Measurement systems and associated techniques for sensing electrical characteristics of a sensor
Inventors
Dryga, Sergey A. • McMillan, Jonathon D.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12320795-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems, devices, and methods of sensing electrical characteristics of a sensor are generally provided. Measurement devices described herein employ techniques for improved sensitivity when sensing electrical characteristics of a sensor. In some aspects, measurement devices described herein may be configured to reduce the impact of current noise generated in components of a measurement system when sensing electrical characteristics of the sensor. The techniques described herein may facilitate the inclusion of larger sense resistors in measurement devices, which increases the sensitivity of the system. In some aspects, such techniques may also facilitate coupling the sensor between the measurement device and ground when sensing the electrical characteristics for improved protection against overvoltage events such as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Core Innovation
The disclosed measurement device senses electrical characteristics of a sensor that generates an impedance greater than 0.5 megaohms when at least some analytes are disposed proximate the sensor. The circuitry provides an alternating current voltage to the sensor and senses the electrical characteristics of the sensor in response to the alternating current voltage, where the electrical characteristics include impedance and can be represented by a relationship between the alternating current voltage and a current flowing between the sensor and ground.
A first amplifier and a second amplifier configuration is described in which a sense resistor is coupled to the sensor and the first amplifier provides the alternating current voltage to the sensor via a second input. An output provides a voltage indicative of the electrical characteristics of the sensor. In related architectures, a transimpedance amplifier includes an amplifier and a sense resistor that generates a sense voltage indicative of a current flowing through the sensor, with the sense voltage provided to a sense amplifier.
In some embodiments, the sensor is a nanowire sensor in which conductance indicates the presence of one or more analytes at a surface of the nanowire sensor. The nanowire sensor surface can include a binding entity for biomarkers, including brain injury biomarkers and biomarkers for one or more infectious disease agents such as sepsis. Example electrical characterization results and high signal-to-noise ratio are described for impedance-based sensing using the disclosed alternating current excitation and amplifier or transimpedance amplifier arrangements.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three alternative sensing circuit architectures for alternating current-excited, high-impedance sensor analyte detection. Across the independent claims, the core inventive features include alternating current voltage provision to the sensor, impedance or relationship-based characterization using sense amplifiers and a transimpedance amplifier, and alternative amplifier interconnection schemes that generate a voltage indicative of the sensor electrical characteristics.
High-impedance alternating current-excited sensor sensing with dual-amplifier voltage provision
A system comprising a sensor configured to generate an impedance greater than 0.5 megaohms when at least some analytes are disposed proximate the sensor, and circuitry configured to provide an alternating current voltage to the sensor and sense electrical characteristics of the sensor in response to the alternating current voltage, including a sense resistor coupled to the sensor, a first amplifier having a first input, a second input, and an output with the sense resistor coupled between the second input and the output, and a second amplifier including a first input coupled to the output of the first amplifier and a second input coupled to the first input of the first amplifier, wherein the second amplifier provides an output indicative of the electrical characteristics and the first amplifier provides the alternating current voltage to the sensor via the second input.
Sense amplifier and transimpedance amplifier interconnection with alternating current voltage routing
A system comprising a sensor configured to generate an impedance greater than 0.5 megaohms when at least some analytes are disposed proximate the sensor, and circuitry configured to provide an alternating current voltage to the sensor and sense electrical characteristics of the sensor in response to the alternating current voltage, including a sense amplifier with a first input and an output configured to generate a voltage indicative of the electrical characteristics at the output, and a transimpedance amplifier comprising an amplifier with a first input coupled to the first input of the sense amplifier and a second input coupled to, and configured to provide the alternating current voltage to, the sensor.
Two-electrode sensor with transimpedance amplifier alternating current excitation and sense amplifier based on current to ground
A system for sensing electrical characteristics of a sensor comprising a sensor with a first electrode and a second electrode configured to generate an impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode greater than 0.5 megaohms when at least some analytes are disposed proximate the sensor, a transimpedance amplifier with an amplifier configured to provide an alternating current voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode, and a sense amplifier configured to generate a voltage indicative of the electrical characteristics responsive to detecting a current flowing between the sensor and ground, where the electrical characteristics comprise the impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the impedance is indicated by a relationship between the alternating current voltage and the current flowing between the sensor and ground, with the current flowing between the sensor and ground being responsive to the sensor receiving the alternating current voltage from the transimpedance amplifier while at least some analytes are disposed proximate the sensor.
Overall, the independent claims define alternating current-excited, high-impedance sensor sensing systems where the sensor electrical characteristics, including impedance and related relationships to current, are converted into a voltage indicative signal by amplifier configurations that include a sense resistor and transimpedance amplifier structures, with alternative interconnection schemes specifying how alternating current voltage is provided and how a sense amplifier responds to detected current.
Stated Advantages
Enables improved sensitivity by reducing impact of amplifier current noise and alternating current distortion on the sensing path.
Noise is limited in the sensing path, enabling larger sense resistors.
Provides a reduced-distortion alternating current bias signal.
High signal-to-noise ratio is demonstrated for certain resistance values.
Documented Applications
Body-fluid analyte detection using a sensor that generates impedance or conductance greater than 0.5 megaohms when analytes are disposed proximate the sensor.
Biomarker detection for brain injury biomarkers, including GFAP, UCH-L1, S100β, ICH, and NFL-1.
Infectious disease or sepsis detection using biomarkers for one or more infectious disease agents.
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