Nanopore Sequencing Voltage Decay Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanopore-based sequencing chips face challenges with measurement inaccuracies due to operational amplifier offset and noise, and the area-intensive circuitry required for maintaining constant voltage across nanopores, which limits scalability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a circuitry design that configures the voltage applied across the nanopore to vary over time, eliminating the need for operational amplifiers, pass devices, and additional on-chip capacitance, thereby reducing the footprint of each cell and enabling scalable nanopore-based sequencing chips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operational amplifiers and pass devices are used to maintain constant voltage across nanopores, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cell area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes operational amplifiers and pass devices from the circuitry, extracting the problematic components that caused offset and noise issues. This is achieved by redesigning the voltage application mechanism to use simple switches and resistors instead of complex active components, thereby eliminating the source of measurement errors while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified circuit configuration that replicates the essential function of voltage control without copying the complex operational amplifier architecture. By using alternative components (switches and resistors) that perform the same voltage regulation function, the system achieves measurement accuracy without the complexity of traditional operational amplifier-based designs
2Stability of the object's composition
If operational amplifiers and additional on-chip capacitance are used to maintain constant voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but cell area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage stability function into the existing circuit components by using switches and resistors in combination with the inherent capacitance of the nanopore system. This eliminates the need for separate operational amplifiers and additional on-chip capacitance, achieving voltage stability while minimizing cell area
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit design allows the nanopore system to self-regulate voltage stability through its inherent electrical characteristics. The switches and resistors work with the natural capacitance of the system to maintain stable voltage conditions without requiring external active components, thereby reducing the cell area footprint
3Manufacturing precision
If complex circuitry with operational amplifiers is used, then voltage control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and scalability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex operational amplifiers with inexpensive, simple components such as switches and resistors. These simpler components are easier to manufacture at scale and can be integrated into standard semiconductor fabrication processes, thereby improving scalability while maintaining voltage control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the circuit design parameters from using high-gain active components to using passive components with well-defined electrical characteristics. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process and enables better scalability, as passive components are more readily available and easier to integrate in large numbers across multiple chips
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 measurement accuracy by minimizing offset inaccuracies and operational noise, while allowing for significant reduction in cell and chip size, facilitating the scaling of nanopore-based sequencing technology.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage is applied across the nanopore such that a current flows through the nanopore
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analyzing a molecule in a nanopore is disclosed. A voltage is applied across a nanopore that is inserted in a membrane by coupling the nanopore to a voltage source. The nanopore is decoupled from the voltage source. After the decoupling, a rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore is determined. A molecule in the nanopore is distinguished from other possible molecules based on the determined rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore.