Wireless autonomous transducer solutions

Sensors and actuators

Small, low power sensors and actuators are vital for systems to interact with their environment. Imec at Holst Centre is developing ultra-low power (bio)chemical sensors, actuators and signal acquisition and conditioning ICs that can be implemented with standard CMOS processes.

In the progam, we evaluate transducer technologies based on thermal, optical (plasmonic), mechanical, and electrochemical effects. This allows us to better understand their strengths and weaknesses for various applications.

On the actuation side, we’re developing miniaturized components such as micro-pumps and micro-fluidic channels made mainly from polymers. In both cases, surface modification and the creation of new thin-film materials play a key role.

The many sensing technologies present a big challenge for the design of the signal acquisition and conditioning circuits (read-out electronics, op amps, data converters, etc). Therefore, the program’s analog and mixed signal design experts work closely with the sensor developers, as well as with DSP and power experts from other programs. The goal is to combine sensor, actuators, and electronics onto a single chip by developing and integrating advanced processes.

Power consumption is a key challenge. A complete wireless sensor node (including signal processing and communication functionality) will typically have a power budget of 100µW. So we’re targeting a power level of 40µW for the sensor / actuator / signal acquisition and conditioning module. Achieving this requires good application knowledge to enable an optimal balance between power and speed / resolution.

The program bridges the worlds of academia and industry. It features people with a wide range of expertise, from quantum physics and chemistry to IC design and manufacturing processes. Industrial partners include semiconductor, electronics and medical systems companies, and the program also has links with manufacturing equipment suppliers.