Pedal-force load cells are commonly used in cars and trucks to measure brake-pedal force measurement and as a high-precision trigger for brake-testing equipment. Though specifically designed to measure the force needed to operate a vehicle’s brake, clutch, or floor-mounted emergency brake pedals, the LAU220 Pedal Force Load Cell by Futek Advanced Sensor Technology Inc., Irvine, Calif., is adaptable to measure any pedal-based pressure. It comes with two different mounting plates to ease installations, along with a shunt cal resistor and carrying case.

The LAU220 sends its measurement data via a USB connector. The USB output eliminates the need for external analog amplifiers, power supplies, and display equipment, thus simplifying usage. The plug-and-play device also provides direct computer-based measurements less affected by noise, temperature, or the need of a separate power supply. The load cell comes with Futek’s USB software that lets technicians monitor sensor output in real time.

The low-profile design, which weighs 16 oz (454 gm), features a stainless-steel, one-piece construction and an off-center loading error of less than ±1%. Its metal-foil strain gage is compensated from 60 to 160°F, but has an operating temperature range that spans −60 to 200°F. The LAU series is also available with a TEDS/IEEE 1451.4 option.