Semiconductor Sensor Device With Integrated Electrode Pair for Analyte Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor devices formed in semiconductor integrated circuits have low detection sensitivity for analytes dispersed in liquid due to the lack of a means to selectively position analytes near the sensing electrodes, relying on complex production processes and external pumps for liquid control, resulting in increased device size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an oscillation unit and an oscillation frequency detection unit within a semiconductor integrated circuit, along with an electrode pair that can move analytes to an arbitrary location using dielectrophoretic or electrophoretic forces, enhancing detection sensitivity by positioning analytes near the sensing electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensor devices are formed in semiconductor integrated circuits without additional liquid control means, then device complexity is reduced and production is simplified, but detection sensitivity for analytes dispersed in liquid becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid control function with the sensor device by integrating electrode pairs directly into the semiconductor integrated circuit. This merging of functions allows the device to both sense analytes and control liquid flow without requiring external pump systems, thereby improving detection sensitivity while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pairs act as intermediaries between the external control signal and the liquid analyte. By applying voltage to the electrode pairs, the device can manipulate liquid flow and position analytes near the sensing electrodes through electrophoresis or dielectrophoresis, enabling precise control without complex mechanical pump systems.
2Measurement precision
If external pumps and complex production processes are used for liquid control, then analyte positioning is improved, but device size increases and production becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid control function from external pump systems and implements it directly within the semiconductor integrated circuit through electrode pairs. This eliminates the need for separate pump components and complex external control systems, significantly reducing device size while maintaining analyte positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pump systems with an electrical field-based control mechanism using electrode pairs. By applying voltage to move liquid and position analytes through electrophoresis or dielectrophoresis, the device achieves precise analyte positioning without mechanical moving parts, reducing device complexity and size.
3Measurement precision
If analytes are not selectively positioned near sensing electrodes, then device structure remains simple, but detection sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of liquid flow and analyte positioning through electrode pairs that can be activated on demand. This allows the device to transition from a passive sensing mode to an active control mode, selectively positioning analytes near sensing electrodes only when needed, thereby improving detection sensitivity while maintaining operational simplicity through electronic control.
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 configuration significantly improves the detection sensitivity of analytes in liquid by selectively positioning them for optimal detection, simplifying the production process and reducing device size.
Implementation Method 1
When the permittivity of the analyte 20 located in the vicinity of the sensing electrodes 14 changes, a parasitic capacitance value with respect to the sensing electrodes 14 changes, and the resonance frequency of the resonator 13 changes.
Implementation Method 2
The resonator 13 includes cross-coupled transistors M1 and M2, inductors L1 and L2, two sensing electrodes 14 to be brought into contact with an analyte 20, and a capacitor C3. The resonance frequency of the resonator 13 is 6 GHz to 30 GHz.
Implementation Method 3
at least one electrode pair configured to move a specific analyte dispersed in liquid to an arbitrary location
Implementation Method 4
an electrode pair that can move analytes to an arbitrary location using dielectrophoretic or electrophoretic forces
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device (30) includes an oscillation unit formed in a semiconductor integrated circuit (40) and having an oscillation frequency which changes in accordance with a physical property of an analyte which comes into contact with the oscillation unit; an oscillation frequency detection unit configured to detect the oscillation frequency, and one or more electrode pairs (36) configured to move a specific analyte dispersed in liquid to an arbitrary location.