Sensor Cell Array Impedance Sensing With Sequential Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies face challenges in efficiently measuring and distinguishing multiple attributes across a sensor array due to high resistance and complex signal processing, limiting accurate and efficient detection of environmental and user inputs.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with a single transistor per cell, combined with selection circuitry and sensing signal circuitry, allows individual addressing and measurement of each sensor cell's impedance, using alternating current signals and multiplexers to sequence rows and columns, enabling accurate impedance measurement and attribute detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor array is used to detect multiple attributes across multiple locations, then the detection capability and information obtained are improved, but the resistance increases and signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple sensor cells, each with its own transistor and selection circuitry. This segmentation allows individual addressing and measurement of each sensor cell, reducing the complexity of reading signals from the entire array at once while maintaining the ability to detect multiple attributes across multiple locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time dimension through sequential measurement of sensor cells. By measuring sensor cells one by one in sequence rather than simultaneously, the system reduces signal processing complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability across the entire sensor array
2Speed
If multiple sensor cells are measured simultaneously, then measurement speed is improved, but signal processing complexity and resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic sequential measurement of sensor cells through selection circuitry. Each sensor cell is measured in a systematic sequence, allowing the system to maintain high measurement speed while keeping signal processing manageable by handling one sensor cell at a time through repeated cyclic measurement cycles
3Loss of information
If sensor cells are arranged in an array to detect attributes in multiple locations, then the information about attribute distribution is improved, but the resistance and measurement complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor cell in the array is equipped with its own transistor and can be individually selected and measured. This segmentation ensures that impedance measurements for each location are performed independently, maintaining measurement precision while capturing the distribution of attributes across the entire sensor array
Solution Approach 2:
The transistor in each sensor cell acts as an intermediary between the sensor element and the measurement circuitry. It enables individual selection and measurement of each sensor cell, facilitating accurate impedance measurement while managing the complexity of reading from multiple locations in the sensor array
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 reduces resistance and enables precise measurement of sensor impedance, allowing for efficient detection of multiple attributes, including environmental parameters and user inputs, with reduced signal processing complexity and compact design suitable for wearable electronics.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor may comprise a material which changes impedance in dependence on a sensed attribute
Implementation Method 2
the sensor may comprise a material which changes resistance in response to the sensed attribute
Implementation Method 3
the sensor may comprise a material which changes permittivity in response to the sensed attribute
Implementation Method 4
first selection circuitry configured to sequence a subset of sensor cells to which a gate input signal is provided, wherein the gate input signal is provided to the gate of the transistors within the sensor cells
Implementation Method 5
the second selection circuitry may comprise an analogue multiplexer configured to receive a complex output signal from the sensor cells
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method wherein the apparatus comprises; a sensor arrangement comprising a plurality of sensor cells wherein a sensor cell comprises a transistor and a sensor coupled to the transistor; first selection circuitry configured to sequence a subset of sensor cells to which a gate input signal is provided, wherein the gate input signal is provided to the gate of the transistors within the sensor cells; second selection circuitry configured to sequence a subset of sensor cells from which an output signal is received; sensing signal circuitry configured to provide a sensing signal, wherein the sensors are provided between the sensing signal circuitry and the second selection circuitry such that the output signal provides an indication of the impedance of the sensors.