Biosensor Array Shared Signal Lines Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensor arrays face challenges in efficiently reading out signals from a large number of biosensor zones due to the high number of signal lines required, leading to increased production costs and reduced integration density.
Innovation Solution
A biosensor array architecture that uses shared drive and detection lines for multiple biosensor zones, reducing the number of signal lines needed and allowing for higher integration density and lower production costs, while maintaining the ability to selectively apply electrical drive signals and detect electrical signals from individual zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each biosensor zone is connected to separate signal lines for reading out signals, then signal integrity and measurement precision are improved, but the number of signal lines increases leading to higher production costs and reduced integration density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the biosensor array into groups that share common signal lines. Instead of dedicating separate lines to each sensor zone, multiple zones are segmented to share the same readout paths, reducing the total number of signal lines while maintaining functional independence through selective activation and detection sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing signal lines that serve multiple biosensor zones simultaneously. The same signal lines are used to both excite and detect signals from multiple sensor zones, allowing these lines to perform multiple functions and reducing the overall complexity of the signal routing infrastructure
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of signal lines is reduced to lower production costs, then production outlay and device complexity are improved, but the ability to selectively address and read out individual biosensor zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially activating and detecting signals from different biosensor zones in a time-multiplexed manner. Each zone is selectively addressed at specific time intervals, allowing the system to maintain selective addressing capability with fewer signal lines by alternating between different sensor groups in a periodic sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing switchable and reconfigurable signal line connections that can dynamically route signals to different biosensor zones based on which zone needs to be activated or detected. This dynamic switching capability allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple zones selectively without requiring dedicated lines for each zone
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the number of signal lines and pads required, enabling higher integration density and lower production costs, while allowing for efficient operation of biosensor arrays with a smaller number of signal lines, thus addressing the challenges of signal integrity and production outlay.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical drive signal is applied to a selected impedance biosensor zone and an electrical detection signal which results from the electrical drive signal is detected
Implementation Method 2
The electrical parameter which is evaluated during this measurement is the impedance Z203 between the electrodes 102, 103, which is illustrated schematically in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B
Data Source
AI summary
A biosensor array having a substrate, a plurality of biosensor zones arranged on the substrate, each of which has a first terminal and a second terminal, at least one drive line and at least one detection line, the at least one drive line being electrically insulated from the at least one detection line. In each case the first terminal of each biosensor zone is coupled to precisely one of the at least one drive line and the second terminal of each biosensor zone is coupled to precisely one of the at least one detection line, and at least one of the at least one drive line and at least one of the at least one detection line is coupled to at least two of the biosensor zones. The biosensor array also has a drive unit for providing an electrical drive signal, a detection unit for detecting an electrical detection signal resulting from the electrical drive signal, and a selection unit that couples the drive unit to the drive line of a biosensor zone to be selected and the detection unit to the detection line of the biosensor zone to be selected, whereby the biosensor zone is selected.