piezoresistivisiä

Piezoresistivisiä refers to materials that exhibit the piezoresistive effect. The piezoresistive effect is a property of some materials where their electrical resistance changes when mechanical stress is applied. This phenomenon is distinct from the piezoelectric effect, which generates an electric charge in response to mechanical stress. Piezoresistive materials are commonly used in sensors to measure pressure, strain, and acceleration.

The change in resistance can be either an increase or a decrease depending on the material and the type of stress applied. For instance, in some semiconductors, applying tensile stress might increase resistance, while compressive stress might decrease it. This reversible relationship between stress and resistance allows for the conversion of mechanical forces into electrical signals.

Common piezoresistive materials include semiconductors like silicon and germanium, as well as metals such as copper and aluminum. Doped silicon is particularly popular due to its high piezoresistive coefficient and its established manufacturing processes for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The sensitivity of a piezoresistive material is quantified by its piezoresistive coefficient, which indicates how much the resistance changes per unit of applied stress.

Applications of piezoresistive sensors are widespread, including in automotive systems for tire pressure monitoring and engine management, in consumer electronics for touch screens and accelerometers in smartphones, and in industrial settings for various monitoring and control tasks. The development of new piezoresistive materials and more sophisticated sensor designs continues to expand their utility.