Browse > Article
http://dx.doi.org/10.5369/JSST.2017.26.5.331

Design and Implementation of a Readout Circuit for a Tactile Sensor Pad Based on Force Sensing Resistors  

Yoon, Seon-ho (Department of Bio ICT Engineering, Graduate School, Andong National Unversity)
Baek, Seung-hee (Department of Bio ICT Engineering, Graduate School, Andong National Unversity)
Kim, Cheong-worl (Department of Electronics Education Engineering, Andong National Unversity)
Publication Information
Journal of Sensor Science and Technology / v.26, no.5, 2017 , pp. 331-337 More about this Journal
Abstract
A readout circuit for a tactile sensor pad based on force sensing resistors was proposed, which was composed of an analog signal conditioning circuit and a digital circuit with a microcontroller. The conventional signal conditioning circuit has a dc offset voltage in the output signal, which results from the reference voltage applied to the FSR devices. The offset voltage reduces the dynamic range of the circuit and makes it difficult to operate the circuit under a low voltage power supply. In the proposed signal conditioning circuit, the dc offset voltage was removed completely. The microcontroller with A/D converter and D/A converter was used to enlarge the measurement range of pressure. For this, the microcontroller adjusts the FSR reference voltage according to the resistance magnitude of FSR under pressure. The operation of the proposed readout circuit which was connected to a tactile sensor pad with $5{\times}10$ FSR array was verified experimentally. The experimental results show the proposed readout circuit has the wider measurement range of pressure than the conventional circuit. The proposed circuit is suitable for low voltage and low power applications.
Keywords
Force sensing resistor; Readout circuit; Tactile sensor pad; Signal conditioning circuit;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 2  (Citation Analysis)
연도 인용수 순위
1 Interlink Electronics, "Applications of Force Sensing Resistor Technology in Consumer Electronics Device and Systems", Dec. 2013.
2 Interlink Electronics, "Enhancing Medical Devices and Personal Healthcare Products with Force Sensing Technology", Feb. 2014.
3 H.Y. Jung, J. K. Ji and S. D. Min, "Real-time Sitting Posture Monitoring System using Pressure Sensor", Trans. KIEE. Vol. 64, No. 6, pp. 940-947, Jun. 2015.
4 C. Park, S. Park and C. H .Kim, "Center of Pressure of a Human Body using Force Sensing Resistor", Trans. KIEE, Vol. 63, No.12, pp. 1722-1725, Dec. 2014.
5 S. Lokavee, T. Puntheeranurak, T. Kerdchatoen, N. Watthanwisuth and A. Tuantranont, "Sensor Pillow and Bed Sheet System: Unconstrained Monitoring of Respiration Rate and Posture Movements During Sleep", IEEE Inter. Conf. on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, Oct. 14-17, COEX, Seoul, Korea, 2012.
6 T.D. Jesus, C.U. Rebeca, K. Atilla, V. Anusha, S. Rogelio and C. V. Jose Luis, "Real-Time Strap Pressure Sensor System for Powered Exoskeletons", Sensors, Vol. 15, pp.4550-4563, 2015.   DOI
7 T.L. Andre and V.V. Fernando, "Driving Interface Based on Tactile Sensors for Electric Wheelchairs or Trolleys", Sensors, Vol. 14, pp. 2644-2662, 2014.   DOI
8 C.B. Medelros and M.M. Wanderley, "A Comprehensive Review of Sensors and Instrumentation Methods in Devices for Musical Expression", Sensors, Vol. 14, pp.13556-13591, 2014.   DOI
9 Interlink electronics, "FSR400 Series Integration Guide", Available online: http://www.interlinkelectronics.com/integ-guides.php (retrieved on Jul. 31. 2017)
10 S. P. Hendrix, "Signal Conditioning with Force-Sensing Resistors", Electronic Design, Sept. 2016.
11 Tekscan, "FlexiForce A401 Sensor Datasheet", Available online: http://www.tekscan.com/products-solutions/force-sensors/a401 (retrieved on Jul. 31. 2017)