FSS-SMT Series
Low Profile Force Sensor
DESCRIPTION
Honeywell’s FSS-SMT Series force sensors are designed to be
one of the most reliable force sensors available as illustrated
by 20 million Mean Cycles to Failure (MCTF) at 25 °C [77 °F]
rating. This low profile Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
sensor allows for automated assembly on a printed circuit
board, often helping the customer to reduce assembly costs.
The FSS-SMT Series force sensor is designed to provide
precise and reliable force sensing performance in a compact
commercial-grade package. The sensor incorporates
Honeywell sensing technology that uses a specialized
piezoresistive micromachined silicon sensing element. The low
power, unamplified, uncompensated Wheatstone bridge circuit
design provides inherently stable mV output over the force
range.
Force sensors operate on the principle that the resistance of
silicon-implanted piezoresistors will change when the resistors
flex under applied force. The sensor concentrates force from
the applications, through the stainless steel ball, directly to the
silicon-sensing element. The amount of resistance changes in
proportion to the amount of force being applied. This change in
circuit resistance results in a corresponding mV output level
change.
The sensor package design incorporates patented modular
construction. The use of innovative elastomeric technology and
engineered molded plastics results in load excitation capacities
up to 60 N (range dependent). The stainless steel ball provides
excellent mechanical stability, and is suitable for a variety of
potential medical and commercial applications.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Surface Mount Technology allows for automated
assembly and may eliminate hand soldering
RoHS-compliant materials meet Directive 2002/95/EC
Low deflection (approx. 30 µm typical at full scale) helps
reduce measurement error
Direct mechanical coupling of the actuation ball to the
sense element reduces coupling errors and keeps
mechanical hysteresis to a minimum
Product rating of 20 million MCTF at 25 °C [77 °F], subject
to application variation, provides for consistent output over
time and reduces repairs or replacements
Small size minimizes space on the printed circuit board
(PCB)
Provides enhanced sensitivity without compromising signal
integrity, resulting in low system noise and reducing
measurement errors
Electrically ratiometric output accommodates supply
voltage variations, leading to low ratiometricity error
Low voltage supply allows for use in many battery powered
applications
High resistance to electrostatic discharge (ESD) meets
ESD Sensitivity Classification Level 3B (8 KV), reducing
special handling during assembly
Sensor output has low sensitivity to many mounting
stresses
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
Medical
Infusion pumps
Ambulatory non-invasive pumps
Occlusion detection
Kidney dialysis machines
Enteral pumps
Industrial
Load and compression sensing
Variable tension control
Robotic end-effectors
Wire bonding equipment
FSS-SMT Series
2 sensing.honeywell.com
Table 1. Performance Characteristics (At 10 ±0.01 Vdc, 25 °C [77 °F].)1
Characteristic
Unit
FSS005WNGX
FSS010WNGX
FSS020WNGX
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Force sensing range
N
0 to 5
0 to 10
0 to 20
Excitation2
Vdc
3.3
10
12.5
3.3
10
12.5
3.3
10
12.5
3.3
10
12.5
Null offset3
mV
-30
0
+30
-30
0
+30
-30
0
+30
-30
0
+30
Null shift4
(25 to 0°, 25 to 50° C)
mV
±0.5
±0.5
±0.5
±0.5
Span5
mV
330
360
390
330
360
390
330
360
390
330
360
390
Linearity (BFSL)6
% span
±0.5
±0.5
±0.5
±0.5
Sensitivity7
mV/V/N
6.6
7.2
7.8
3.3
3.6
3.9
2.2
2.4
2.6
1.65
1.8
1.95
Sensitivity shift8
(25 °C to 0°, 25 °C to 50 °C)
% span
±5.0
±5.0
±5.0
±5.0
Repeatability9
% span
±0.2
±0.2
±0.2
±0.2
Response time
(10 %FS to 90 %FS)
ms
0.1
0.5
0.1
0.5
0.1
0.5
0.1
0.5
Input resistance
kΩ
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
Output resistance
kΩ
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
Plunger deflection
µm
26
28
33
30
Overforce10
N
15
30
45
60
Notes:
1. All force-related specifications are established using dead weight or compliant force.
2. The range of voltage excitation which can be supplied to the product to produce an output which is proportional to
force but due to ratiometricity errors may not remain within the specified performance limits. Non-compensated
force sensors, excited by constant current (1.5 mA) instead of voltage, exhibit partial temperature compensation of
span.
3. The output signal obtained when the zero force is applied to the sensor. Also known as "null" or "zero".
4. The change in the null resulting from a change in temperature. It is not a predictable error as it can shift up and
down from unit to unit. Change in temperature causes the entire output curve to shift up or down along the voltage
axis.
5. The algebraic difference between output signals measured at the upper and lower limits of the operating force range.
Also known as "full scale output" or simply "span".
6. The maximum deviation of product output from a straight line fitted to output measured over the operating force
range. It is also the straight line through a set of points which minimizes the sum of the square of the deviations of
each of the points from the straight line.
7. The ratio of output signal change to the corresponding input force change. Sensitivity is determined by computing
the ratio of span to the specified operating force range multiplied by the supply voltage being used.
8. The maximum deviation in sensitivity due to changes in temperature over the operating temperature range, relative to
sensitivity measured at 25 °C.
9. The maximum difference between output readings when the same force is applied consecutively, under the same
operating conditions, with force approaching from the same direction within the operating force range.
10. The maximum force which may safely be applied to the product for it to remain in specification once force is returned
to the operating force range. Exposure to higher forces may cause permanent damage to the product. Unless
otherwise specified, this applies to all temperatures within the operating temperature range.
CAUTION
EXCEEDING PRODUCT
OVERFORCE RATING
Ensure the overforce
ratings given in Table
1 are not exceeded
during any phase of
sensor assembly to
the board, as well as
during the use of the
sensor in the
application.
Failure to comply with
these instructions may
result in product
damage.
Table 2. Environmental Specifications
Characteristic
Parameter
Operating temperature1
-40 °C to 85 °C [-40 °F to 185 °F]
Shock
qualification tested to 150 g
Vibration
qualification tested to 0 to 2 kHz, 20 g sine
MCTF2 (Mean Cycles To Failure)
20 million at 25 °C [77 °F]
Output ratiometric
within supply range
Notes:
1. The temperature range over which the product may safely be exposed without excitation or force applied. Under these conditions the product will
remain in specification after excursion to any temperatures in this range. Exposure to temperatures beyond this range may cause permanent damage to
the product.
2. MCTF is a basic measure of reliability for a non-repairable device. It is the mean number of cycles to maximum operating force over which a sensor can
be expected to operate until failure. The mean value is determined statistically from a probability distribution for failures based upon test data. MCTF
may vary depending on the specific application in which a sensor is utilized.
Low Profile Force Sensor
Honeywell Sensing and Control 3
Table 3. Absolute Maximum Ratings1
Characteristic
Parameter
Storage temperature2
-40 °C to 100 °C [-40 °F to 212 °F]
Solderability3
10 s at 260 °C [500 °F]
ESD
Meets ESD Sensitivity Classification Level 3B
Notes:
1. The extreme limits that the product can withstand without damage to the product.
2. The temperature range over which the product may safely be exposed without excitation or force applied. Under these conditions, the product will
remain in the specification after excursions to any temperature in this range. Exposure to temperatures beyond this range may cause permanent
damage to the product.
3. The maximum temperature and time to which the product may be exposed for processing the solder electrical connections.
Figure 1. Excitation Schematic (Excitation 5 Vdc Typ., 6 Vdc max.)
Vs
1
3
42
+
-Vo
+-
1. Circled numbers refer to sensor terminals (pins).
Pin 1 = Supply Vs (+), Pin 2 = Output Vo (+), Pin 3 = Ground Vg (-), Pin 4 = Output Vo (-)
2. The force sensor may be powered by voltage or current. Maximum supply voltage is not to
exceed 6 V. Maximum supply current is not to exceed 1.2 mA. Power is applied across Pin 1
and Pin 3.
3. The sensor output should be measured as a differential voltage across Pin 2 and Pin 4
(Vo = Vo(+)-Vo(-)). The output is ratiometric to the supply voltage. Shifts in supply voltage
will cause shifts in output. Neither Pin 2 nor Pin 4 should be tied to ground or voltage supply.
Figure 2. Sensor Mounting Diagram (For reference only: mm/[in].)
FSS005WNGX, FSS010WNGX, FSS015WNGX, FSS020WNGX
Suggested Land Pattern
1,90
[0.074]
3,80
[0.150]
15,25
[0.600]
11,40
[0.449]
1,60
[0.063]
Force Sensing Range
Ball (Actuator) Height
0 N to 5 N
0.375 ±0.10 mm [0.0148 ±0.0039 in]
0 N to 10 N
0.452 ±0.10 mm [0. 0178 ±0.0039 in]
0 N to 15 N
0.504 ±0.10 mm [0.01984 ±0.0039 in]
0 N to 20 N
0.562 ±0.10 mm [0.0221 ±0.0039 in]
Figure 3. Packaging Dimensions (For reference only.)
Short Tube: 43,9 mm
[1.73 in] long, 5 units/tube
Standard Tube: 584 mm
[22.99 in] long, 100 units/
tube
Tape and Reel (mm)
1. Pocket position
relative to sprocket
hole measured as
true position of
pocket, not pocket
hole.
2. 10 sprocket hole pitch
cumulative tolerance
is ±0.2 mm.
Camber is in
compliance with EIA
481.
Ao and Bo are
calculated on a plane
at a distance “R”
above the bottom of
the pocket.
Sensing and Control
Honeywell
1985 Douglas Drive North
Golden Valley, MN 55422
sensing.honeywell.com
080281-3-EN
April 2014
© 2014 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
Order Guide
Catalog Listing
Description
FSS005WNGB
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 5 N force sensing range, short tube packaging
FSS005WNGR
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 5 N force sensing range, tape and reel packaging
FSS005WNGT
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 5 N force sensing range, standard tube packaging
FSS010WNGB
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 10 N force sensing range, short tube packaging
FSS010WNGR
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 10 N force sensing range, tape and reel packaging
FSS010WNGT
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 10 N force sensing range, standard tube packaging
FSS015WNGB
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 15 N force sensing range, short tube packaging
FSS015WNGR
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 15 N force sensing range, tape and reel packaging
FSS015WNGT
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 15 N force sensing range, standard tube packaging
FSS020WNGB
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 20 N force sensing range, short tube packaging
FSS020WNGR
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 20 N force sensing range, tape and reel packaging
FSS020WNGT
FSS-SMT Series Low Profile Force Sensor, 0 N to 20 N force sensing range, standard tube packaging
WARNING
MISUSE OF DOCUMENTATION
The information presented in this product sheet is for
reference only. Do not use this document as a product
installation guide.
Complete installation, operation, and maintenance
information is provided in the instructions supplied with
each product.
Failure to comply with these instructions could result in
death or serious injury.
WARRANTY/REMEDY
Honeywell warrants goods of its manufacture as being free of
defective materials and faulty workmanship. Honeywell’s
standard product warranty applies unless agreed to otherwise
by Honeywell in writing; please refer to your order
acknowledgement or consult your local sales office for specific
warranty details. If warranted goods are returned to Honeywell
during the period of coverage, Honeywell will repair or replace,
at its option, without charge those items it finds defective. The
foregoing is buyer’s sole remedy and is in lieu of all other
warranties, expressed or implied, including those of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall Honeywell be liable for consequential, special,
or indirect damages.
While we provide application assistance personally, through
our literature and the Honeywell web site, it is up to the
customer to determine the suitability of the product in the
application.
Specifications may change without notice. The information we
supply is believed to be accurate and reliable as of this
printing. However, we assume no responsibility for its use.
WARNING
PERSONAL INJURY
DO NOT USE these products as safety or emergency stop
devices or in any other application where failure of the
product could result in personal injury.
Failure to comply with these instructions could result
in death or serious injury.
SALES AND SERVICE
Honeywell serves its customers through a worldwide network
of sales offices, representatives and distributors. For
application assistance, current specifications, pricing or name
of the nearest Authorized Distributor, contact your local sales
office or:
E-mail: info.sc@honeywell.com
Internet: sensing.honeywell.com
Phone and Fax:
Asia Pacific +65 6355-2828
+65 6445-3033 Fax
Europe +44 (0) 1698 481481
+44 (0) 1698 481676 Fax
Latin America +1-305-805-8188
+1-305-883-8257 Fax
USA/Canada +1-800-537-6945
+1-815-235-6847
+1-815-235-6545 Fax