A Self-Powered CMOS Reconfigurable Multi-Sensor SoC for Biomedical Applications

TLDR

The authors propose a linear, R² = 0.999, reconfigurable sensor readout based on switched‑capacitor circuitry to process diverse sensor signals (C, R, I, V). The design combines the switched‑capacitor readout with a dual‑input energy‑harvesting interface (73 % efficiency) that captures light and RF power for battery‑free operation. The first CMOS‑implemented multi‑sensor SoC integrates four on‑chip sensors and a wireless acquisition system, occupies 11.25 mm², consumes 942.9 µW, and simultaneously measures temperature, glucose, protein concentration, and pH, offering a universal, easily expandable platform that reduces system‑building time.

Abstract

A highly adaptive multi-sensor SoC comprising four integrated on-chip sensors and a smart wireless acquisition system is realized in standard CMOS process for the first time. To intelligently process different types (C, R, I, and V) of sensor signals, a linear (R-square is 0.999) and reconfigurable sensor readout is proposed based on switched-capacitor circuit technology. In addition, a dual-input energy harvesting interface with conversion efficiency of 73% is also integrated to pick up light energy and RF power, which potentiates long-term use without battery replacement. The entire SoC occupies die area of 11.25 mm 2 and consumes only 942.9 µW. Experimental results show that four physiological parameters (temperature, glucose and protein concentration, and pH value) can be simultaneously monitored using this chip. This system can be seen as a universal sensor platform. Different types of sensors can be easily integrated into it for convenient use, which dramatically reduces time consuming of building a new sensor system.