Capacitively readout multi-element sensor array with common-mode cancellation
US6167748A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S436/806
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved multi-element apparatus for detecting the presence of at least one chemical, biological or physical component in a monitored area comprising an array or single set of the following elements: a capacitive transducer having at least one cantilever spring element secured thereto, the cantilever element having an area thereof coated with a chemical having an affinity for the component to be detected; a pick-up plate positioned adjacent to the cantilever element at a distance such that a capacitance between the cantilever element and the pick-up plate changes as the distance between the cantilever element and the pick-up plate varies, the change in capacitance being a measurable variation; a detection means for measuring the measurable variation in the capacitance between the cantilever element and the pick-up plate that forms a measurement channel signal; and at least one feedback cantilever spring element positioned apart from the coated cantilever element, the cantilever element substantially unaffected by the component being monitored and providing a reference channel signal to the detection means that achieves a common mode cancellation between the measurement channel s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.