Smart force sensor cuts time to market for HMI devices

Article By : Maxim Integrated Products

Maxim's MAXREFDES82# reference design delivers both downward force and centre of mass by collecting responses from four load cells using the MAX11254, a 24bit, 6-channel ADC.

Maxim Integrated Products has rolled out the MAXREFDES82# smart force sensor reference design that enables design engineers to expedite the evaluation and deployment of human-machine interface (HMI) devices.

The MAXREFDES82# reference design provides both downward force and center of mass, by collecting responses from four load cells using the MAX11254, a 24bit, 6-channel ADC. This unique configuration, enabled by the highly integrated 24bit ADC, provides second and third dimensions of information about whatever object presses upon it, indicated the company.
According to Maxim, the reference design supports 64ksps provides real time operation and flaunts an interface that requires no special glass or material, making it ideal for industrial environments. In addition, it allows accurate measurements of weight and centre of mass up to 780g and uses up less than 50mA during normal operation.

The MAXREFDES82# reference design is available for $99 at Maxim's website and select franchised distributors. Hardware and firmware design files, as well as test data, are provided free and available online.