Programmable Fusion Pixel Capacitance Array for Single-Cell Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitance sensor array chips face challenges in balancing spatial resolution and sensitivity due to size mismatches between individual electrodes and single cells, limiting the ability to observe single-cell behaviors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A capacitance sensor array chip with programmable fusion pixels, incorporating a programmable module, delay pulse module, and multiple electrode array modules, allows for dynamic adjustment of electrode size and pattern selection based on sample characteristics, using time-sharing time-to-digital conversion and noise-cancellation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual electrode size is reduced to match single-cell size, then spatial resolution is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements programmable fusion pixels that can dynamically adjust electrode size and configuration based on measurement needs. Multiple electrode pixels can be selectively fused or separated through control signals, allowing the sensing area to adapt between small (for spatial resolution) and large (for sensitivity) configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed electrode size limitations and the need for both high resolution and sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode pixel unit serves multiple functions: it can operate independently as a small electrode for high spatial resolution measurements, or combine with adjacent pixels to form larger fused electrodes for enhanced sensitivity. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware structure to address both contradictory requirements of small electrode size for resolution and large electrode size for sensitivity
2Reliability
If electrode size is increased to improve sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures electrode size by controlling the fusion state of pixel units. When sensitivity is prioritized, multiple pixels are fused to create larger effective electrode areas. When spatial resolution is prioritized, pixels remain separated or fuse minimally, maintaining small effective areas. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either parameter as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independent pixel units that can be selectively activated or fused. This segmentation allows the system to create various effective electrode sizes by combining different numbers of pixel units, enabling the transition between high sensitivity (many pixels fused) and high spatial resolution (few pixels fused or none) modes
3Device complexity
If fixed electrode size is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode configuration transitions from fixed to dynamic through programmable control. Control logic selectively activates and fuses pixel units based on detected sample characteristics, enabling automatic adaptation to different sample sizes and types. This dynamic approach maintains relatively simple hardware while achieving high adaptability through software-controlled reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic sample detection and adaptive electrode configuration control. The control logic automatically detects sample characteristics and adjusts the fusion pixel pattern accordingly without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to self-adapt to different measurement scenarios while maintaining simple operation
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
Enhances sensing performance by optimizing electrode sizes for biological samples, improving spatial resolution and sensitivity, and enabling efficient integration of sampling circuits within pixels, matching sampling results with optical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensor array plays a vital role in collecting electric-physical responses from the biotarget
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventive concept provides a capacitance sensor array chip with programmable fusion pixels comprising: a programmable module for generating a choosing signal according to a first clock signal; a delay pulse module for generating a third clock signal according to a second clock signal and a sensing pulse signal; and multiple electrode array modules comprising a charging unit for generating a charging signal according to the sensing pulse signal; M×N electrode pixel units forming an array, wherein the electrode arrays chooses a certain pattern of the electrode units according to the choosing signal in orders and the certain pattern of the electrode units in the electrode array generates a sampling signal according to the charging signal; and a sampling unit for generating a sensing output signal according to the sampling signal and the third clock signal.