
+1-815-235-6545 Fax
Specifications may change without notice. The information we
supply is believed to be accurate and reliable as of this
printing. However, we assume no responsibility for its use.
Sensing and Control
Honeywell
1985 Douglas Drive North
Golden Valley, MN 55422
sensing.honeywell.com
080809-2-EN
February 2013
© 2013 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.