An electrochemical analyte sensor comprising: a base layer; a working electrode disposed on the base layer; and a multilayer analyte sensor stack disposed upon the working electrode comprising: (a) an analyte sensing layer disposed on the working electrode, wherein the analyte sensing layer detectably alters the electrical current at the working electrode in the presence of an analyte; (b) an analyte modulating layer disposed over the analyte sensing layer, wherein the analyte modulating layer facilitates the diffusion of O2 from an external environment to the analyte sensing layer; and a plurality of channels disposed in the electrochemical analyte sensor architecture that operably couple the analyte sensing layer to an external environment on the opposite side of the sensor by passing through the base and the electrode, wherein the plurality of channels facilitate the diffusion of O 2 from the external environment to the analyte sensing layer, the sensor further comprising a first air conduit formed by a first silicone bridge, having a first portion for contact with air in an ex vivo environment and a second portion in operable contact with at least one of the channels, the channel comprising a via, wherein: the first air conduit facilitates the diffusion of Oz from the air in the ex vivo environment and to the analyte sensing layer; and the first silicone bridge comprises a portion for contact with interstitial fluid. a base layer; a working electrode disposed on the base layer; and a multilayer analyte sensor stack disposed upon the working electrode comprising: (a) an analyte sensing layer disposed on the working electrode, wherein the analyte sensing layer detectably alters the electrical current at the working electrode in the presence of an analyte; (b) an analyte modulating layer disposed over the analyte sensing layer, wherein the analyte modulating layer facilitates the diffusion of O2 from an external environment to the analyte sensing layer; and (a) an analyte sensing layer disposed on the working electrode, wherein the analyte sensing layer detectably alters the electrical current at the working electrode in the presence of an analyte; (b) an analyte modulating layer disposed over the analyte sensing layer, wherein the analyte modulating layer facilitates the diffusion of O2 from an external environment to the analyte sensing layer; and a plurality of channels disposed in the electrochemical analyte sensor architecture that operably couple the analyte sensing layer to an external environment on the opposite side of the sensor by passing through the base and the electrode, wherein the plurality of channels facilitate the diffusion of O 2 from the external environment to the analyte sensing layer, the sensor further comprising a first air conduit formed by a first silicone bridge, having a first portion for contact with air in an ex vivo environment and a second portion in operable contact with at least one of the channels, the channel comprising a via, wherein: the first air conduit facilitates the diffusion of Oz from the air in the ex vivo environment and to the analyte sensing layer; and the first silicone bridge comprises a portion for contact with interstitial fluid.