Terminology » Components » Force Sensors: Load Cell vs. Piezoresistive - Pros and Cons

Force Sensors: Load Cell vs. Piezoresistive - Pros and Cons

force sensor load cell piezoresistive sensor type measurement

This article explores the pros and cons of force sensors, specifically focusing on load cells and piezoresistive force sensors.

Definition:

According to Newton’s law, applying force to an object results in acceleration in the direction of the force. This relationship is expressed as F = m*a, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration. Force is a vector quantity measured in Newtons. Force sensors are broadly categorized as quantitative (measuring force and converting it to an electrical signal) and qualitative. Examples of quantitative sensors include strain gauges and load cells.

force sensor

Advantages and Disadvantages: Load Cells and Piezoresistive Sensors

The following table summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of load cells and piezoresistive force sensors.

Force Sensor TypeAdvantagesDisadvantages
Load Cell- Easily available.
- High accuracy (typically <0.1% of full scale).
- Usually pre-calibrated.		- Bulky size.
- Rigid construction.
- Requires expensive electronics.
Piezoresistive- Very thin and flexible.
- Uses inexpensive electronics.
- Readily available and customizable.
- Lightweight.
- Low power consumption.		- Lower accuracy (around +/-5% full scale) compared to load cells.
- Requires user calibration.