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| Chemical Sensors for Mobile Devices |
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September 2011
To support these applications, Synkera has developed a novel type of chemical gas microsensor, the MikroKera™ Ultra, which features extremely small footprint and low power consumption, making it possible to incorporate chemical sensing functionality in a wide variety of devices and electronics, just as is done today with cameras, microphones, GPS, and motion sensing. About the Sensor Technology
Where is This Useful?
Synkera's Progress under the CELL-ALL Program
Starting Point: Synkera's ProKera™ product is well-established as a reliable chemical sensor in demanding Industrial Health & Safety applications. However, it features a relatively large footprint (~20 mm2), and high-power (0.5-1W), making it primarily useful for dedicated instruments in fixed applications. Current Status: Thanks to the CELL-ALL program, Synkera has developed the MikroKera™ Ultra sensor, which features an active area of only 0.05 mm2, and drastically lower power requirements (<5mW). We have fit a 2-sensor array in a miniaturized version of our traditionial sensor packaging. Next Steps: Synkera is now engineering new packaging solutions that take advantage of the extremely small active area of the MikroKera™ Ultra sensor. We have already demonstrated a 2-sensor array on a SMT-style package (an 8-pin SOIC), and have designs for a 3-sensor array in an even smaller 3x3x1mm package. Co-packaging this design with integrated circuitry (required to capture the sensor signal) will allow for this sensor to be embedded in modern smartphones, as well as other consumer elecronics, applicances, and a broad variety of other devices. Joint Development OpportunitiesSynkera is actively seeking partners for collaboration on this new sensing approach. Partners are sought for work directly on the homeland security program goals, as well as spin off applications, where ultra low power and robust sensor arrays are needed. For more information, contact us. This work has been sponsored by Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) |
Synkera Technologies has been funded by the Department of Homeland Security to develop sensors that are suitable for integration into cell phones and other ubiquitous electronic devices carried by first responders and the public at large.
