Interconnect device and module using same

Various embodiments of an interconnect device and modules and systems that utilize such interconnect device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the interconnect device can include a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB can include a substrate forming a resiliently deflectable element, a conductive material disposed on the substrate, and an electrical contact disposed on the resiliently deflectable element and electrically coupled to the conductive material. The interconnect device can also include a connector that includes a connecting pin configured to electrically couple with the electrical contact of the resiliently deflectable element of the PCB and cause the resiliently deflectable element to deflect when the element contacts the connecting pin.

BACKGROUND

Piezoelectric devices such as thin film bulk acoustic resonators (TFBAR) and similar technologies like quartz crystal microbalances (QCM) have been employed as mass detectors for some time. One application of piezoelectric resonators is in detecting very small quantities of materials. Piezoelectric resonators used as sensors in such applications are sometimes called “micro-balances.” A piezoelectric resonator is typically constructed as a thin, planar layer of crystalline or polycrystalline piezoelectric material sandwiched between two electrode layers. When used as a sensor, the resonator is exposed to the material being detected to allow the material to bind on a surface of the resonator.

The material to be detected is often an analyte. A binding partner (e.g., an antibody, etc.) that selectively binds the analyte may be immobilized relative to a surface of the resonator. When the analyte is contacted with the surface of the resonator, the mass on the surface increases. The changed mass results in changes to the resonance phase, frequency, etc., of the resonator.

One conventional way of detecting the amount of the material bound on the surface of a resonator is to operate the resonator as an oscillator at its resonant frequency. As the material being detected binds on the resonator surface, the oscillation frequency of the resonator is reduced. This change in the oscillation frequency of the resonator, presumably caused by the binding of the material on the resonator surface, is measured and used to calculate the amount of the material bound on the resonator or the rate at which the material accumulates on the resonator's surface.

The sensitivity of a piezoelectric resonator in air as a material sensor is theoretically proportional to the square of the resonance frequency. See, e.g., G. Sauerbrey,Zeitschrift für Physik155 (2): 206-222. Thus, the sensitivities of material sensors based on the popular quartz crystal resonators are limited by their relatively low oscillating frequencies, which typically range from several MHz to about 100 MHz. The development of thin-film resonator (TFR) technology can potentially produce sensors with significantly improved sensitivities. A thin-film resonator can be formed by depositing a thin film of piezoelectric material, such as AlN or ZnO, on a substrate. Due to the small thickness of the piezoelectric layer in a thin-film resonator, which is on the order of several microns, the resonant frequency of the thin-film resonator is on the order of 1 GHz. The high resonant frequencies and the corresponding high sensitivities make thin-film resonators useful for material sensing applications.

Regardless of the technology employed, electrical connections associated with piezoelectric resonator analyte measurement systems should be sufficiently robust. Often such systems contain a module or cartridge that includes the resonator and other circuitry and an associated instrument or apparatus that can receive the module or a portion thereof and that can operably couple to the resonator when the module is received by the associated apparatus. The associated apparatus may include any suitable or desirable electrical components, such as a power supply, processor, memory, signal generator, and associated circuitry (e.g., for producing a resonance wave), detection components and associated circuitry (e.g., for detecting changes to the wave as a result of analyte binding), etc. The memory may contain computer readable instructions that cause the associated instrument to generate a wave and detect changes in the wave. Examples of suitable circuitry and associated devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,932,953 and 8,409,875, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties to the extent that they do not conflict with the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of an interconnect device, and modules and systems that utilize such device.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an interconnect device that includes a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB can include a substrate that forms a resiliently deflectable element, a conductive material disposed on the substrate, and an electrical contact disposed on the resiliently deflectable element and electrically coupled to the conductive material. The interconnect device further includes a connector that includes a connecting pin configured to electrically couple with the electrical contact of the resiliently deflectable element of the PCB and cause the resiliently deflectable element to deflect when the element contacts the connecting pin.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a resonator sensor module that includes a module interface and a resonator electrically coupled to the module interface. The module interface includes a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a substrate that forms a resiliently deflectable element, a conductive material disposed on the substrate, and an electrical contact disposed on the resiliently deflectable element and electrically coupled to the conductive material. The resonator is electrically coupled to the conductive material.

In one or more embodiments, the resonator sensor module can be included in a resonator sensor system for measuring binding kinetics of an interaction of an analyte material present in a fluid sample. The system also includes a measurement apparatus operatively coupled to the resonator sensor module through an interconnect device that includes the module interface of the resonator sensor module and a connector of the measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus includes actuation circuitry configured to drive the resonator into an oscillating motion, measurement circuitry configured to measure a resonator output signal representing a resonance characteristic of the oscillating motion of the resonator, and a controller operatively coupled to the actuation and measurement circuitry.

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of an interconnect device and modules and systems that utilize such device. In one or more embodiments, the interconnect device can include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a connector that is configured to electrically couple with the PCB. Further, in one or more embodiments, the PCB includes a substrate that forms a resiliently deflectable element, a conductive material disposed on the substrate, and an electrical contact disposed on the resiliently deflectable element and electrically coupled to the conductive material. The connector can, in one or more embodiments, include a connecting pin configured to electrically couple with the electrical contact of the resiliently deflectable element of the PCB and cause the resiliently deflectable element to deflect when the element contacts the connecting pin. The resilient nature of the deflectable element results in force being applied by the connecting pin to the deflectable element. In one or more embodiments, the force is sufficient to cause a robust electrical connection between the contact of the deflectable element and the connecting pin. In one or more embodiments, it has been found that by forming “fingers” from the circuit board to form resiliently deflectable elements, sufficiently robust electrical connection may be made between the contacts of the resiliently deflectable elements and the associated apparatus. Such “fingers” or resiliently deflectable elements may be formed by slots or slits in the PCB.

As indicated herein, one or more sensors (e.g., resonators) may be associated with a PCB. The sensor may be operably coupled with the conductive material of the PCB.

Any suitable PCB can be used to form one or more resiliently deflectable elements having one or more contacts. In one or more embodiments, the PCB includes one or more non-conductive substrates onto which electrical components, conductive traces, contact pads or the like are disposed. The conductive traces, contact pads, etc. may be formed in sheets that are laminated onto a non-conductive substrate or may be disposed on the substrate in any other suitable manner. Conductive materials on one side of a substrate may be connected to conductive materials on another side of the substrate through vias or through-holes formed in the substrate. If the PCB includes multiple layers, conductive materials disposed on one layer may be coupled to conductive materials on another layer through vias.

For example,FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an interconnect device10. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the interconnect device10includes a printed circuit board (PCB)12and a connector40. Any suitable PCB12and connector40can be utilized in the interconnect device10.

In one or more embodiments, the interconnect device10can provide a durable connection that allows for two or more apparatuses, components, devices, or systems to be connected and disconnected multiple times without compromising the integrity of the electrical coupling between the apparatuses. Any suitable apparatuses, components, devices, and systems can be electrically coupled utilizing the interconnect device10as is further described herein. In one or more embodiments, the device10can provide a sealed connection between components to prevent exposure of the connection and internal circuitry of the components to various environmental elements, e.g., moisture, dirt, etc. Any suitable technique or combinations of techniques can be utilized to protect the interconnect device from the external environment.

The interconnect device10can be disposed within one or more components in any suitable configuration. For example, in one or more embodiments, the PCB12can be disposed within a case or enclosure of one component and the connector40can be disposed within a case or enclosure of another component.

The PCB12can include any PCB. For example,FIG. 4is a schematic plan view of a first major surface18of a substrate14of the PCB12ofFIG. 1, andFIG. 5is a schematic plan view of a second major surface20of the substrate14of PCB12.

The PCB12includes the substrate14. The substrate14can include any suitable material or combination of materials. In one or more embodiments, the substrate can include electrically insulating materials.

The substrate14forms resiliently deflectable elements16. As used herein, the phrase “resiliently deflectable element” refers to one or more elements formed by the substrate of the PCB that can be deflected one or more times by a connector to provide an electrical coupling between the PCB and the connector and return to their original configurations and/or shapes when the elements are no longer deflected by the connector. The resiliently deflectable elements16can be formed using any suitable technique or combination of techniques.

Each resiliently deflectable element16can provide one more electrical connections or pathways between the PCB12and an associated apparatus. For example, in one or more embodiments, each resiliently deflectable element16can provide a discrete channel or pathway between the PCB12and an associated apparatus via the connector40. As used herein, a channel refers to a discrete electronic pathway through which data or electrical signals may be transmitted.

Further, each resiliently deflectable element16can include any suitable dimension and shape or combination of shapes. For example, as illustrated, each resiliently deflectable element16has taken a substantially rectangular shape. In one or more embodiments, the resiliently deflectable elements16can take a substantially square shape, a curvilinear shape, etc. The resiliently deflectable elements16can also have any suitable spacing between each element. Alternatively, in one or more alternative embodiments, one or more resiliently deflectable elements16can be connected to an adjacent element so that there is no space between such elements.

Disposed on the substrate14is conductive material22. Any suitable material or combination of materials can be utilized for conductive material22. In one or more embodiments, the conductive material22may be electrically conductive such that an electrical connection can be provided between various components or devices disposed on the PCB12and the connector40as is further described herein. In one or more embodiments, the conductive material22is shaped or formed to provide conductive traces or transmission lines between various components or devices provided on or associated with the PCB12and the connector40. The conductive material22can also be formed to provide pads or contacts30for electrically coupling one or more components or devices26,28to the conductive material22.

The conductive material22can be disposed on one or both of the first major surface18and second major surface20of substrate14. Any suitable technique or combination of techniques can be utilized to form the conductive material22on the PCB12. In one or more embodiments, conductive material22can be provided on both of the first and second major surfaces18,20, and one or more vias or through-holes can be provided through the substrate14to electrically couple conductive material22disposed on the first major surface18with conductive material disposed on the second major surface20.

The PCB12also includes one or more electrical contacts24disposed on one or more of the resiliently deflectable elements16. In general, the electrical contacts24are electrically coupled to the conductive material22to provide an electrical pathway from one or more components26,28disposed on or associated with the PCB12to an associated apparatus or system via the connector40as is further described herein. Although depicted as being disposed on each resiliently deflectable element16, the electrical contacts24can be provided on any suitable number of resiliently deflectable elements, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more deflectable elements. Further, any suitable number of electrical contacts24can be disposed on an individual resiliently deflectable element16.

Electrical contacts24can be disposed on the resiliently deflectable elements16using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. In one or more embodiments, the electrical contacts24can be provided by forming one or more vias through an optional insulating layer32that can be provided on the conductive material22on the first major surface18, and/or a second insulating layer36provided on conductive material provided on the second major surface20. Such vias can be formed on one or both of the first major surface18and second major surface20of the PCB12.

The electrical contacts24can be formed of the same or different material or combination of materials as the conductive material22. In one or more embodiments, the electrical contacts24are disposed on one or both of the first and second major surfaces18,20of the substrate14when the conductive material22is formed. Further, the electrical contacts24can be any suitable dimension and can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes.

As mentioned herein, the print circuit board12can also include the insulating layer32disposed on the first major surface18, and the second insulating layer36on the second major surface20of the substrate14. Insulating layer32is not shown inFIG. 4, for clarity. The insulating layers32,36can include any suitable material or combination of materials that provide electrical insulation or isolation of the conductive material22. Further, in one or more embodiments, the insulating layers32,36can also protect conductive material22from the external environment. In one or more embodiments, one or both of the insulating layers32,36can be disposed such that conductive material22is between the insulating layers and the substrate14.

The PCB12can include any other suitable features. For example, the PCB12includes a slot or opening34that provides access to one or more components as is further described herein. The PCB12can include any suitable number of slots or openings for providing access to a component for various testing. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the PCB12also includes slot or opening35that can provide access to a component, e.g., for hematocrit sampling.

Further in one or more embodiments, the print circuit board12can include indicia for aligning the PCB in any suitable manufacturing process. For example, indicia can be provided on one or both surfaces18,20of PCB12to align the PCB for providing one or more integrated circuit or electronic components on the PCB as is further described herein. In one or more embodiments, the PCB12can include any suitable number of openings that can be utilized to attach the PCB to the casing or enclosure of an apparatus or device.

In one or more embodiments, one or more electronic components or devices can be disposed on the PCB12such that they are electrically coupled to conductive material22. For example, in one or more embodiments, one or more components26,28can be disposed on one or both of the first and second major surfaces18,20of the PCB12and electrically coupled to conductive material22. Any suitable electronic component or components can be disposed on the PCB12, e.g., integrated circuits (e.g., controllers, switches, memory, etc.), sensors (e.g., resonators, etc.). Such components can be electrically coupled to the conductive material22using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. Further, such components can be electrically coupled to the PCB12using any suitable conductive material. In one or more embodiments, components26,28can be electrically coupled to conductive material22through conductive pads or contacts30.

In one or more embodiments, each terminal of component26can be electrically coupled to a discrete electrical contact24, and each terminal of component28can be electrically coupled to a discrete electrical contact. In one or more alternative embodiments, one or more terminals of an electronic component can be electrically coupled to the same electrical contact. Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more terminals of component26can be coupled to the same electrical contact as one or more terminals of component28.

The interconnect device10also includes connector40. The connector40of interconnect device10ofFIG. 1is illustrated in greater detail inFIGS. 6-7.FIG. 6is a schematic exploded view of the connector40, andFIG. 7is a schematic perspective view of a bottom surface46of the connector40.

The connector40can be disposed within an enclosure or casing of an associated apparatus as is further described herein. For example, the connector40can be attached to a PCB or interface of such an associated apparatus using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. In one or more embodiments, posts58can be provided on one or both of a top surface44and the bottom surface46of a body42of the device40. One or more shields60can also be provided that can connect the connector40to ground on a circuit board of the associated apparatus. The shields60can be electrically coupled to one or more connecting pins50through a metal layer57that contacts such pins. The pins50coupled to the shields60via metal layer57can provide a common ground. Pins50that are not electrically coupled to shields60can be isolated from the metal layer57using cutouts56.

The connector40can also include a body42having an opening45configured to receive the connecting pin50. In one or more embodiments, the body42can include an opening45for each pin50. In one or more embodiments, the body42can include an opening45configured to receive two or more pins50.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the body42can include a first portion47and a second portion49. The first portion47can, in one or more embodiments, include an electrically insulative material. And the second portion49can, in one or more embodiments, include an electrically conductive material.

The first portion47of the body42can be configured to receive the second portion49such that the second portion sits within a recess43in the first portion. The connector40can be assembled by placing the second portion49within the recess43of the first portion47. Each pin50can be positioned in an opening45in the body42. In one or more embodiments, the pin50can include two or more parts such that a first part is positioned within the body42and the second part is then attached to the first part.

The connector40can be configured such that it provides a seal between the connector and the PCB12when the connector and the PCB are electrically coupled. For example, connector40can include a gasket48around a periphery of the body42to isolate the electrical connection between the PCB12and the connector when they are engaged.

The connector40includes one or more connecting pins50. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the connecting pins50can be fixed. As used herein, the phrase “fixed connecting pin” refers to a pin or post that remains fixed in place when contacted with a resiliently deflectable element16of the PCB12of the interconnect device10. Although illustrated as including 5 connecting pins50, the connector40can include any suitable number of connecting pins, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more connecting pins.

The connecting pins50can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes. Further, the connecting pins50can include any suitable material or combination of materials that provide an electrical pathway from the PCB12to an apparatus associated with the connector40.

The body42can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes. In one or more embodiments, the body42can include a step to receive a gasket such that the connector40is sealed within the associated apparatus. Each connecting pin50can include a first end52and a second end54. The first end52is configured to contact electrical contact24disposed on the resiliently deflectable element16of the PCB12. The second end54of the connecting pin50is configured to make an electrical connection with a contact or pad of a PCB or other interface of an associated apparatus.

Each connecting pin50is also configured to cause a resiliently deflectable element16of the PCB12to deflect when the element contacts the pin50. For example,FIGS. 2-3are schematic cross-section side views of the interconnect device10ofFIG. 1.FIG. 2illustrates the interconnect device10when the PCB12and the connector40are spaced apart. As can be seen inFIG. 2, the resiliently deflectable elements16of the PCB12are in a non-deflected state such that the resiliently deflectable elements are substantially parallel with a plane11of the substrate14of the PCB. As used herein, the phrase “substantially parallel” means that a plane containing one or more resiliently deflectable elements forms an angle with the plane11of the substrate14that is no greater than 5 degrees. In one or more embodiments, the non-deflected states of the resiliently deflectable elements16are their relaxed states (i.e., the configuration they assume under no external forces applied by contact with the connecting pins50of the connector40). According to their resilient nature, the elements16may return substantially to their relaxed states after being deflected.

As seen inFIG. 3, the connecting pins50are configured to cause one or more resiliently deflectable elements16to deflect when the element contacts the pin such that the resiliently deflectable element forms any suitable angle θ with the plane of the substrate14of the PCB12, thereby electrically coupling the PCB to the connector40. For example, in one or more embodiments, the pin50is configured to cause one or more resiliently deflectable elements16to deflect such that they form an angle θ of greater than 5°, greater than 10°, or greater than 15° with the plane11of the substrate14of the PCB12. In one or more embodiments, the angle θ between one or more of the deflected resiliently deflectable elements16and the plane11of the substrate14is no greater than 90°, no greater than 70°, no greater than 60°, or no greater than 50°. In one or more embodiments, the connecting pin50can cause the resiliently deflectable element16to deflect in a range of angles θ±90°, ±80°, ±70°, ±60°, ±50°, ±40°, ±30°, ±20°, ±10°, or ±5°. In general, the deflection caused by the connecting pin50is sufficient to electrically couple the electrical contact24with the connecting pin without causing unwanted strain on the PCB12, e.g., without causing cracking or fracturing of the PCB. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the deflection of the resiliently deflectable element16provides sufficient force between the electrical contact24and the pin50such that electrical coupling is maintained between the PCB12and the connector40.

Any suitable amount of force can be provided by the pin50to the resiliently deflectable element16. In one or more embodiments, each pin50can provide at least 2 oz of force to an associated element16. In one or more embodiments, each pin50can provide no greater than 10 oz of force to an associated element16. In one or more embodiments, each pin50can be provide 2-5 oz of force to an associated element16.

Although not shown inFIGS. 1-7, the interconnect device10can include any suitable alignment structure or mechanism such that the electrical contact24of the PCB12can be aligned with a pin50of the connector40.

In general, the interconnect device10can be utilized with any suitable devices, apparatuses, components, or systems to provide an electrical coupling between two or more apparatuses. For example,FIG. 8is a schematic perspective view of a resonator sensor system100. In one or more embodiments, the resonator sensor system100can be used for measuring binding kinetics of an interaction of an analyte material present in a fluid sample. The system100includes a resonator sensor module110and an associated measurement apparatus112that is configured to receive the module at a module port114.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, system100is a portable system that can be used for point-of-need diagnostic testing in the field. Although the system100is depicted as being portable, in one or more embodiments, the system can be utilized on a laboratory bench or in a more permanent configuration. Although not shown inFIG. 8, the system100can include devices and circuitry for connection to the internet or otherwise transferring information, such as one or more USB ports, wireless connection, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the system100is configured with a network interface device and associated firmware/drivers, which enable the system to automatically initiate a query over a network to obtain calibration constants for the specific sensor module. This embodiment eliminates the need for maintaining calibration data locally. Instead, when a new resonator sensor module is attached, the instrument determines the serial number associated with the particular sensor module (using RFID, bar code scanning, etc.), and uses that information to form its query. The database having specific sensor calibration data may be stored on a server located at the laboratory facility, or remotely (e.g., at the manufacturer's facility), in which case the network over which the query is placed is a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.

The module port114is configured to receive the resonator sensor module110. In one or more embodiments, the module port114includes an alignment structure (not shown) that aligns the resonator sensor module110such that a contact (e.g., contact24ofFIG. 1) of a resiliently deflectable element (e.g., element16ofFIG. 1) is aligned with a connecting pin (e.g., pin50ofFIG. 1) of a connector (e.g., connector40ofFIG. 1). Any suitable alignment structure can be utilized to align the resonator sensor module110with the measurement apparatus112.

The resonator sensor module110can include any suitable resonator sensor module or device, e.g., the resonator sensor modules described in cofiled PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/039400 to Webster, entitled TWO PART ASSEMBLY. For example,FIGS. 9-11are schematic views of one embodiment of a resonator sensor module200that can be utilized with system100ofFIG. 8.FIG. 9is a schematic exploded view of the resonator sensor module200,FIG. 10is a schematic cross-section plan view of a top surface226of the module, andFIG. 11is a schematic cross-section plan view of a bottom surface228of the module.

The resonator sensor module200includes a first portion202and a second portion204. The first portion202includes a channel206and a sensor208on a printed circuit board (PCB)210. The PCB210can include any suitable PCB, e.g., PCB12of interconnect device10ofFIG. 1. Further, module200can include any suitable sensor or sensors208.

For example, in one or more embodiments, the sensor208can include one or more resonators. The resonators described herein can be thin-film resonators (TFRs). Thin film resonators can include a thin layer or film of piezoelectric material deposited on a substrate, rather than using, for example, AT-cut quartz. The piezoelectric films typically have a thickness of less than about 5 micrometers, such as less than about 2 micrometers, and may have thicknesses of less than about 100 nanometers. In one or more embodiments, thin-film resonators may be preferred because of their high resonance frequencies and the theoretically higher sensitivities. Depending on the applications, a thin-film resonator can be formed to support either longitudinal or shear bulk-acoustic wave resonant modes. In one or more embodiments, the resonator is formed to support shear bulk-acoustic wave resonant modes as they can be more suitable for use in a liquid sample.

Additional details regarding sensor devices and systems that may employ TFRs are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,953 issued Aug. 3, 1999 to Drees et al., entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING MATERIAL USING PIEZOELECTRIC RESONATORS; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,875 issued Apr. 2, 2013, to Johal et al., entitled MEASUREMENT OF BINDING KINETICS WITH A RESONATING SENSOR.

TFR sensors may be made in any suitable manner and of any suitable material. By way of example, a resonator may include a substrate such as a silicon wafer or sapphire, a Bragg mirror layer or other suitable acoustic isolation means, a bottom electrode, a piezoelectric material, and a top electrode.

Any suitable piezoelectric material may be used in a TFR. Examples of suitable piezoelectric substrates include lithium tantalate (LiTaO3), lithium niobate (LiNbO3), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), aluminum nitride (AlN), plumbum zirconate titanate (PZT) and the like.

Electrodes may be formed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, tungsten, gold, titanium, molybdenum, or the like. Electrodes may be deposited by vapor deposition or may be formed by any other suitable process.

In one or more embodiments, the resonator208of module200can include a sensing resonator that includes binding sties for an analyte material, and a reference resonator that lacks any binding sites for the analyte material as if further described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/039400 to Webster, entitled TWO PART ASSEMBLY.

In one or more embodiments, the module200can include back-to-back PCB configurations utilizing two substantially different PCBs. In one approach, the resonator on one PCB is situated off-center while the resonator on the other PCB is centered. In this configuration, the reference and sensing resonators can still have sufficient distance there-between to reduce cross talk between the two resonators. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the resonators on the two PCBs are constructed such that the back-to-back PCB configuration results in the reference and sensing resonators being directly opposed.

In one or more embodiments, the sensing resonator is coated with a different material than a reference resonator depending upon the material to be detected. By varying the coating on the resonators, the disclosed systems can allow universal use for various diagnostic testing of chemical and/or biological materials without changing any of the other system structural components. Sensors for resonance shift detection of chemical and/or biological materials effectively allow fast response times for the detection of the respective chemical and/or biological material, in the field detection capabilities, small sample sizes, minimally trained individuals, low direct and indirect costs, and electronically transmittable data.

Although not necessarily easily visible inFIG. 9, the PCB210includes a slot (e.g., slot34of PCB12) in which at least the piezoelectric layer of the sensor208sits. The first portion202also includes three different adhesive films212a,212b, and212c. The adhesive films212a,212b, and212calong with the channel206and at least a portion of the PCB210and sensor208form the fluidic pathway. This particular exemplary sensor assembly also includes a waste wick214, which is within or in fluid communication with the fluidic pathway. The waste wick214can function to contain overflow fluid from the fluidic channel. This particular exemplary sensor assembly also includes at least one, and in this embodiment two hydrophobic vents216. The hydrophobic vents216function to provide a liquid stop for use in metering and to prevent liquid ingress into the instrument when using an external pump.

The second portion204is circular and is configured to be rotated around a central point. The second portion204includes eight (8) wells (illustrated by well218). The wells218in this exemplary embodiment have a teardrop shape. Shapes such as a teardrop shape may provide an advantageous use of space, but it should also be noted that other shapes, such as circular shapes for example could also be suitable. It should also be noted that there are portions of the housing of the second portion that do not include wells. The portion without a well can be utilized to have a position for the introducer upon assembly of the first and second portion. It is noted that the empty well for the introducer to be placed in upon initial assembly cannot be the sample introduction well because it has to be accessible for introduction of the sample. It should also be noted that this function could be served by an additional empty well (instead of a void). In this particular embodiment, the wells are sealed with one portion or piece of material, e.g., a seal220. In this exemplary embodiment, the seal220is made of a metal foil. This particular embodiment of the seal220includes two openings that are positioned over the voids. These openings can allow advantageous assembly with introducer placement.

This particular embodiment of a sensor assembly200also includes a gasket layer222. The gasket layer222can be made of any material that is somewhat compliant (to allow for a gasket type of function), and in some embodiments, the gasket material does not absorb a sufficient amount of liquid. The gasket layer222can be advantageous because it can function to seal the wells once they have been punctured by the introducer. In some embodiments, the gasket layer222can be attached to (via adhesive for example), or formed integrally with the seal220.

The resonator sensor module200may include various one or more flow paths in fluid communication with the resonator across which a fluid sample containing analyte may flow. The flow paths may be in communication with one or more reagents that may be drawn across the surface of the resonator, with or without the analyte. The resonator may be associated with the PCB210. The resonator sensor module200also includes an interconnect device224(e.g., PCB12of interconnect device10ofFIG. 1) for electrical coupling to an associated apparatus or system, e.g., apparatus112ofFIG. 8.

Any suitable technique or combination of techniques can be used with the system100ofFIG. 8for detection of test material. For example, a bulk-acoustic wave piezoelectric resonator can be used as a sensor to detect an analyte. Such resonators may be included in the resonator sensor modules described herein, e.g., module200. The resonator typically includes a planar layer of piezoelectric material bounded on opposite sides by two respective metal layers that form the electrodes of the resonator. The two surfaces of the resonator are free to undergo vibrational movement when the resonator is driven by a signal within the resonance band of the resonator. When the resonator is used as a sensor, at least one of its surfaces is adapted to provide binding sites for the material being detected. The binding of the material on the surface of the resonator alters the resonant characteristics of the resonator, and the changes in the resonant characteristics are detected and interpreted to provide quantitative information regarding the material being detected.

By way of example, such quantitative information may be obtained by detecting a change in the insertion phase shift of the resonator caused by the binding of the material being detected on the surface of the resonator. Such sensors differ from those that operate the resonator as an oscillator and monitor changes in the oscillation frequency. Rather, such sensors insert the resonator in the path of a signal of a pre-selected frequency and monitor the variation of the insertion phase shift caused by the binding of the material being detected on the resonator surface.

Any suitable molecular recognition component may be bound to the surface of a resonator. The molecular recognition component preferably selectively binds to the analyte of interest. By way of example, the molecular recognition component may be selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids, nucleotides, nucleosides, nucleic acids analogues such as PNA and LNA molecules, proteins, peptides, antibodies including IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE, lectins, antibody fragments, enzymes, enzymes cofactors, enzyme substrates, enzymes inhibitors, receptors, ligands, kinases, Protein A, Poly U, Poly A, Poly lysine, triazine dye, boronic acid, thiol, heparin, polysaccharides, coomassie blue, azure A, metal-binding peptides, sugar, carbohydrate, chelating agents, prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.

The module interface224can include any suitable structure such that the interface can connect the module200to an associated apparatus. In one or more embodiments, the interface224can include one or more resiliently deflectable tabs or fingers225formed in the first portion202of the module200such that the module is configured to engage a connector (e.g., connector40ofFIG. 1) of an associated device (e.g., measurement apparatus112). The fingers225, in one more embodiments, are configured to interlock with the casing of the connector of the associated device such that the module is securely connected to the associated device.

Returning toFIG. 8, the system100includes measurement apparatus112. The apparatus112is operatively coupled to the resonator sensor module110through an interconnect device, e.g., interconnect device10ofFIG. 1. The interconnect device can include the module interface (e.g., module interface224of module200) of the resonator sensor module110and a connector (e.g., connector40) disposed within apparatus112. The interconnect device can be sealed such that is protected from the environment when the resonator sensor module110is connected to the apparatus112via module port114. Once detection and testing is completed, the module110can be detached from apparatus112and either reconditioned for additional testing or disposed of.

In some embodiments, the apparatus112can include a data storage device such as a ROM or flash EEPROM. The data storage device may serve to set up the instrument for specific market applications by including software or identification information that allows the instrument to understand the particular use of the system100as it relates to the resonator sensor module110. For instance, the read-only memory may contain basic information or algorithmic instructions for the interpretive logic of the instrument that relates to the output signal of the module110, which may serve to limit the system100to specific applications, such as limited only to use in one of: veterinary applications, toxicology applications, drugs of abuse applications; GMO grain applications, for example.

The data storage device can also contain sensor-type specific information such as the general frequency range or approximate resonance frequency of one or more resonators of the module110as determined during post-production testing. This information could, for example, reduce sensor detection and calibration setup time when a new sensor is coupled to an instrument. In a related embodiment, the data storage device contains lookup tables of calibration correction constants that are indexed by lookup codes individually determined for the sensors at the factory. In various other embodiments, the lookup code may be supplied via printed label, barcode label, or using a RFID tag.

In one or more embodiments, the module110can include a read-only memory (ROM) or small flash device having its own specific calibration constants specific to the individual sensor module. This data could be supplied based on factory calibration performed on a representative sample taken from the manufactured lot in which the individual module110was fabricated. The various embodiments of resonator sensor modules described herein can be used with any suitable measurement apparatus to provide a resonator sensor system for measuring the binding kinetics of an interaction of an analyte material present in a fluid sample, e.g., the apparatuses described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,409,875. For example,FIG. 12is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system300that includes a resonator sensor module310and a measurement apparatus312. The resonator sensor module310can include any resonator sensor module described herein, e.g., module200ofFIGS. 9-11. Module310includes a module interface330.

As illustrated, the measurement apparatus312is operatively coupled to the resonator sensor module310through the module interface330. Any suitable interconnect device can be utilized to operatively couple the measurement apparatus312to the module310, e.g., interconnect device10ofFIG. 1.

The apparatus312includes actuation circuitry350, measurement circuitry360, and a controller370operatively coupled to the actuation and measurement circuitry.

The actuation circuitry350is configured to drive a sensor (e.g., sensor26ofFIG. 4) of the module310into an oscillating motion as is further described herein. The actuation circuitry350can include any suitable device or devices to drive the resonators in this manner, e.g., synthesizers, independent current sources, independent voltage sources, voltage controlled oscillators (VCO), backward wave oscillators (BWO), and combinations thereof.

The actuation circuitry350is configured to drive the one or more sensors (e.g., resonators) at any suitable frequency or frequencies. In one or more embodiments, the actuation circuitry350is configured to drive one or more sensors at its resonant frequency. In some embodiments, the actuation circuitry350is configured to drive one sensor at a first frequency and a second sensor at a second frequency. For example, the resonator sensor module310can include one or more sensing resonators and one or more reference resonators. The actuation circuitry350would, therefore, be configured to drive the one or more sensing resonators at a first frequency and the one or more reference resonators at a second frequency. In some embodiments, the first frequency is substantially equal to the second frequency. In other embodiments, the first frequency is different from the second frequency.

The system300also includes measurement circuitry360configured to measure one or more resonator output signals representing a resonance characteristic of the oscillating motion of the one or more sensors of module310. Measurement circuitry360can include any suitable device or devices to measure these output signals, e.g., gain/phase detectors, amplifiers, filters, analog-to-digital circuits (ADCs), digital-to-analog circuits (DACs), mixers, directional couplers, RF receivers, and combinations thereof.

Also included in the measurement apparatus312of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12is a controller370. The controller370is operatively coupled to the actuation circuitry350and measurement circuitry360. The controller370can include any suitable device or devices, e.g., microprocessors, microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), analog control circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), computers, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the controller370can include a combination of hardware and software, such as by a microprocessor system and a set of instructions to implement the controller's functionality. In one or more embodiments, the controller370can be implemented as a combination of the two, with certain functions facilitated by hardware alone, and other functions facilitated by a combination of hardware and software. A variety of suitable microprocessor systems may be utilized including, without limitation, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors, and the like, along with appropriate interfacing circuitry, data storage, power conditioning system, etc., as needed to implement the controller's functionality.

In one or more embodiments, the controller370is configured to perform various measurement functions as are described further in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,932,953 and 8,409,875. For example, in some embodiments, the controller370is configured to detect introduction of a fluid sample into contact with at least one of the one or more sensing resonators of module310based on detection of a characteristic change in the sensing resonator output signal, e.g., the resonant frequency of the one or more sensing resonators. And in some embodiments, the controller370is configured, in response to the detection of the introduction of the fluid sample, to initiate measurement of the binding kinetics of the analyte material to the at least one of the one or more sensing resonators.

In one or more embodiments, the controller370is further configured to monitor the one or more resonator output signals from a time reference based on the time of occurrence of the characteristic change in the output signal. Further, in some embodiments, the controller370is configured to detect a step change in a resonant characteristic of at least one of the one or more sensing resonators and at least one of the one or more reference resonators selected from the group consisting of: a frequency, a reflection or transmission phase angle, a reflection or transmission amplitude, or any combination thereof. And in some embodiments, the controller370is further configured to determine a measure of concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample based on the binding kinetics.

The controller370is further configured to send a control signal to a device (e.g., device28ofFIG. 4). For example, the controller370can be configured to send a control signal to a switch to position the switch in either a first position or a second position. In one or more embodiments, the first position of the switch operatively couples a sensing resonator and the module interface330, and the second position operatively couples a reference resonator and the module interface. The control signal is provided to the switch via the module interface. Any suitable switches and circuitry can be utilized to operatively couple the module interface330and one or more resonators of the resonator sensor module310, e.g., those described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/039291 to Tischer, entitled RESONATOR SENSOR MODULE AND SYSTEM AND METHOD USING SAME.

As used herein, “have”, “having”, “include”, “including”, “comprise”, “comprising” or the like are used in their open ended sense, and generally mean “including, but not limited to”. It will be understood that “consisting essentially of”, “consisting of”, and the like are subsumed in “comprising” and the like. As used herein, “consisting essentially of,” as it relates to a composition, product, method or the like, means that the components of the composition, product, method or the like are limited to the enumerated components and any other components that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the composition, product, method or the like.

Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. or 10 or less includes 10, 9.4, 7.6, 5, 4.3, 2.9, 1.62, 0.3, etc.). Where a range of values is “up to” a particular value, that value is included within the range.

Any direction referred to herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” and other directions and orientations are described herein for clarity in reference to the figures and are not to be limiting of an actual device or system or use of the device or system. Devices or systems as described herein may be used in a number of directions and orientations.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except to the extent they may directly contradict this disclosure. Illustrative embodiments of this disclosure are discussed and reference has been made to possible variations within the scope of this disclosure. These and other variations and modifications in the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be limited only by the claims provided below.