Patent ID: 8265726

Claim:
A sensor control unit comprising: an electrochemical sensor, comprising: a substrate having a narrow distal region for partial implantation through a skin surface and a wider proximal region, the substrate including at least a first surface and a second surface; at least one working electrode disposed on the narrow distal region of the substrate and in fluid contact with interstitial fluid under the skin surface, the at least one working electrode formed on the first surface of the substrate; at least one reference electrode disposed on the narrow distal region of the substrate, the at least one reference electrode formed on the first surface of the substrate; at least one counter electrode disposed on the narrow distal region of the substrate, the at least one counter electrode formed on the second surface of the substrate; a plurality of conductive contacts disposed on the wider proximal region of the substrate and on the first surface of the substrate, wherein a first one of the plurality of conductive contacts is in electrical communication with the working electrode, a second one of the plurality of conductive contacts is in electrical communication with the reference electrode, and a third one of the plurality of conductive contacts is in electrical communication with the counter electrode; and at least one via formed through the substrate that electrically connects the counter electrode to the third one of the plurality of conductive contacts; a mounting unit adapted for placement on the skin of the subject and to removably support a portion of the electrochemical sensor extending out of the skin of the subject; and a housing comprising an rf transmitter disposed therein and a plurality of electrical components adapted to couple with the plurality of conductive contacts disposed on the proximal portion of the sensor without intervening wires between the sensor and the housing, wherein the housing is adapted for coupling with the mounting unit.