Tekscan technology encompasses sensor technology, data acquisition electronics, and processing and analysis software. Tekscan has numerous patents, copyrights, trademarks, and/ or patents pending supporting our intellectual property claims.

Sensor Technology

Data Acquisition Electronics

Data Acquisition, Display, & Analysis Software

Single-Point Force Sensors

Tekscan manufactures thin-film sensors to measure between any two mating surfaces. The thinness of these sensors is unparalleled in the industry allowing for a true interface measurement.

Force Sensors (AKA, FlexiForce™ Touch Sensors)	Position Sensors (AKA, FlexiPot™ Sensors)
FlexiForce Touch Sensors	FlexiPot Position Sensor
FlexiForce™ force sensors can measure force between almost any two surfaces and are durable enough to stand up to most environments. Our force sensors are available off-the-shelf for prototyping or we can customize to meet your specific requirements. FlexiForce Sensors are: Thin [.203 mm (0.008 in)] & Flexible ​Lightweight & Low-Power Customizable Accurate Simple to Use Cost Effective	The FlexiPot™ Strip and Ring tactile potentiometers and/or position sensors are used to identify location or position and adjust output. These sensors can measure position between any two surfaces. FlexiPot Sensors are: Low-power Flexible Ultra-thin (0.008") Linear Output, low error (±2%) Customizable High-Temperature Option (up to 400ºF)

FlexiForce offers significant performance advantages when compared to other force sensing resistor technologies - including shunt mode technology.

This infographic explains more

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Matrix Pressure Sensors (Pressure Mapping Sensors)

Our pressure mapping systems measure interface pressure between two surfaces, utilizing a thin and flexible sensor. The resulting data and our analysis tools offer insights to enhance product design, manufacturing, quality, and research.

• Map interface pressure
• Analysis tools provide insight for a better understanding of surface behavior
• Sensors, data acquisition electronics, and software can all be customized to align with application needs

Sensors Minimally invasive high resolution sensor that is thin and flexible Over 200 standard sensors with different shapes, sizes, resolutions and pressure ranges Customizable to unique form factors and pressure ranges to meet specific applications

Electronics Scan thousands of sensing points within each sensor Data is instantly relayed to the software on your PC via a USB cable High speed and wireless options available

Software Software displays the pressure distribution data, in multiple formats, for superior analysis Real-time display of pressure sensor data in 2D & 3D Display peak pressures and center of force

Have a unique application that calls for a unique sensor? Check out this short video on our Pressure Mapping Sensor Customization Process

How a Matrix Sensor is Made

Pressure mapping sensors are ultra-thin pressure-sensitive resistors (aka, tactile array sensors) that are used capture pressure data between nearly any two surfaces. Each sensor consists of intersecting rows and columns of conductive material. At each intersection is a layer of pressure-sensitive material. As pressure is applied to the sensing area, the resistance of the pressure-sensitive material changes. Scanning electronics connected to the sensor collects and converts this resistance change into digital signal, which is then transmitted to a computer for real-time analysis

 

 

Tekscan Sensor Properties & Performance

Figure 1: Typical Sensor PerformanceMatrix sensors (arrays) are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They are also available in various pressure ranges from 0-14 kPa to 0-207 MPa. Custom designed shapes, sizes, and sensitivities are also available. Typical system performance is shown in Figure 1.

• Resistance of the sensing elements (Sensels™) varies inversely with applied load.
• The system linearizes sensor output into digital counts, or “raw” values on a scale from 0-255.
• Calibration converts raw values into engineering units, such as psi or kPa.

Sensor Property	Standard	High Temperature (*Custom Production Run Required)
Linearity	<±3%	<±1.2%
Repeatability	<±3.5%	<±3.5%
Hysteresis	< 4.5% of full scale	< 3.6% of full scale
Drift per log time	5%	3.3%
Lag Time	5 µsec	5 µsec
Operating Temperature	-40° to 140°F (-40° to 60°C)	Up to 400°F (200°C)
Thinness	0.004 in (0.1 mm)	0.008 in (0.2 mm)
Sensel Density	Up to 1,600 per sq. in. (248 per sq. cm) Pitch as fine as 0.025 in. (0.6 mm)	Up to 400 per sq. in. (61 per sq. cm) Pitch as fine as 0.050 in. (1.27 mm)
Pressure Range	Up to 30,000 psi (207 MPa) (dependent on sensor selection)	Up to 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa) (dependent on sensor selection)

Data Acquisition Electronics

Figure 2: Electronics SchematicTekscan’s interface products employ sophisticated microprocessor based circuitry to control scanning sequence and frequency, adjust sensitivity, and optimize the performance of matrix-based sensors.

Figure 2 demonstrates the sensing system and a simplified electrical schematic of the 8-bit electronics (255 levels) that scan the intersecting points of the sensor’s rows and columns and measure the resistance at each crossing point or sensing element (Sensel). The Sensels are read in the presence of multiple contacts while simultaneously limiting the possible current flow through the device. Each Sensel is represented by a variable resistor whose value is highest when no force is applied to it.

Tekscan systems have different options for electronics depending on the application requirements.

Tethered Electronics (USB 2.0 Connection)

Evolution™

Used for standard applications, this system is lightweight and versatile. The Evolution™ scanning electronics consist of a handle that connects to a sensor and to the USB port of a PC. Multiple handles may be used simultaneously. Indicators on the handle show system status and allow some control of data collection. Handle powered directly from PC via USB cable Up to 100 Hz scanning speed (speed varies by sensor)

VersaTek™

Used for larger sensors with multiple tabs or high speed applications. The VersaTek™ scanning electronics consist of a handle that connects to a sensor and to an 8-port hub, which then connects to the USB port of a PC. The hub drives and collects signals from up to 8 handles simultaneously. Up to 20,000 Hz scanning speed BNC in/out ports for trigger & synchronization Up to 8 handles simultaneously collecting data: Multiple sensors 1 Large sensor with multiple handles

​Wireless Electronics (compatible with VersaTek electronics only)

Note: Same unit is used for either wireless or Datalogger configurations.

Wireless VersaTek Unit - directly transmits data wirelessly from unit to PC Wireless range of up to 100 meters Real-time data and movie recording Wireless signal strength indication and automatic buffering if wireless unit moves out of range Scan up to 2 handles simultaneously Datalogger VersaTek Unit - stores data within the data collection unit for upload to PC at a later time Up to 20,000 Hz scanning speed Data is saved directly to the included 8 GB Micro SD card Simultaneously record up to 2 handles Ideal for "noisy" testing environments, or enviroments that are not wireless friendly

These options have differences such as maximum scanning rates and it is recommended you discuss your application requirements with your Account Manager to select the appropriate product. 

Learn more about Data Acquisition Electronics including complete product specifications

Software – The Power of Information

T-Scan Digital Occlusal Analysis Software

Tekscan's products function in both static and dynamic measurement environments. Our customers are interested in the temporal development of load profiles and peak load attainment, as well as the relaxation characteristics of materials and interfaces.

• Each system is capable of sampling thousands of Sensels per second
  • Our standard I-Scan™ system can sample 250,000 Sensels per second.
  • Tekscan also has higher performance systems which sample 100,000 Sensels at 500 Hz - an astounding 50,000,000 Sensels per second!

Sports AT Software for Balance Error AssessmentHigh-Speed Systems

Tekscan’s high-speed systems are simplified matrices or single load cell configurations. The current maximum sampling rate for an integrated system is 20 kHz in a 44 load cell configuration. This high sampling rate is possible due to the extreme thinness and the relatively high spring constant of our sensor materials (a rise time of less than 20 microseconds). The ability to directly instrument the impact surface greatly enhances overall test accuracy. No other system solution is as adaptable and affordable.

I-Scan Pressure Mapping SoftwareMaking this possible is Tekscan’s custom data acquisition electronics and software. The data acquisition software consists of low level sampling control, sensitivity adjustment, and signal processing. This software optimizes the performance of the system in the acquisition of force or pressure data from our matrix-based and FlexiForce sensors.

With its Windows®-compatible software, the Tekscan system is simple to operate. Whether you choose a standard or a custom package, your system will respond quickly to your most important and frequent needs with graphically informative displays and intuitive operations.