Integrated Circuit Sensing Pixels for PCR Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor technologies for bioelectrical devices face challenges in accurately controlling temperature for bio-diagnosis applications, such as PCR processes, due to limitations in temperature monitoring and control across an array of sensing pixels.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with an array of sensing pixels, each equipped with a bio-sensing device and a temperature-sensing device, along with a mesh of heating elements and thermal isolation materials, allows for local and precise temperature monitoring and control, enabling efficient operation across multiple PCR assays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature monitoring and control methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is divided into an array of sensing pixels, with each pixel containing independent temperature-sensing devices and bio-sensing devices. This segmentation allows localized temperature monitoring and control at multiple discrete locations simultaneously, achieving precise temperature control across the entire array while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensing pixel is designed to perform multiple functions: temperature sensing, bio-sensing, and temperature control through integrated heating elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving temperature control precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If temperature control is implemented across an array of sensing pixels, then temperature monitoring accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The array of sensing pixels provides segmented temperature monitoring across multiple locations, allowing independent verification and control at each pixel. This segmentation enhances reliability by enabling localized temperature management and fault isolation, while the regular array structure maintains manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensing pixel incorporates temperature-sensing devices that provide real-time feedback on local temperature conditions. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of heating elements at each pixel to maintain precise temperature control, improving reliability through continuous monitoring and correction while using standardized feedback circuits that do not excessively increase 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
This solution enables accurate and rapid temperature control, enhancing the performance of bio-diagnosis applications by ensuring precise temperature management across the array of sensing pixels, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of bio-diagnosis processes.
Implementation Method 1
a mesh of heating elements inserted therein, and each sensing pixel has a bio-sensing device and a temperature-sensing device... enables accurate and rapid temperature control
Implementation Method 2
each sensing pixel has a bio-sensing device and a temperature-sensing device... generating, using the temperature-sensing device, a temperature-sensing signal on the second signal path in response to a temperature of the sensing film
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an integrated circuit includes using a first switching device to couple a bio-sensing device to a first signal path, generating, using the bio-sensing device, a bio-sensing signal on the first signal path in response to an electrical characteristic of a sensing film, using a second switching device to couple a temperature-sensing device to a second signal path, and generating, using the temperature-sensing device, a temperature-sensing signal on the second signal path in response to a temperature of the sensing film. The first and second switching devices, the bio-sensing device, the temperature-sensing device, and the sensing film are components of a sensing pixel of a plurality of sensing pixels of the integrated circuit.