New reference design features a next generation industrial, smart force sensor

Maxim MAXREFDES82 Smart Force Sensor Reference Design, available from Mouser, features a next generation industrial, smart force sensor. Mounted on a quadrant of load cells channeled into a multi-channel, 24-bit analog-to-digital converter, the device senses weight and centre of mass for objects placed on the platform. The scale provides full-scale responses up to 780g. The user interface provides an active display of centre of mass on the platform, as well as total measured weight. In addition to serving as a smart force sensor, the design works very well as a ruggedised touch interface with force sensing. The system consumes less than 50mA during normal operation and features a USB interface for quick evaluation and integration.