Patent ID: 6706977
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: G01G,G01N

Abstract:
A controller, for controlling an apparatus including a microelectronic microbalance sensor and for conditioning electronic signals having associated therewith electronic circuits and self-monitoring software, said controller comprising:a controller thermal monitor, operatively connected to the apparatus, for detecting a temperature of the apparatus and outputting a controller temperature signal; first temperature measuring means, operatively connected to said controller thermal monitor, for detecting said controller temperature signal from said controller thermal monitor; second temperature measuring means, operatively connected to the apparatus, for detecting a temperature signal from the microelectronic microbalance sensor and outputting a current signal; signal conditioning means, operatively connected to the microelectronic microbalance sensor, for receiving and conditioning a beat frequency signal from the microelectronic microbalance sensor; a microcontroller, operatively connected to said controller thermal monitor, said first and second temperature measuring means, and said signal conditioning means, for converting the controller temperature signal, the microelectronic microbalance sensor temperature signal, said current signal, an amplitude of said beat frequency signal, a voltage from the microelectronic microbalance sensor, and said beat frequency signal into data records and for manipulating said data records for transmission.