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Tekscan Technology
Tekscan Technology is used in a constantly expanding array of applications. Each application
has a distinct set of requirements that are well matched to Tekscan's core technical
capabilities and product offerings. Tekscan has developed matrix-based pressure sensing
systems and single load cell configurations -
the FlexiForce® product line. Tekscan's systems-based solutions
provide our customers with superior results with modest capital investments. Our clients
are presented with an integrated pressure and/or force measurement system that uniquely
matches their specific needs, ensuring optimal system and sensor performance.
Tekscan technology encompasses four distinct areas: sensor technology, data acquisition
hardware, processing and analysis software, and materials technology. Each of these areas
has a number of patents, copyrights or patents pending supporting Tekscan's intellectual
property claims.
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At the heart of every Tekscan pressure measurement system is an extremely thin 0.004 in
(0.1 mm), flexible tactile sensor. Sensors come in both grid-based and single load
cell configurations, and are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and spatial
resolutions (sensor spacing). These sensors are capable of measuring pressures ranging
from 0-15 kPa to 0-175 MPa. Each application requires an optimal match between the
dimensional characteristics of the object(s) to be tested and the spatial resolution
and pressure range provided by Tekscan's sensor technology.
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High Resolution & Versatile
Tekscan provides the highest resolution matrix-based products available on the market.
Sensing locations within a matrix can be as small as .0009 square inches
(.140 mm2); therefore, a one square centimeter area can contain an array of
170 of these locations. We have created sensors covering 256 square inches (1,600 square
centimeters) with over 100,000 sensing locations. Our Virtual System Architecture
(VSA) allows the user to integrate several sensors into a uniform whole. The areas
covered using this method can be significant. The pressure or force information derived
from the sensor array is seamlessly displayed on your computer screen.
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How the Sensor is Made
(View How the Sensor is Made)
The standard sensor consists of two thin, flexible polyester sheets which have electrically
conductive electrodes deposited in varying patterns. The
inside surface of one sheet forms a row pattern while the inner surface of the other
employs a column pattern. The spacing between the rows and columns varies according to
sensor application and can be as small as ~0.5 mm. |
In use, the sensor is installed between two mating surfaces. Tekscan's matrix-based
systems provide an array of force sensitive cells that enable you to measure the pressure
distribution between the two surfaces.
For a complete list of all Tekscan's standard sensors, refer to the
Medical Sensor Catalog or
the Industrial Sensor Catalog.
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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. Each system
is capable of sampling thousands of sensors per second; our standard I-Scan
system can sample 250,000 sensors per second. Tekscan also has higher performance systems
which sample 100,000 sensors at 500 Hz - an astounding 50,000,000 sensors per second! |
View a Tekscan Software Demonstration
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Tekscan's high-speed systems are simplified matrices or single load cell configurations.
The current maximum sampling rate for an integrated system is 10 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.
Making this possible is Tekscan's custom data acquisition hardware 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.
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Tekscan has a variety of data acquisition interfaces including
USB and PCI interface boards. Each product embodies sophisticated
microprocessor-based circuitry to control scanning, adjust sensitivity and optimize the
performance of our grid-based and FlexiForce products.
Simplified electronics schematic.
The diagram illustrates the sensing system and a simplified electrical schematic of
the electronics. This diagram shows the electronics, which scans the sensor array. Each
sensing element is a variable resistor with high value when no force is applied to it.
The circuitry is microprocessor controlled and drives each column and sequentially senses
all the rows, addressing every array element. After processing through an A/D converter,
the data is packaged and transmitted to the PC for display and analysis.
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