Graphene Sensing Device Noise Suppression via Internal Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-optoelectronic graphene sensing devices face performance limitations due to external noise suppression mechanisms, which increase cost, size, complexity, and power consumption, and do not effectively reduce noise.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a modulation mechanism within the device using higher modulation frequencies, a control unit generating voltage oscillating signals applied to electrodes, and a signal extraction unit to filter out low-frequency noise, thereby reducing 1/f noise without external modulation components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If external noise suppression means are integrated into the system, then noise reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the noise suppression function with the existing device structure by applying modulation directly to the graphene sensing device itself. The modulation mechanism is merged into the device rather than being added as external components, thereby achieving noise reduction without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The graphene sensing device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element and the modulation target for noise suppression. By applying the voltage oscillating signal to the same device structure used for sensing, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated noise suppression components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If external modulation components are added, then noise suppression is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the modulation function with the existing device structure, eliminating the need for separate external modulation components. This integration approach reduces manufacturing cost by removing the need for additional parts while maintaining effective noise suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If external noise suppression means are integrated, then noise reduction is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device suppresses its own noise by modulating itself. The same graphene sensing device that detects signals also serves as the target for modulation-based noise suppression, eliminating the need for separate power-consuming external suppression systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If external modulation components are added, then noise suppression is achieved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the noise suppression function within the existing device footprint by applying modulation to the graphene sensing device itself. This integration eliminates the need for additional external modulation components that would increase device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances noise suppression, reduces device complexity and power consumption, and improves performance by effectively filtering out 1/f noise, allowing for more applications without the drawbacks of external noise suppression systems.

Implementation Method 1

a control unit configured to generate a voltage oscillating time-dependent signal having at least one component with a frequency of f_m, and apply the same at least on the gate electrode structure and on the drain electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage oscillating signal modulation:

Implementation Method 2

a signal extraction unit configured to extract a required electric signal from an output electric signal generated at a channel created in said transport structure... said signal extraction unit being adapted to cut out at least those components of said output electric signal at frequencies below f_m

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

a photosensitive structure configured and arranged to absorb incident light and induce changes in the electrical conductivity of the transport structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoconductivity: Photoconductivity

Data Source

PatentEP3879817A1A non-optoelectronic apparatus, a method for suppressing noise for a non-optoelectronic apparatus, and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 FUNDACIO INST DE CIENCIES FOT NIQUES
  • EP3879817A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3879817A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3879817A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a non-optoelectronic apparatus comprising: - a non-optoelectronic graphene based sensing device comprising: - a transport structure (T) comprising a 2-dimensional layer made of graphene; - drain (D) and source (S) electrodes electrically connected to respective separate locations of the transport structure (T); - a conductive first gate electrode structure (Gb), and - a dielectric structure (De); - noise suppression means comprising a modulation unit including: - a control unit to generate and apply, between the conductive first gate electrode structure (Gb) and the drain electrode (D), a voltage oscillating signal having a component with a frequency of fm; and - a signal extraction unit to extract a required electric signal, from an output signal, with no components below fm. The present invention also concerns to a method for suppressing noise for a non-optoelectronic apparatus according to the invention.