Microcontroller Potentiostat for Compact Analyte Patch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous analyte measurement systems, particularly for glucose, face challenges with large and complex potentiostat designs, high costs due to expensive circuitry, and the need for costly electrical connectors, which are not feasible for long-term use and are inefficient in terms of size, weight, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A compact analyte measuring patch with a microcontroller-based digital potentiostat that controls the potential difference between electrodes, reducing the number of components and using galvanic coupling for efficient and cost-effective measurement, allowing for a smaller, lighter, and more efficient system with a single battery power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If classical potentiostat designs with multiple operational amplifiers are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and number of components increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operational amplifier functions into a single operational amplifier by implementing different measurement modes (two-electrode and three-electrode configurations) that share common circuitry. The single op-amp serves multiple purposes: voltage control, current measurement, and polarization maintenance, eliminating the need for separate amplifier circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement circuit that can operate in multiple configurations (two-electrode and three-electrode modes) using the same hardware components. The circuit universally handles both amperometric and voltammetric measurements, and adapts to different electrode arrangements without requiring additional dedicated components for each mode.
2Ease of operation
If asymmetric power supply is implemented to power sensor and circuitry with single battery, then portability and simplicity improve, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a virtual ground reference potential that serves as a common reference for both positive and negative voltage measurements. By creating this equipotential reference point in the circuit, the system can handle asymmetric voltage conditions from a single battery while maintaining stable measurement references, effectively simplifying the power supply architecture.
3Volume of moving object
If sensor and circuitry are placed close together, then size and weight are reduced, but reliable electrical connection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses printed circuit board traces as electrical connections between the sensor electrodes and the measurement circuitry. The PCB provides reliable, reproducible electrical pathways that are manufactured with consistent geometry and material properties, ensuring stable connections while allowing compact integration of sensor and electronics.
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 solution enables a compact, cost-effective, and efficient continuous analyte measurement system that maintains accurate glucose monitoring with reduced component count and power consumption, suitable for extended use without the need for expensive connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors that are used in such system are typically based on an amperometric measurement principle and include a number of electrodes that are arranged on a typically elongated electrode carrier
Implementation Method 2
The sensor electrodes and the surrounding analyte-comprising body fluid and/or tissue, in combination, form an electrochemical cell
Implementation Method 3
the interface and measurement circuitry is based on a circuit design generally known as potentiostat. In operation, the potentiostat applies a controlled and variable voltage to the counter electrode, thereby keeping the potential difference or voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode at a given-constant level
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an analyte measuring patch for invasive measuring a concentration of an analyte, in particular glucose. The analyte measuring patch includes a sensor with a working electrode (101), a counter electrode (103) and a reference electrode 102). The patch further includes an electronics unit with a microcontroller (1200) and a current measurement unit. The microcontroller (1200) includes a control output (DAC), a first analogue input (ADC-1) and a second analogue input (ADC-2). The control output (DAC) is operatively coupled with a control electrode, the control electrode being either of the working electrode or (101) or the counter electrode (103). The first analogue input (ADC-2) is operatively coupled with a measurement electrode via the current measurement unit, the measurement electrode being either of the working electrode (101) or the counter electrode (103). The second analogue input (ADC-1) is operatively coupled with the reference electrode (102). The microcontroller (1200) is configured to control, by providing a control voltage to the control output (DAC), a potential difference between the working electrode (101) and the counter electrode (103) to equal a predefined polarization voltage.