SparkFun Forums

[balam]

does any body has use a 5v sensor on a arduiono Fio
I just got my in the mail and seems that operation voltage is 3v.
I am thinking to use forcensing resisitors with this board.

thanks in advance.

[esklar81]

balam,
What sensors are you considering? I took a look at the several force-sensitive resistors in the SparkFun catalog. The catalog pages all have links to the manufacturer's application guide. I did not, however, find any indication that these are 5 V devices.

If you are using any resistor, then the voltage rating is based on the maximum voltage at which the supplier considers it safe (for personnel and equipment) to operate the resistor. Operating at a lower voltage, such as 3.3 V instead of 5 V, shouldn't be a fundamental problem. You will, of course, get less current through the device, but it's far from obvious that will make a significant difference in the case of such sensors as these.

What is important is that the voltage that supplies the sensor circuit is the same as the voltage used as a reference by the analog to digital converter (ADC) in the uCTLR.

If you'd care to post a link to the datasheet for the sensors you have in mind, I'd be happy to review it in this context.

Good Luck,
Eric

[balam]

tx for a great answer ,
I am clear now,
I am planning to use the forcesensing and bend resistors.
once again, your answer was clear and 1000% helpful