Multiplexer-Based SAW Sensor System for Single Detector Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SAW sensor systems require multiple detectors to sense multiple target materials, leading to unnecessary power loss and sample waste, as they are not capable of efficiently monitoring a plurality of target materials with a single detector.
Innovation Solution
A multiple SAW sensor system utilizing a multiplexer configuration, including a first multiplexer connected to input parts and a second multiplexer connected to output parts of SAW sensors, with an oscillator and channel controller to select and sense electrical signals from a single detector, allowing for the detection of multiple target materials with reduced power consumption and sample waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are used to sense multiple target materials, then detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases and sample is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single detector to perform multiple detection functions through time-division multiplexing. The multiplexer switches the detector between different SAW sensor channels, allowing one detector to sequentially monitor multiple target materials that would otherwise require separate detectors, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple detection channels into a single detector pathway using multiplexers. By combining the output signals from multiple SAW sensor channels and routing them through multiplexer switches to a single detector, the system consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate detection circuits into one integrated pathway, reducing component count and power requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are used to sense multiple target materials, then detection capability is improved, but sample consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector configured with multiplexing serves multiple detection functions across different time periods, allowing the system to monitor multiple target materials sequentially rather than simultaneously with multiple detectors. This time-division approach reduces the total sample volume required compared to parallel detection systems that would consume sample continuously across multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer operates periodically, switching between different SAW sensor channels in sequence. This periodic action allows the single detector to cycle through monitoring different target materials over time, reducing the cumulative sample consumption compared to continuous simultaneous monitoring by multiple detectors, while still providing comprehensive detection coverage.
3Loss of energy
If a single detector is used with multiplexer, then power loss is reduced and sample is saved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer components are integrated into the existing SAW sensor system architecture, merging the switching and signal routing functions with the sensor pathways. This integration approach minimizes the additional complexity burden by combining multiple functions into unified circuit blocks rather than adding separate discrete components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer acts as an intermediary component between the SAW sensor channels and the detector. This intermediary device manages the complexity of signal routing and switching while presenting a simplified interface to the detector, effectively isolating the complexity of multi-channel management from the detection function and allowing the system to handle multiple channels through a single detector with controlled complexity.
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 system effectively senses multiple target materials with a single detector, minimizing power loss and sample waste by using multiplexers to manage and select signals from multiple SAW sensors, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of target material detection.
Implementation Method 1
The SAW sensor may include a piezoelectric substrate; an input part on one side of the piezoelectric substrate, which converts the electrical signal into the SAW
Implementation Method 2
A Surface Acoustic Wave ('SAW') sensor is an element or a device for detecting or measuring an absolute value of a physical quantity or a chemical quantity, a change in physical quantity or chemical quantity, or intensity of a sound, light, or a radio wave from a target using a base and surface sensing technique and a SAW
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multiple SAW sensor system capable of sensing a plurality of target materials in the SAW sensor with a single detector by using a multiplexer. According to the multiple SAW sensor system, the target materials in SAW sensors may be sensed with a single detector, thereby avoiding unnecessary power loss. Also, a plurality of target materials in a sample may be sensed, thereby reducing a waste of the sample.