Potentiometer - a contacting technology used in both linear and rotary sensors. Hall effect - more popular with rotary sensors but can also be used in linear sensors, non-contacting technology. Inductive - non-contacting technology using alternating currents to measure linear position. LVDT - non-contacting linear sensors - linear variable differential transformer RVDT - non-contacting rotary sensors - rotary variable differential transformer Eddy Current - inductive non-contacting measuring method for linear and rotary movements

The pressure measurement system is made up of a sensing element with four strain gauges applied to it. The strain gauges are configured in a Wheatstone bridge, where all 4 resistors (labeled R1 thru R4 in Figure 2) are equal, and change by equal magnitude proportionally, when strain is applied. The greater the force or strain (input), the greater the output. A Wheatstone bridge device requires 4 wires for its connection, positive and negative excitation, and positive and negative sensor output.

The rated capacity is the maximum recommended load for a particular load cell. All load cells have a range of loads where the output signal is proportional to the load; that is the deformation of the strain gauge caused by the load produces an output signal having an approximately linear relationship to the strain. By keeping the rated capacity in this range, the strain gauge produces outputs within the errors printed on the accompanying load cell data sheet.

Higher voltages through the resistive strain gauges (which comprise the Wheatstone bridge) will cause more current to flow and heat the strain gauges. The cell body acts as a heat sink to keep the gauges cool. If the maximum rated excitation voltage is exceeded, the heating will cause signal perturbation or gauge failure. Additionally, in battery operated devices, high excitation voltage (and thus, current) will cause the battery to deplete much faster than with lower excitation voltages through the circuit.

Load cells have a specified load direction, do not apply side forces, bending or torsional movements on load cells. Inappropriate loading applications will risk reducing the life of load cells, plus distortion of correct measurement results.

NS pressure sensor is intended to be used in mobile hydraulics applications, such as on earth moving machines, fork-lift trucks, diggers, excavators, aerial work platforms, cranes, agricultural farm machinery and utility vehicles.

In MEMS sensor technology, the pressure of the media is measured by a silicon or silicon-on-insulator sensing element that has the piezoresistive strain gage bridge on it, with a transfer medium, typically silicon oil, present between the MEMS element and a stainless-steel diaphragm.

Thin film sensors are more robust and less complex than MEMS sensors. Their simple structure makes them easier to manufacture at a lower cost and they provide incredible accuracy and reliability even in harsh operating conditions such as extreme temperatures (less than -40℃ and as high as +150℃).

With the rise in smart watches and navigation systems, absolute pressure sensors find homes wherever elevation above sea level (altimeter measurement) is required. Weather stations also use them for barometric pressure measurements.

The most popular type of force torque sensor is the six-axis sensor. This particular force torque (FT) sensor is capable of measuring forces in every direction. A six-axis FT sensor generally utilizes strain gauge technology; when pressure is applied, the resistance within the gauge increases or decreases proportionally to the force it receives. This is how the sensor measures the movement of its external frames in relation to one another. Six-axis sensors can be found in robotic arms at the “joint.”