Patent ID: 7767439

Claim:
A real-time PCR monitoring apparatus comprising: a microchip-type PCR tube that has a PCR solution-containing PCR chamber, wherein the PCR tube is made of silicon; a micro-heater that applies heat to the PCR chamber of the PCR tube, wherein the micro-heater comprises a metal foil layer disposed in a serpentine shape attached directly to a lower surface of the PCR tube; a detection unit that detects a PCR product signal based on the amount of a PCR product of the PCR solution, wherein the PCR product signal is an electrical signal measured in the PCR solution to which an alternating current is applied and the detection unit comprises a sensor that detects the electrical signal; a plurality of modules, each of which comprises a cooling fan for lowering the inside air temperature and a control unit for adjusting the temperature of the PCR chamber of the PCR tube by controlling the micro-heater and the cooling fan, and wherein each module of the plurality of modules receives the PCR tube, the micro-heater, and the detection unit; a base instrument that comprises a power supply unit electrically connected to the modules for power supply and a data communication unit electrically connected to the modules for data communication with the control unit of each of the modules; and a display unit that displays data received from the data communication unit, wherein the control unit of each of the modules independently controls at least one of the detection unit and the temperature of the PCR chamber of the PCR tube received in each of the modules, and wherein the micro-heater and PCR tube are detachably attached to the module as a single unit.