A low‐power integrated electronic nose system

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel approach for fabricating electronic nose (e‐nose) systems for adaptation into autonomous wireless sensor nodes. Such systems must fulfill a combination of requirements that currently cannot be met by existing technologies. The paper also contains an overview of the various application domains that are envisaged for such miniaturized electronic nose systems.Design/methodology/approachThe approach makes use of micromechanical systems that are an ideal technology for fabricating miniaturized sensor arrays for low‐power applications. An array of doubly clamped micromechanical beams with integrated piezoelectric transducers is presented.FindingsThe presented approach fulfills the requirements of sensitivity, arrayability, integratability and low‐power operation.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is required to integrate the structures with low‐power analog readout circuits and to demonstrate simultaneous measurements from multiple structures.Practical implicationsThe presented technology makes use of established micromachining techniques and deploys commercial inkjet printing for functionalization of the individual detection elements. This enhances its potential adaptation by industry.Originality/valueThe innovative concept paves the way for autonomous electronic nose systems.