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4.5 Flex Sensor
.sku-text{font-size:13px;width:898px;margin:5px 0;font-family:'Verdana';} A simple flex sensor 4.5 in length made by SPARKFUN. As the sensor is flexed£¬ the resistance across the sensor increases. Patented technology by Spectra Symbol - they claim these sensors were used in the original Nintendo Power Glove. I love the Nintendo Power Glove. It's so bad! The resistance of the flex sensor changes when the metal pads are on the outside of the bend (text on inside of bend). Connector is 0.1 spaced and bread board friendly. Check datasheet for full specifications. Features: 1. Angle Displacement Measurement 2. Bends and Flexes physically with motion device 3. Possible Uses 4. Robotics 5. Gaming (Virtual Motion) 6. Medical Devices 7. Computer Peripherals 8. Musical Instruments 9. Physical Therapy 10. Simple Construction 11. Low Profile How It Works Schematics BASIC FLEX SENSOR CIRCUIT: Following are notes from the ITP Flex Sensor Workshop The impedance buffer in the [Basic Flex Sensor Circuit] (above) is a single sided operational amplifier£¬ used with these sensors because the low bias current of the op amp reduces errer due to source impedance of the flex sensor as voltage divider. Suggested op amps are the LM358 or LM324 You can also test your flex sensor using the simplest circuit£¬ and skip the op amp. 1. Adjustable Buffer - a potentiometer can be added to the circuit to adjust the sensitivity range. 2. Variable Deflection Threshold Switch - an op is used and outputs either high or low depending on the voltage of the inverting input. In this way you can use the flex sensor as a switch without going through a micro-controller. 3. Resistance to Voltage Converter - use the sensor as the input of a resistance to voltage converter using a dual sided supply op-amp. A negative reference voltage will give a positive output. Should be used in situations when you want output at a low degree of bending