A multiplexed impedance analyzer for characterizing polymer-coated QCM sensor arrays

Mills, C.A., Chai, K.T.C., Milgrew, M.J., Glidle, A., Cooper, J.M. and Cumming, D.R.S. (2006) A multiplexed impedance analyzer for characterizing polymer-coated QCM sensor arrays. IEEE Sensors Journal, 6(4), pp. 996-1002. (doi: 10.1109/JSEN.2006.877936)

Abstract

This paper describes the development and evaluation of a custom-built impedance analyzer, which uses a multiplexing bridge circuit to characterize an array of polymer-coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. The analyzer is constructed on a single printed circuit board with minimum components and is sufficiently compact for integration into a handheld format. The custom-built device is used to observe the changes that occur in QCM sensors when experimental conditions such as polymer coating film thickness, odorant vapor pressure, and relative molecular mass are varied. An equivalent electric circuit for a QCM is used to model the conductance and susceptance data captured by the analyzer. The measured response of an array of QCM sensors demonstrates that the custom-built device is a suitable instrument for detecting different gases and understanding polymer–vapor interactions.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Array, gas detector, impedance analyzer, polymer coated, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), sensor.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cumming, Professor David and Cooper, Professor Jonathan and Glidle, Dr Andrew
• Authors: Mills, C.A., Chai, K.T.C., Milgrew, M.J., Glidle, A., Cooper, J.M., and Cumming, D.R.S.
• Subjects: T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
• Journal Name: IEEE Sensors Journal
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 1530-437X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2006 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Sensors Journal 6(4):996-1002
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.