Interface geometry
Flat, curved, narrow, annular or interrupted contact areas require different active layouts.
The measurement interface
Thin-Film Pressure Sensor Arrays
Choose the array around the contact geometry and measurement objective. The selected array is then matched with compatible acquisition hardware and analysis software.
Select the sensor array first because it defines what part of the interface can be measured and at what spatial detail. Area, shape, pressure range, pitch, thickness, flexibility, temperature, test duration and cable routing all affect the choice. No single array covers every application, and the selected array must be matched with a compatible reader and software workflow.
Selection inputs
Fit the array to the real contact
Sensing area, geometry, range, spatial detail, loading method, temperature and expected reuse all affect the selection.
Measurement objective
Overall uniformity, local peaks, contact footprint and transient events demand different detail and acquisition paths.
Test environment
Temperature, duration, routing, surface condition and fixture constraints must be reviewed before quotation.
Sensing areaOverall dimensionsPressure rangeSensor shapeRows and columnsSensing pointsSpatial resolutionPitchThicknessFlexibilityTemperatureStatic or dynamic testExpected test durationSurface shapeCable routingCalibration requirements
Sensor decision table
Translate the interface into selection inputs
| Selection factor | Why it matters | What to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Sensing area and overall dimensions | Define coverage and physical fit | Contact drawing and available space |
| Pressure range | Sets the application-specific measurement window | Expected minimum, maximum and preload |
| Shape and surface geometry | Controls active layout and placement | Flat, curved, annular or interrupted regions |
| Spatial resolution and pitch | Influence observable contact detail | Smallest relevant feature and full coverage need |
| Static or dynamic event | Links array choice to acquisition timing | Loading sequence and rate of change |
Show 5 more selection factors
| Selection factor | Why it matters | What to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Rows, columns and sensing points | Describe the matrix structure | Features or regions that must be distinguished |
| Thickness and flexibility | Affect fit and interface disturbance | Gap, curvature and allowable intrusion |
| Temperature and environment | May limit the sensor and connection path | Operating condition and exposure |
| Test duration and cable routing | Shape placement, protection and reader location | Duration, access and tail path |
| Calibration requirements | Define how results will be interpreted | Comparison goal, units and reporting need |
Functional array formats
Sensor array options by application need
Published examples below stay bound to representative configurations. They are not universal specifications.
General-Purpose Sensor Array
For repeatable distribution and contact-pattern checks across common engineering fixtures.
Representative published configuration
One matched system configuration uses a 44 × 52 matrix with 2,288 sensing points and 100 Hz acquisition.
Available options
Sensing area, shape, range, density and connection arrangement.
Confirm for your application
Geometry, pressure range, required detail, duration, temperature, surface condition, reuse and reader compatibility.
High-Resolution Sensor Array
For interfaces where smaller pressure features and more detailed distribution images are required.
Representative published configuration
One matched system configuration uses a 128 × 128 matrix with 16,384 sensing points and 100 Hz acquisition.
Available options
Array geometry, active area, density and compatible wired or wireless acquisition.
Confirm for your application
Actual pitch, sensing area, range, temperature, scan rate, output and calibration approach.
Large-Area Sensor Array
For footprints that extend beyond a compact array, including larger pads, fixtures and contact surfaces.
Representative published configuration
A large-area configuration is available with a 50 Hz acquisition path; the complete matrix and active dimensions remain configuration-specific.
Available options
Area, aspect ratio, connection layout, density and multi-unit arrangements.
Confirm for your application
Coverage, seams or gaps, routing, loading uniformity, range, scan rate and compatible reader capacity.
Ultra-Low-Pressure Sensor Array
For applications where small contact changes must be observed without treating a general sensor range as sufficient.
Representative published configuration
One integrated reference configuration uses a 32 × 128 matrix with 4,096 sensing points and 50 Hz wireless acquisition.
Available options
Active area, geometry, range and matched acquisition arrangement.
Confirm for your application
Expected minimum and maximum pressure, preload, surface compliance, drift, duration and calibration conditions.
Custom-Shaped Sensor Array
For interfaces where a standard rectangular layout cannot reach or isolate the measurement region.
Representative published configuration
Custom evaluation can address size, shape, range, density, sensing-point location and functional openings.
Available options
Outline, active layout, tail routing, connector position and matched system configuration.
Confirm for your application
Drawing, tolerances, active and excluded zones, expected volume, fixture, range and validation method.
Available specifications depend on the selected sensor, data acquisition hardware and software configuration. Final parameters will be confirmed for the application before quotation.
Geometry and placement
Match sensor placement to the contact interface
Sensor array placement depends on the contact interface. Geometry, active sensing area and flat-tail routing affect selection; final reader and software compatibility must be confirmed. These neutral diagrams are not fixed product models.
Typical flat interface
Flat Interface
Use the real footprint to define coverage before choosing pressure range and spatial detail.
- Selection focus
- Sensing area, pressure range and spatial detail
- What to provide
- Contact dimensions, expected load or pressure, and static or dynamic condition
Sensor→Reader→Output
Geometry follows the surface
Curved Interface
Flexibility alone is not enough; active-area shape, installation method and cable clearance must fit the curvature.
- Selection focus
- Flexibility, active-area shape and installation method
- What to provide
- Curvature or diameter, available clearance and loading direction
Sensor→Reader→Output
Insertion affects the setup
Layered Interface
The selected layer, insertion gap and fixture can change both sensor protection and interpretation of the pressure map.
- Selection focus
- Thickness, routing, test duration and fixture influence
- What to provide
- Layer sequence, available insertion gap and assembly process
Sensor→Reader→Output
Alignment becomes critical
Narrow Contact Area
A slim active area can isolate the contact strip, but pitch, alignment and routing must suit the usable width.
- Selection focus
- Narrow active area, pitch and alignment
- What to provide
- Contact width and length, positioning tolerance and expected pressure range
Sensor→Reader→Output
Feasibility is application-specific
Custom-Shaped Interface
An irregular outline can be evaluated around usable and excluded zones, but geometry and system compatibility remain project-specific.
- Selection focus
- Usable shape, excluded areas, cable exit and project feasibility
- What to provide
- Drawing or dimensional sketch, required sensing zones and fixture constraints
Sensor→Reader→Output
One sensor array cannot cover every measurement scenario. Final sensor geometry, sensing area, reader and software configuration will be confirmed for the application before quotation.
System compatibility
The array is one part of a complete measurement chain
A sensor cannot be selected independently of matrix capacity, connection, scan rate, software functions and the physical test setup.
Review data acquisition- Sensor inputArea, shape, range, density
- Reader inputMatrix, scan rate, communication
- Software inputVisualization, recording, output
- Final matchConfirmed before quotation
Handling and installation
Protect the measurement interface before and during the test
Routing, surface preparation and loading practice affect both the sensor and the data.
Prepare the surfaces
Remove debris and review edges, gaps and surface texture that could concentrate load or damage the array.
Control placement
Align the active area, protect the tail and avoid folds, sharp creases or uncontrolled shear during loading.
Document the setup
Record fixture, loading sequence, orientation, reuse and calibration conditions so measurements can be interpreted consistently.
Active areaInterfaceTail route
Technical guides
Go deeper on sensor selection
FAQ
Sensor selection questions
How is a pressure sensor array selected?
Selection begins with the interface geometry, sensing area, expected pressure range, required spatial detail, environment and compatible acquisition hardware.
Can a sensor array be shaped for an application?
Custom shape, size, range, density, sensing layout and openings may be evaluated for qualified applications.
Can any sensor be used with any reader?
No. Matrix format, connection, scan-rate target and signal characteristics must be matched to compatible acquisition hardware and software.
Share the interface before selecting the array
Send the contact geometry, sensing area, expected range, fixture and measurement objective for application review.
Review application evaluation