Sensor Concept Research Articles

Influence of Silsesquioxane-Containing Ultra-Thin Polymer Films on Metal Oxide Gas Sensor Performance for the Tunable Detection of Biomarkers

Certain biomarkers in exhaled breath are indicators of diseases in the human body. The non-invasive detection of such biomarkers in human breath increases the demand for simple and cost-effective gas sensors to replace state-of-the-art gas chromatography (GC) machines. The use of metal oxide (MOX) gas sensors based on thin-film structures solves the current limitations of breath detectors. However, the response at high humidity levels, i.e., in the case of exhaled human breath, significantly decreases the sensitivity of MOX sensors, making it difficult to detect small traces of biomarkers. We have introduced, in previous work, the concept of a hybrid gas sensor, in which thin-film-based MOX gas sensors are combined with an ultra-thin (20–30 nm) polymer top layer deposited by solvent-free initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). The hydrophobic top layer enables sensor measurement in high-humidity conditions as well as the precise tuning of selectivity and sensitivity. In this paper, we present a way to increase the hydrogen (H2) sensitivity of hybrid sensors through chemical modification of the polymer top layer. A poly(1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane) (PV4D4) thin film, already applied in one of our previous studies, is transformed into a silsesquioxane-containing top layer by a simple heating step. The transformation results in a significant increase in the gas response for H2 ~709% at an operating temperature of 350 °C, which we investigate based on the underlying sensing mechanism. These results reveal new pathways in the biomedical application field for the analysis of exhaled breath, where H2 indicates gastrointestinal diseases.

Concept of Spaceborne Ocean Microwave Dual-Function Integrated Sensor for Wind and Wave Measurement

Dedicated to synchronously acquiring large-area, high-precision, and multi-scale ocean wind and wave information, a novel concept of a spaceborne ocean microwave dual-function integrated sensor is proposed in this paper. It integrates the functions of a scatterometer and SAR by sharing a single phased-array antenna. An overview of the scientific requirements and motivations for the sensor are outlined firstly. In order to fulfill the observation requirements of both the functions, the constraints on the system parameters such as frequency, antenna size, and incidence angle are analyzed. Then, the selection principles of these parameters are discussed within the limitations of antenna area, bandwidth, available time, and cost. Additionally, the constraints on the time sequence of transmitting and receiving pulses are derived to ensure that there is no conflict when the two functions operate simultaneously. Subsequently, a method for jointly designing the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of both the functions is introduced, along with zebra maps to verify its effectiveness. At the end of the paper, the system and performance parameters of the sensor are given for further insight into it.

Comparative Analysis of Force and Eddy Current Position Sensing Approaches for a Magnetic Levitation Platform with an Exceptional Hovering Distance

This paper provides a comparative analysis between a force sensor and an eddy current sensor, focusing on their usability to determine the position of a circular levitating permanent magnet (PM) mover within an axially symmetric magnetic levitation platform (MLP) with an exceptionally large air gap. The sensors enable closed-loop control, which is essential for accurately and stably maintaining the mover’s radial position. For the considered MLP, a change in radial position in principle results in a tilting of the mover, i.e., a deviation from the parallel alignment relative to the stator. As both the radial position and the tilting angle affect the sensors’ (force and eddy current) output voltage, an observer must deduce the radial position from the output sensor’s voltage, requiring a comprehensive MLP dynamic model and calibration of the models for both sensing approaches. The paper discusses the advantages and weaknesses of each sensor concept, exploring operational principles and performance in levitation tests. The force sensor exhibits versatility, proving functional across various application scenarios, such as when the mover is sealed in a conductive, non-magnetic chamber. In contrast, due to its high-frequency operation, the eddy current sensor is more straightforward to characterize, simplifying its behavior relative to the mover’s slower dynamics. Measurements are conducted to validate the models, showing the eddy current sensor’s robustness against disturbances and imperfections in the MLPs and its immunity to cross-axis interference. Conclusively, in levitation experiments where the mover is vertically distanced at 104 mm from the stator, the eddy current sensor achieves a position tracking precision about ten times better and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ten times higher compared to the off-the-shelf force sensor, confirming its better performance and reliability; however, it cannot be used in applications where conductive objects are present in the air gap. Furthermore, additional experiments are conducted on the MLP using the eddy current sensor to show the controller’s robustness and dynamic reference tracking capability, with and without a payload.

Abstract 3069: Targeting lactic acid sensing GPR132 in ccRCC

Abstract Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common and aggressive subtype of kidney cancer, accounting for 70-80% of the cases. Despite the improvements in tumor therapeutics, patients with metastatic clear cell tumors still have a five-year survival rate lower than 10%. Most of the ccRCC tumors harbor loss of VHL tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 3, leading to constitutively stabilized HIF, activation of downstream pathways involved in glycolysis, angiogenesis and metastasis and a highly acidic, vascularized, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Such molecular alterations lead to the buildup of lactic acid within the tumor microenvironment. Long has been considered as a byproduct of hypoxic tumor metabolism, but recent studies have demonstrated a pro-tumorigenic role of lactic acid. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms on how tumor cells take advantage of lactic acid can identify potential novel therapeutic options. To understand how ccRCC cells sense extracellular lactic acid, I explored the concept of a lactate sensor. The currently known lactate sensors are GPR81 and GPR132. By querying TCGA data, GPR81 is reduced in ccRCC tumors and does not predict patient outcome while GPR132 is elevated in ccRCC tumors compared to normal kidney and demonstrates a strong negative effect on survival. Therefore, GPR132 stands out as a potential lactate sensor in ccRCC with meaningful impact on patient survival. Previously, GPR132 has been shown to be involved in tumor associated macrophage M1 to M2 transition upon lactic acid exposure. However, GPR132 exerts a striking impact on ccRCC tumors. Depleting GPR132 significantly decreased the HIF2α level in multiple ccRCC cell lines, establishing a molecular connection between lactic acid, GPR132 and HIF2α. Furthermore, due to suppressed HIF2α signaling, GPR132 knockout led to decreased lactic acid uptake through MCT1. Such decreased lactic transporter MCT1 abrogated the elevated aggressive phenotype in ccRCC cells when exposed to lactic acid. Metabolically, GPR132 knockout led to decreased lipid deposition. In addition, such deprivation of lipid droplet is not replenished when cells are exposed to lactic acid. Furthermore, by conducting an isotype-tracing experiment, GPR132 knockout actively decreased lactic acid uptake by the tumors and limit their resources to regenerate TCA cycle intermediates and build up lipid droplets. More importantly, GPR132 knockout led to defective mitochondria activities and activation of apoptosis, both of which led to significantly suppressed ccRCC growth in vitro and in vivo. This suggested that GPR132 likely affects ccRCC fitness through multiple layers of signaling mechanisms. Overall, our study has revealed that lactate sensing GPR132 is a critical signaling pathway for ccRCC tumor development in a glycolytic feed-forward context. As a membrane bound receptor, GPR132 holds immense potential as a novel therapeutic target in ccRCC. Citation Format: Dazhi Wang. Targeting lactic acid sensing GPR132 in ccRCC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3069.

Concept studies and application development of textile integrated dielectric elastomer sensors for smart shoe technologies

Abstract The combination of flexibility and high integrability as well as their precise sensing capability enable dielectric elastomer sensors to be integrated into a variety of applications. Because of these integration opportunities especially in the field of smart textiles these sensor systems can make a difference. Sensor inlays for shoes based on resistive and capacitive sensors enable a partial monitoring of the loads and load distributions on our feet while the interaction with the shoe shaft remains unknown. The novel sensor integration into the shaft combined with a wireless real-time measurement is being studied in this work. This new sensor system within the shoe creates the basis for the data acquisition to finally support diabetic patients who suffer under the diabetic foot syndrome, to support athletes analyzing walking patterns as well as bringing safety shoes to a digital age. This contribution displays sensor concepts as well as the corresponding electronics development. The first smart shoe concentrates on the integration of six shaft sensors distributed over the shoe and their measurement in real-time. The shoe is designed and manufactured in collaboration with the Prüf- und Forschungsinstitut Pirmasens. The evaluation of the sensor signals allows the analysis of different load scenarios.

Analysis and development of a sensor concept for multistable actuators with passive magnetic shape memory alloy

Abstract Based on the current state of research, the aim of this paper is to develop a position sensor for actuators using passive magnetic shape memory alloys. The presented sensor concept converts the strain dependent permeability of the magnetic shape memory alloy into an inductance change by using a sensor coil arrangement. The change in inductance of the sensor coil is converted into a change in the resonant frequency of a parallel oscillating circuit. A microcontroller detects the resonant frequency of the circuit and converts it into a position sensor signal. To evaluate the functionality of the sensor, a test rig is developed that deforms the magnetic shape memory element under realistic application conditions. Experimental measurements in a climate chamber are used to evaluate the performance and characteristics of the sensor. The characteristic, temperature drift and hysteresis behavior are analyzed. It is proven that the presented sensor concept can be used to determine the position of passive magnetic shape memory alloy actuators.

Investigation of the molecular switching process between spin crossover states of triazole complexes as basis for optical sensing applications.

With the advent of the first laser sources and suitable detectors, optical sensor applications immediately also came into focus. During the last decades, a huge variety of optical sensor concepts were developed, yet the forecast for the future application potential appears even larger. In this context, the development of new sensor probes at different scales down to the atomic or molecular level open new avenues for research and development. We investigated an iron based triazole molecular spin-crossover complex changing its absorption characteristics significantly by varying environmental parameters such as humidity, temperature, magnetic or electric field, respectively, with respect to its suitability for a new class of versatile molecular sensor probes. Hereby, besides the investigation of synthesized pure bulk material using different analyzing methods, we also studied amorphous micro particles which were applied in or onto optical waveguide structures. We found that significant changes of the reflection spectra can also be obtained after combining the particles with different types of optical waveguides.The obtained results demonstrate the suitability of the material complex for a broad field of future sensor applications.

Telemetric angle and position sensing using millimeter-wave metamaterial and a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) chip

Abstract. We present a fully telemetric sensor concept for angle and position measurement. It is based on single-layer millimeter-wave metamaterials that exhibit an anisotropic resonant behavior in interaction with incident electromagnetic waves. The angle of rotation is determined from the reflected millimeter waves of the metamaterial target using a millimeter wave chip transceiver. We use a metamaterial geometry exhibiting anisotropic Fano-type resonant behavior. The Fano-type resonance shows a distinct minimum in the reflection spectrum, even with a single layer of metamaterial. The metamaterial target is manufactured on a printed circuit board (PCB) laminate with low-cost standard manufacturing methods. We present an analytical model estimating the resonance frequency of the metamaterial used. The model allows us to assess whether with the Fano-type metamaterial unit cell structure resonance frequencies in the millimeter wave regime are achievable and compliant with standard PCB manufacturing design rules. We performed proof-of-principle experiments with the metamaterial targets and a vector network analyzer, assisted by a detailed analysis of the sensor effect by means of finite-element method calculations. Finally, we implemented a demonstrator setup containing a state-of-the-art frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar chip and a metamaterial target manufactured with standard PCB manufacturing processes.

Effects of Visible Light on Gas Sensors: From Inorganic Resistors to Molecular Material-Based Heterojunctions.

In the last two decades, many research works have been focused on enhancing the properties of gas sensors by utilising external triggers like temperature and light. Most interestingly, the light-activated gas sensors show promising results, particularly using visible light as an external trigger that lowers the power consumption as well as improves the stability, sensitivity and safety of the sensors. It effectively eliminates the possible damage to sensing material caused by high operating temperature or high energy light. This review summarises the effect of visible light illumination on both chemoresistors and heterostructure gas sensors based on inorganic and organic materials and provides a clear understanding of the involved phenomena. Finally, the fascinating concept of ambipolar gas sensors is presented, which utilised visible light as an external trigger for inversion in the nature of majority charge carriers in devices. This review should offer insight into the current technologies and offer a new perspective towards future development utilising visible light in light-assisted gas sensors.

Ultrasonic and conversion-based inline fouling measurements for continuous emulsion copolymerisation of vinyl acetate in a tubular reactor.

One of the serious challenges for the implementation of continuous emulsion polymerisation is their significant fouling. The elucidation of time-dependent fouling processes and the development of inline analysis methods for fouling mass quantification are crucial to making progress in this area. Inline-sensor concepts based on ultrasonic measurements as well as residence time and conversion analysis were investigated regarding their suitability for the detection of time-dependent fouling formation and compared with gravimetrical results in order to validate their precision. Both a set-up using a turnover analysis for determination of losses in reaction volume by fouling and an ultrasound-based measurement system detecting deposit-caused changes by evaluating the average sound velocity could be used as suitable sensor concepts. The accuracies of both sensors are below 10% deviation to fouling references.

Laboratory robustness validation of a humidity sensor system for the condition monitoring of grease-lubricated components for railway applications

Abstract. The condition monitoring of the health status of lubricating greases used in axle box bearings can be realized by applying well-established electrical or optical measurement principles. Furthermore, some novel methods have been reported that make use of humidity sensors or of dielectric thermoscopy. One of the most important grease condition parameters is the water content of the lubricating grease, as water can degrade grease to the point that it is no longer able to provide suitable lubrication and can also damage the bearing due to corrosion and cavitation. In this study, a new approach for water detection in lubricated wagon components is presented that is based on commercially available humidity sensors. The core element of this sensor system is a robust humidity sensor mounted in the immediate atmosphere of the grease-lubricated wagon axle bearing. In the case of water intake, the humidity of the gaseous atmosphere above the grease increases and can be detected by the customized sensor concept Humidity Sensor in Axle Bearings (HSAB). As this sensor system has to be sufficiently robust, it must be able to withstand environmental impact factors. The most important of these factors are temperature, relative humidity, and mechanical load, like vibrations and shocks, depending on the relevant railway application. To mimic these field effects under controlled laboratory conditions, the “lab-to-field” approach was set up and employed. Of the utmost importance was the installation of a development environment for the sensors that enabled the transfer of laboratory results to the respective rail field application. As a result, the HSAB system shows promise with respect to enhancing the reliability of railway wagons and decreasing maintenance costs, thereby reducing the downtime of railway wagons significantly.

Surface acoustic wave spectroscopy for non‐destructive coating and bulk characterization at temperatures up to 600°C enabled by piezoelectric aluminum nitride coated sensor

Surface acoustic wave spectroscopy has been established as non‐destructive and fast method for characterization of mechanical properties of surfaces and bulk materials in both research and industry. The present work shows that by application of a novel and robust aluminum nitride (AlN) coated piezoelectric contact sensor the advantages of the method can be extended from room temperature to at least 600°C. An overview of sensor concepts and applications of the method is discussed first, followed by theoretical and practical considerations for design and coating of a novel temperature stable contact sensor. After fabrication of such a sensor using magnetron sputtering, it was tested in a modified surface acoustic wave spectroscopy setup with an incorporated heating table concerning signal amplitude and frequency range. The AlN coated sensor was found to perform well up to 600°C, with temperature limited by the specification of the heating table. At room temperature, performance was acceptable when compared with a conventional contact sensor using a PVDF piezoelectric foil. Application of the high temperature capabilities of the setup was demonstrated by measuring temperature stability of hydrogen‐free amorphous carbon coatings (a‐C and ta‐C) depending on their sp3 carbon ratio. In another example, high precision temperature dependent measurement of Young's modulus for ultrasonic fatigue test specimen was taken, achieving an accuracy better than 1%. Use of the developed sensor opens up new possibilities in material science for in situ study of temperature depending mechanical properties for coatings and surfaces.

Concept Design of a Smart Haptic Suit for a Biological Signal Recognition and Feedback to Human Body Movements

The ultimate purpose of monitoring bio-signals in the form of individually tailored clothing is to monitor an unconstrained bio-signals during the wearer's physiological activities and provide freedom of movement, thereby eliminating inconvenience in workspace of HMI (Human-Machine Interaction) or HRI (Human-Robot Interaction), and healthcare life. In the form of smart clothing for human collaboration industries or everyday life, there is a need to provide new sensitive and high accurate functions to the wearer while also faithfully performing the functions of existing clothing. In this respect, auxetic pattern-based sensors and actuators can be said to be one of the most promising candidates to be combined with smart wearable technology. There is an emerging need to research the concepts of these new sensors and actuators and present a paradigm for clothing research on innovative smart haptic suits. Accordingly, there is a need for a concept of smart haptic system suitable to meet the conditions of sensors and actuators with improved sensitivity, conductivity, and receptivity that can have characteristics such as microporosity, flexibility, and large surface area of nano and micro web structures. When measuring a bio-signal sensing and motion feedback using an electro-active structural pattern, the signal waveform can be confirmed to have a similar signal waveform to the measured signal through direct visual evaluation, and muscle signals for each body part can be measured using a commercialized sensor. The same signal can be confirmed. Through Pearson's correlation analysis using statistical analysis techniques, signal data between nano and micro web structure-based respiration sensors and existing respiration sensors showed significant correlation with each other, indicating respiration obtained from nano and micro web-based sensors. A theoretical model which predicts the actuation stroke of the system based on the material properties of the auxetic SMM (Shape Memory Material) and bias components as well as the geometry of the metamaterial system was developed.

Experimental investigation on steam-water flow patterns in a vertical narrow rectangular channel utilizing conductance scanning measurement

In order to tackle the challenges in two-phase flow measurement in narrow rectangular channels, especially under pressurized conditions, a novel conductance scanning sensor, consisting of two ceramic-substrate printed circuit (CSPC) boards, has been developed based on the concept of wire mesh sensor. A leak-tight structure was also fabricated to avoid leakage at the penetrations of lead wires through the sensor housing. Measurements have been carried out in a narrow rectangular channel, with inner the cross-sectional dimension 70 mm × 2 mm, under pressure between 0.20 and 0.90 MPa. In the experiment, bubbly, churn and annular flows have been observed, except for slug flow. Flow pattern maps have been proposed for the steam-water two-phase flow. Comparing with those in the literature, it can be found that as the channel width/gap increases, the flow pattern transition boundaries shift towards the higher vapor superficial velocity direction. Additionally, the transition criteria for narrow rectangular channels were investigated by separately evaluating the critical void fraction and the superficial velocity calculation correlations. Results show that the critical void fraction of bubbly to churn flow and churn to annular flow can be approximately estimated as 0.2 and 0.75, respectively. However, the existing correlations for superficial velocity calculation are not suitable for the steam-water flows with a void fraction less than 0.5.

Permittivity sensor development for lunar and planetary surface exploration

Permittivity sensors measure the electric permittivity (formerly known as the dielectric constant) of a sample between its electrodes and offer a reliable method to characterize the subsurface of planetary bodies in situ. One potential application is the identification and mapping of water ice at the poles of the Moon. In this paper, the scientific background and heritage of the permittivity sensor concept are discussed, and the implemented electronic architecture is introduced, focusing on the novel patch electrodes. The data processing approach for the measurements is based on Fourier transformation, and numerical simulation setups are used for performance predictions. The calibration of the sensor validates the functionality of the electronics, and the results from both simulations and characterization experiments show that the concept is applicable in the exploration scenario. Considering both engineering and scientific aspects, the results highlight the permittivity sensor’s suitability for lunar and planetary exploration missions, albeit further points for improvement are identified.

Decreasing implant load indicates spinal fusion when measured continuously

Reliable and timely assessment of bone union between vertebrae is considered a key challenge after spinal fusion surgery. Recently, a novel sensor concept demonstrated the ability to objectively assess posterolateral fusion based on continuous implant load monitoring. The aim of this study was to investigate systematically the concept in a mono-segmental fusion model using an updated sensor setup.Three sheep underwent bilateral facetectomy at level L2-L3 and L4-L5. The segments were stabilized using two unconnected pedicle-screw-rod constructs per level. Sensing devices were attached to the rods between each pedicle screw pair and the loads were continuously monitored over 16 weeks. After euthanasia, the spines were biomechanically tested for their range of motion and high-resolution CT scans were performed to confirm the fusion success.After an initial increase in implant load until reaching a maximum (100 %) at approximately week 4, eleven out of twelve sensors measured a constant decrease in implant load to 52 ± 9 % at euthanasia. One sensor measurement was compromised by newly forming bone growing against the sensor clamp. Bridging bone at each facet and minor remnant segmental motion (<0.7°) confirmed the fusion of all motion segments.Data obtained by continuous measurement of implant loading of spinal screw-rod constructs enables objective monitoring of spinal fusion progression. The sensor concept provides valuable real-time information, offering quantifiable data as an alternative to traditional imaging techniques. However, the design of the current sensor concept needs to be matured, tailored to, and validated for the human spine.

An Ultrawide Range, Highly Stretchable Liquid Metal Force and Strain Sensor Based on Spiral Multilayer Microfluidic Fibers

Presently, a variety of soft sensing technologies are available, but there is still an opportunity to research on flexible sensors that can withstand high loads. Here, we report a highly stretchable, wide measuring range, and easy-to-fabricate liquid metal sensor capable of detecting force and strain modes. The key enabling design feature of the proposed sensor is the spiral winding combination of two different types of stretchable liquid metal microfluidic fibers. Pressing or elongating the fibers changes the geometry and, thus, the electrical resistance in a predictable way. The proposed sensor can offer a simple mechanism to measure force up to about 400N and strain up to about 200% under limited laboratory conditions. The sensor signal is repeatable in both cases. The ability of our sensor in wide measuring range in actual application is verified via detecting the loads of one human body and driving car wheel. We further show a proof of concept of the soft sensor by a soft robotic actuator, enabling the identification of bending angles and object surface features.

Fabrication of a Silicon Electron Multiplier sensor using metal assisted chemical etching and its characterisation

The Silicon Electron Multiplier (SiEM) sensor is a novel sensor concept that enables charge multiplication by high electric fields generated by embedded metal electrodes within the sensor bulk. Metal assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) in gas phase with platinum as a catalyst has been used to fabricate test structures consisting of vertically aligned silicon pillars and strips on top of a silicon bulk. The pillars are around 10µm in height with a diameter of 1.0µm and are arranged as a hexagonal lattice with a pitch of 1.5µm. Electrical characterisations through current–voltage measurements inside a scanning electron microscope and a climate chamber have demonstrated that the MacEtch process is compatible with p–n junctions.

Nonlinear Kinetic Inductance Sensor

The concept of nonlinear kinetic inductance sensor (NKIS) of electromagnetic radiation is proposed. The idea is based on divergency of kinetic inductanceLk∼dq/dI(ℏqis a momentum of superconducting electrons,Iis a supercurrent) of hybrid superconductor/normal metal (SN) bridge at currentI*Idep(Idepis a depairing current of the hybrid) and temperatureT* much smaller than critical temperatureTc. It makes possible to have large change of phase differenceδϕalong SN bridge in current biased regime atI≃I*even for small electron temperature increase. Appearance ofδϕis accompanied by the change of the current and magnetic flux through the coupled superconducting ring which could be measured with help of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). In some respect proposed sensor may be considered as a superconducting counterpart of transition edge sensor (TES) those work is based on large derivativedR/dT(Ris a resistance) nearTc. Because atI≃I*SN bridge is in gapless regime there is no low boundary for frequency of detected electromagnetic radiation. Our calculations show that such a sensor can operate in single photon regime and detect single photons with frequencyν≳10 GHz. We argue that the nontrivial dependenceI(q)of SN bridge could be also used in detectors of continuous electromagnetic radiation, current and magnetic field sensors.

APPLICATION OF DOMESTIC GAS ANALYZERS FOR MEASURING PM CONCENTRATION IN ATMOSPHERIC AIR

Environmental monitoring is one of the key elements to ensure the most effective security measures in various areas of life. The most famous technology in this field is the gas detection system within the framework of atmospheric air monitoring. It serves not only for an early warning program, but also for a constant check of the state of the atmosphere in certain areas. In the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), updated in 2005, solid particles (dust or suspended substances) are among the main indicators of atmospheric air quality. According to the requirements of Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 05.21.2008 on atmospheric air quality and cleaner air for Europe Ukraine should establish zones and agglomerations according to the degree of atmospheric air pollution throughout its territory, as well as the procedure for their review. In general, the goal set by the Directive is extremely difficult for Ukraine ‑ to create a European monitoring system with modern equipment, which is a reliable tool for the development and implementation of environmental policy, on the remains of the air pollution control network that was created back in Soviet times. Nowadays gas sensors can be divided into two categories: conductive metal oxides and electrochemical, with the latter gaining more recognition over the last decade as the future standard component in any gas sensor. The paper presents the complete concept of an electrochemical gas sensor, including the basic science and basic electronic engineering that go into the device. The main focus is on a specific type of amperometric sensors as the most promising electrochemical sensor on the Ukrainian market. That is why the scientific novelty of the article lies in the fact that for the first time, on the basis of analysis and theoretical generalizations, it is proposed to create a program for the production of devices specifically for continuous automatic monitoring of atmospheric air quality. The practical value of the article lies in the systematization of scientific ideas regarding the monitoring of PM, which should become the basis for initial measures aimed at reducing emissions, which will increase the efficiency of management decision-making and improve the efficiency of the DSMD at all levels.