a microelectromechanical load sensor device for measuring a force applied by a human user is described herein . in one aspect , the load sensor device has a contact surface in communication with a touch surface which communicates forces originating on the touch surface to a deformable membrane , on which load sensor elements are arranged , such that the load sensor device produces a signal proportional to forces imparted by a human user along the touch surface . in another aspect , the load sensor device has an overload protection ring to protect the load sensor device from excessive forces . in another aspect , the load sensor device has embedded logic circuitry to allow a microcontroller to individually address load sensor devices organized into an array . in another aspect , the load sensor device has electrical and mechanical connectors such as solder bumps designed to minimize cost of final component manufacturing .