Multilayer Impedance Sensor With Segmented Dielectrophoresis Electrodes

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing impedance sensors face challenges in achieving stable and high-sensitivity measurements for biological materials like microorganisms or cells due to position-dependent detection sensitivities and the interference between dielectrophoresis and impedance measurement processes.

Innovation Solution

A sensor configuration with a measuring electrode pair on a multilayer-wiring circuit board and separate dielectrophoresis electrodes on a lower wiring layer, allowing for high-frequency impedance measurement and independent dielectrophoresis operation, thereby enhancing sensitivity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single measuring electrode pair is used for both impedance measurement and dielectrophoresis, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference between the two functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode system is segmented into two independent parts: a measuring electrode pair for impedance measurement and separate dielectrophoresis electrodes. This segmentation allows each electrode to perform its specific function without interference, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectrophoresis function is extracted from the measuring electrode pair by introducing separate dielectrophoresis electrodes. This extraction eliminates the interference between impedance measurement and dielectrophoresis operations, enabling high-precision impedance measurement while maintaining device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the test target is not securely fixed at an appropriate position, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to position-dependent detection sensitivities

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a single-plane electrode configuration to a multi-layer three-dimensional electrode arrangement. The measuring electrode pair and dielectrophoresis electrodes are positioned on different layers, creating a立体 electric field distribution that enhances detection sensitivity across multiple spatial dimensions while allowing flexible sample placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If dielectrophoresis is applied during impedance measurement, then productivity is improved by collecting more microorganisms, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode system is segmented into independent measuring and dielectrophoresis components, allowing the dielectrophoresis electrodes to collect microorganisms while the measuring electrode pair performs impedance measurement without signal interference from dielectrophoresis voltage application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separate dielectrophoresis electrodes act as intermediaries that enable microorganism collection through dielectrophoresis while isolating the impedance measurement process from dielectrophoresis signal interference, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously with high precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables stable and high-sensitivity impedance measurement of target materials, particularly for small biological entities, while maintaining effective dielectrophoresis functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the parasitic capacitance of the measuring electrode pair 300 changes depending on the permittivity of the test target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParasitic capacitance: Parasitic Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the permittivity in the frequency range of 30 to 200 GHz greatly reflects the properties of a biological material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 3

The dielectrophoresis is a phenomenon in which particles are polarized in a non-uniform alternating electric field due to the electric field and migrates in a stronger direction or a weaker direction with respect to the electric field intensity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrophoresis:

Data Source

PatentUS11467117B2Sensor array

Publication Date: 2022.10.11

AI summary

There is provided an impedance sensor capable of counting the number of microscopic biological materials and specifying their properties stably with high sensitivity. An impedance sensor includes a measuring electrode pair formed at a wiring layer in a multilayer-wiring circuit board and one or more dielectrophoresis electrodes formed at another wiring layer lower than the wiring layer.