Force Sensing Linear Potentiometer

The FORCE-SENSING LINEAR POTENTIOMETER controls two parameters with a single force. It is a force sensor and a position indicator in a single element.

To sense position, a voltage is applied across the resistor and the position voltage is read using a high impedance input thus nulling out the effect of the force sensing resistance.

To sense the force, a reference voltage is applied to both ends of the resistor. This nulls out the position resistance. A potential divider is then formed by the force sensor and the reference resistor.

The electronics must multiplex between the two modes in order to detect both position and force.