A ring-shaped LTCC/HTCC sensor for detection of finger forces in clarinet playing

For the analysis of the fingering behavior of clarinetists during performing on their instrument, a special miniaturized force sensor is required. This paper presents a ring-shaped force sensor in ceramics technology, developed for that purpose. A unique combination of LTCC as well as HTCC (low and high temperature co-fired ceramics, respectively) technology has been used to build up the force sensor. The sensor has been equipped with active electronics to amplify the sensor signals, reducing the efforts of wiring within the clarinet. Output characteristics in dependence on the load for different loading scenarios are presented, including the performance of single sensor elements.