Pressure sensors and load cells for Arduino microcontrollers and Raspberry Pi

In a well-stocked tinkering room, load cells and pressure sensors for Arduino microcontrollers must of course not be missing. In our online store you will find a wide range of pressure and load cells for your single board computers. Since we receive quite often questions about the use of the sensors, we have summarized the most important information for you below.

Load cells for Arduino microcontrollers quickly explained

Load cells, also known as weight sensors, are primarily found in the construction of kitchen or personal scales. The cells, for example cells with an amplifier module of the type HX711, are installed between a supporting surface for objects and a contact surface to the ground. When forces act on the contact surface, the load cell bends minimally.
The electronic principle behind this is easily explained: If the sensor is loaded, the applied electrical resistance of the pins changes, but since microcontrollers cannot measure this change directly, pressure sensors and load cells for Arduino microcontrollers have an amplifier board. This voltage divider is read out via an analog pin of the controller and the signals are processed. 

Pressure sensors in microelectronics

Pressure sensors are also becoming more and more common in DIY projects. We distinguish between pressure sensors such as the BME280 or DHT22, which measure the existing air pressure in the environment and are often used in the construction of weather stations, and pressure sensors that detect the action of a mechanical force (for example, a keystroke).

If you have any questions about the use of these items, we look forward to hearing from you.