Technical Support

+ What is the usual turn-around time for custom designs?

We can turn around most custom designs in 4 to 6 weeks from the approval of initial design. Extremely complicated designs may require more time.

+ What is the maxiumum pressure range that PPS sensors can reach?

PPS Industrial sensors can reach pressure ranges of up to 2000 psi. However, currently we can only guarantee factory calibration at pressures up to 700psi.

+ What is the lowest possible pressure measurement that PPS sensors can resolve?

When configured for low pressure measurement, PPS sensors can resolve pressures as low as 0.01 psi.

+ What is the maximum speed of the PPS sensors?

TactArray systems have an element-to-element scan speed of up to 10 kHz. Digitacts have a sample rate of 30-100Hz.

+ How often do PPS sensors require calibration?

PPS sensors are calibrated at the factory prior to shipping. Further calibration is generally not required, though some customers choose to re-calibrate monthly or annually. In applications where the sensor shape will change frequently due to remounting or other factors, more frequent calibration is required.

+ Can I have a sensor made that is of odd shape and size?

PPS sensors can be made in many 2D or 3D shapes. PPS sensors are limited in physical size to about 12"x18", but multiple sensors can be integrated so that they scan and appear as one measurement system.

+ Of what materials are PPS sensors made?

PPS sensors are made from conductive cloth (conformable), Kapton (industrial), Lycra (stretchable) or a combination of conductive cloth and Kapton (hybrid).

+ What is the smallest element size for PPS sensors?

Element sizes in TactArray sensor arrays can be as small as 1mm x 2mm, however practical resolution is actually much greater. PPS's pressure-sensing technology allows accurate pressure interpolation between sensing elements.

+ Can I autoclave PPS sensors? What sterilization techniques do you recommend?

Autoclaving will change the characteristics of PPS conformable sensors and may cause permanent damage. We recommend using sterile sheaths that are replaced between uses. Additionally, PPS sensors can be sterilized using Gamma sterilization. Industrial sensors can also be sterilized using IR.

+ Are PPS sensors waterproof?

PPS sensors are NOT waterproof, however PPS can provide removable waterproof sheaths to protect the sensors or complete encapsulation for more rugged environments.

+ Can I fold the sensor?

While sensors have survived accidental folding, requiring only a few minutes to recover, folding a sensor may damage the electrode interconnect layer and is not recommended.

+ Can I use multiple sensors simultaneously with the same conditioning electronics?

Yes, we are often asked to design multi-sensor configurations. The sensors can be of different sizes but must share similar element sizes.

+ I already have conditioning electronics. Can I purchase the sensor only?

PPS TactArray senors work exclusively with PPS T4500 conditioning electronics and can therefore only work as part of a complete systems. DigiTacts sensors output SPI or I²C digital output, enabling product designers and engineers to easily integrate Digitacts sensors into their own controller environment.

+ Can I get a sample of a PPS sensor?

We generally do not send out sample sensors. If necessary we can provide sample sensor material as well as a copy of our Chameleon acquisition and visualization software API with sample capture data

+ How does PPS guarantee its products?

PPS fully backs its products with a 1 year full warranty. We also offer an extended yearly service plans that includes software upgrades, annual re-calibration and full product support.

+ What is the lifetime of PPS sensors?

In typical lab environments PPS sensors have lasted for years. Our products do not require frequent replacement due to usage.

+ What conditions are most damaging to PPS sensors?

Shear forces and applied pressures to the electrode interconnects are the most frequent causes of damage to PPS sensors. We recommend care in usage.