Electronic module for real-time droplet-position sensing and driving in digital microfluidic system

US9751083B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Macau · CN

Inventors

• Jie Gao · Beijing, CN
• Tianlan Chen · Macau, CN
• Cheng Dong · Macau, CN
• Yanwei Jia · Macau, CN
• Pui-In Mak · Macau, CN
• Mang-I Vai · Macau, CN
• Rui Paulo da Silva Martins · Macau, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 7, 2015
• Grant date: Sep 5, 2017
• Expiry date: Dec 30, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01L2400/0427
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a digital microfluidic system is provided. The digital microfluidic system includes a device, a control electronics, a field programmed gate array (FPGA), and a computer. The device includes a droplet on an electrode array, where the electrode array includes a plurality of electrodes. The control electronics connects to the device and provides an actuation pulse to the electrodes, where the control electronics generates a capacitance-derived frequency signal. The FPGA connects to the control electronics and collects the capacitance-derived frequency signal. The computer connects to the FPGA, the computer uses a frequency of the capacitance-derived frequency signal to calculate a precise droplet position and generates a duration voltage signal.