Ceramic Emitter Substrate Grid Interconnect for Pulse Oximetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse oximetry systems face challenges in accurately measuring multiple blood parameters due to motion-induced noise and the need for low-noise sensors, particularly in providing reliable measurements of oxygen saturation, pulse rate, carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, and total hemoglobin, while existing technologies struggle with efficient signal processing and emitter array configurations.
Innovation Solution
A physiological monitoring system utilizing a ceramic emitter substrate with a multiple wavelength optical sensor, featuring a grid configuration for LEDs that minimizes drive lines and parasitic current flow, combined with low-resistance conductive paths and encapsulants for uniform illumination and temperature control, enabling precise measurement of physiological parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a grid configuration for LEDs is used to minimize drive lines, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise trace and via alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The LED array is organized into a grid configuration with rows and columns, where each LED is interconnected through a systematic pattern of traces and vias. This segmentation approach allows for minimized drive lines by sharing common conductors across multiple LEDs, reducing the total number of drive lines required while maintaining individual LED control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar trace routing to three-dimensional vias that connect different layers of the substrate. This dimensional change allows traces to route through the substrate thickness, enabling more efficient interconnections between LEDs in the grid and reducing the number of surface traces required, thereby lowering device complexity
2Measurement precision
If low-resistance conductive paths are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional conductive structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the conductive structures: the same traces and vias that provide electrical interconnection between LEDs in the grid configuration also serve as low-resistance signal paths for the photodetector signals. By merging the interconnect function with the signal transmission function, low-resistance paths are achieved without adding separate conductive structures, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive network in the substrate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical support, enabling electrical interconnection between multiple LEDs, transmitting drive signals, and carrying low-noise signal paths from photodetectors. This multi-functionality ensures that low-resistance conductive paths improve measurement precision without requiring additional dedicated structures that would increase device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength emitters are integrated, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to emitter array configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter array is segmented into multiple independent LED elements arranged in a grid, where each LED can be configured to emit at different wavelengths. This segmentation allows for flexible wavelength selection and combination, enabling the device to measure multiple blood parameters (oxygen saturation, pulse rate, carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, total hemoglobin) while maintaining a manageable array configuration that leverages the systematic interconnection pattern
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
The system effectively reduces noise interference, enhances measurement accuracy, and provides reliable data for multiple blood parameters, including oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and hemoglobin levels, by using a ceramic emitter substrate with optimized emitter array configuration and low-resistance interconnects.
Implementation Method 1
Light emitting diodes (LEDs), typically one emitting a red wavelength and one emitting an infrared (IR) wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The detector generates a signal responsive to the emitted light after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site
Implementation Method 3
Conductive traces and vias form an interconnect of the bonding pads and the solder pads
Implementation Method 4
Low-resistance conductive paths and encapsulants for uniform illumination and temperature control
Implementation Method 5
encapsulants for uniform illumination and temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A ceramic emitter substrate has a substrate body with top and bottom sides and a cavity disposed on the top side. Bonding pads are disposed within the cavity and solder pads are disposed on the bottom side. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are electrically connected to the bonding pads. Low-resistance conductors are disposed within the ceramic substrate body so as to interconnect the bonding pads and the solder pads. The interconnect is configured so that the LEDs can be individually activated as an array via row and column drive signals applied to the solder pads.