A conductive polymer pressure sensor

Abstract

The authors have characterized the performance of the commercially available Interlink pressure sensor. The sensor costs less than $1. It is 0.25-mm thick, is light and flexible, and can be customized for a wider range of applications. The resistance-versus-pressure characteristic of the sensor is logarithmic. The operating range is from 0 to 2 MPa. The hysteresis is 8% and the nonrepeatability is less than 7% of full scale. The temperature drift is -0.5%/ degrees C of full scale. Using the Interlink sensors and electronics, the authors developed a portable data acquisition system to monitor the pressure under the bony prominences of the feet during normal gait. The advantages and drawbacks of the sensor are indicated.< >