What are strain gauge sensors?

Some important features and functions of strain gauge sensors:
1. strain sensitivity
Strain gauge sensors are extremely sensitive to mechanical strain or deformation. Even small changes in the shape or tension of the sensor can be measured precisely.
2. change in resistance
The basic operation of strain gauge sensors is based on the change in electrical resistance of the strain gauge when it is stretched or compressed. This change in resistance is proportional to the mechanical load applied to the sensor. The strain gages are interconnected in a Wheatstone bridge. The output signal is proportional to the strain/compression (load) of the strain gages. Depending on the type of strain gage, the unamplified output signal can be 20 mV (metal foil strain gages) or 200 mV (semiconductor strain gages) (depending on the k-factor).
3. calibration
In order for strain gauge sensors to provide accurate measurements, they must be carefully calibrated. This involves determining the relationship between the measured change in resistance and the mechanical load acting on the sensor.
4. variety of applications
Strain gauge sensors are used in a variety of applications including structural monitoring, materials testing, load measurement, stress analysis, automotive, aerospace, medical and biotechnology.
5. measured variables
Strain gages (strain gauges) are used to measure forces. In addition to pure force sensors and load cells, force measurement can also be used to indirectly record other measured variables: Torque (force*displacement), pressure (diaphragm: force/surface), acceleration (bending beam: force/mass), inclination (via acceleration).
6 Sizes
Strain gauge sensors can be manufactured in miniature sizes, as the amplifier can be outside the sensor and the sizes can be reduced even further by using half bridges (the completion resistors are located in an external module) (sub-miniature).
7. temperature compensation
As the electrical properties of materials can change with temperature, it is often necessary to use strain gauge sensors with temperature compensation to ensure accurate measurements regardless of temperature fluctuations.
8 Supply voltage
As the strain gauge sensors consist of a Wheatstone bridge using the deflection method, it is essential to use a stabilized and low-noise power supply.
9 Installation and mounting
Strain gauge sensors must be carefully installed and fixed to ensure accurate measurements. This may involve the use of special adhesives, brackets or mounting techniques.


Strain gauge sensors are extremely useful in situations where it is necessary to precisely measure and monitor mechanical loads or deformations. Their high sensitivity, accuracy and versatility make them an indispensable tool in many areas of engineering, materials testing and industrial manufacturing.