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.Minimally invasive high resolution sensor that is thin and flexibleTekscan 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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!