A Micro SAW Array Chemical Detector

Fieldable chemical sensing instruments must meet a variety of stringent specifications which are typically a function of the specific detection scenario. In many cases, meeting certain specifications can degrade the high performance characteristics originally identified for the chosen technology. For the majority of the fieldable instruments in use today, it is the size of the battery which dictates the volume, weight, mission duration and performance specifications. It is quite common for the battery being the largest and heaviest component. In order to preserve high technical performance within a small form factor, it is imperative that power consumption be as low as possible and component miniaturized. This proposal introduces a concept for developing a microSAW array by converting our already proven SAW oscillator and signal conditioning circuitry to a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Compared to our discrete hybrid circuit, an ASIC design will reduce power consumption and volume by 85% and 98%, respectively, for a single chemical microsensor subassembly. It is envisioned that the size of the complete SAW oscillator and signal conditioning circuit with the digital output will be 0.06x0.24x0.19 inches and use 60 milliwatts of power.