Semiconductor electrochemical bio-sensor array

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a semiconductor electrochemical biosensor array (SEBA) is described. The SEBA includes an array of electrodes to receive sample material from an external source and sensor circuitry coupled to the array of electrodes. The sensor circuitry includes a plurality of sensor cells to analyze the sample material received at the array of electrodes.

1 . A semiconductor electrochemical biosensor array (SEBA), comprising: 
 an array of electrodes to receive sample material from an external source; and    sensor circuitry, coupled to the array of electrodes, having a plurality of sensor cells to analyze the sample material received at the array of electrodes.    
   
   
       2 . The SEBA of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a decoder, coupled to the sensor circuitry, to select which of the plurality of sensor cells are to be used to analyze the sample material; and    control circuitry, coupled to the sensor circuitry to enable a SEBA user to activate a combination of electrodes and sensor cells.    
   
   
       3 . The SEBA of  claim 2  further comprising: 
 a function generator, coupled to the control circuitry, to generate signals for measurements; and    reference elements coupled to the sensor circuitry.    
   
   
       4 . The SEBA of  claim 1  wherein the array of electrodes comprises a plurality of triple electrode configurations each coupled to a sensor cell.  
   
   
       5 . The SEBA of  claim 4  wherein the triple electrode arrangement comprises: 
 a common electrode;    an active electrode; and    a passive electrode.    
   
   
       6 . The SEBA of  claim 5  wherein each of the sensor cells comprise: 
 an amplifier, having inputs coupled to an active electrode an a passive electrode, to provide a variable gain based upon a type of analysis being performed;    a plurality of switches coupled to the amplifier and    a control register to control the plurality of switches.    
   
   
       7 . The SEBA of  claim 6  wherein the amplifier receives one or more select bits to in order to set a gain level.  
   
   
       8 . The SEBA of  claim 6  wherein the sensor cells are configured to implement Charge Perturbation Signature (CPS) analysis.  
   
   
       9 . The SEBA of  claim 6  wherein the sensor cells are configured to implement Impedance Spectroscopy (IS) analysis.  
   
   
       10 . The SEBA of  claim 6  wherein the sensor cells are configured to implement Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) analysis.  
   
   
       11 . The SEBA of  claim 6  wherein the sensor cells are configured to implement potentiometric measurements.  
   
   
       12 . The SEBA of  claim 1  wherein the sample material is chemical samples.  
   
   
       13 . The SEBA of  claim 1  wherein the sample material is biological samples.