Nanopore Particle Measurement with Dual Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current small particle measurement systems using the electrical sensing zone method struggle to effectively monitor the state of nanopore devices and acquire comprehensive information about particles, including particle size distribution and device performance, due to limitations in data processing and signal analysis.
Innovation Solution
A small particle measurement system employing a nanopore device with an aperture and electrode pair, utilizing a transimpedance amplifier and voltage source to convert current signals into voltage signals, and processing data to remove DC components for particle detection and monitor device state, including the use of high-pass filters and A/D converters to generate and store first and second data sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aperture thickness is larger than particle size, then volume measurement is achieved, but measurement precision for small particles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of aperture thickness to be smaller than particle size (from conventional larger thickness), enabling cross-sectional area measurement instead of volume measurement. This parameter change allows accurate measurement of small particles while simplifying device design
2Measurement precision
If DC component is removed from voltage signal, then particle detection resolution is improved, but device state monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage signal processing into two separate paths: one path removes the DC component for high-resolution particle detection, while the other path preserves the DC component for device state monitoring. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing structure where the voltage signal is split and processed through different filtering paths. The first processing path acts as an intermediary for particle detection by removing DC components, while the second path serves as an intermediary for device monitoring by preserving DC components
3Adaptability or versatility
If single data processing method is used, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data processing structure that handles multiple measurement types (particle detection and device state monitoring) through a single integrated system. The dual-processing approach allows the same hardware to perform both AC-coupled particle measurement and DC-coupled device monitoring functions
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 accurate measurement of particle sizes and monitoring of nanopore device states, such as clogging, by generating and processing first data without DC components and second data with DC components, improving the resolution and reliability of particle detection and device performance assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a transimpedance amplifier structured to convert a current signal that flows through the nanopore device into a voltage signal
Implementation Method 2
When an electric potential difference is generated across the electrodes 106 and 108, this generates a flow of ion current across the electrodes. Furthermore, the particles 4 migrate by electrophoresis from a given space to the other space via the aperture 104
Implementation Method 3
first data obtained by removing a DC component from the voltage signal
Data Source
AI summary
A nanopore device includes an aperture and an electrode pair. A transimpedance amplifier converts a current signal IS that flows through the nanopore device into a voltage signal VS. The nanopore device measures small particles based on first data obtained by removing a DC component from the voltage signal VS and second data obtained based on the voltage signal VS from which the DC component has not been removed. Furthermore, the nanopore device is capable of monitoring the state of the nanopore device.