Flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on interdigital electrodes with porous microneedle arrays for physiological signal monitoring

Flexible pressure sensors have many potential applications in the monitoring of physiological signals because of their good biocompatibil-ity and wearability.However,their relatively low sensitivity,linearity,and stability have hindered their large-scale commercial application.Herein,aflexible capacitive pressure sensor based on an interdigital electrode structure with two porous microneedle arrays(MNAs)is pro-posed.The porous substrate that constitutes the MNA is a mixed product of polydimethylsiloxane and NaHCO3.Due to its porous and interdigital structure,the maximum sensitivity(0.07 kPa-1)of a porous MNA-based pressure sensor was found to be seven times higher than that of an imporous MNA pressure sensor,and it was much greater than that of aflat pressure sensor without a porous MNA structure.Finite-element analysis showed that the interdigital MNA structure can greatly increase the strain and improve the sensitivity of the sen-sor.In addition,the porous MNA-based pressure sensor was found to have good stability over 1500 loading cycles as a result of its bilayer parylene-enhanced conductive electrode structure.Most importantly,it was found that the sensor could accurately monitor the motion of afinger,wrist joint,arm,face,abdomen,eye,and Adam’s apple.Furthermore,preliminary semantic recognition was achieved by monitoring the movement of the Adam’s apple.Finally,multiple pressure sensors were integrated into a 33 array to detect a spatial pressure distribu-×tion.Compared to the sensors reported in previous works,the interdigital electrode structure presented in this work improves sensitivity and stability by modifying the electrode layer rather than the dielectric layer.

Dielectric Properties of Capacitive-Type Humidity Sensor Made under Different Pressures

Capacitive humidity sensors were made of nanometer barium titanate.The pellets were prepared under different pressures between 3920N to 7850N force.The capacitance changes in three orders of magnitude in the relative humidity range of 10%～98%,indicating high humidity sensitivity of the sensors.At a certain measuring frequency,the capacitance of the sensors increases as increasing of the preparation pressure,while the sensitivity of the sensors basically remains the same.The frequencies corresponding to the peaks of the dielectric loss of the sensors move to the higher frequency direction as increasing of the relative humidity.At a certain humidity,the frequencies corresponding to the peaks of the dielectric loss move to the higher frequency direction as increasing of the preparation pressure.

Textile-Based Capacitive Pressure Distribution Measurement System for Human Sitting Posture Monitoring

Flexible pressure monitoring device can help correct the sitting posture and prevent health problems(e.g.,deformity of spinal column and musculoskeletal disease).Currently,most measurement systems hinder their wide applications owing to the high cost or low accuracy.In this study,a flexible sitting pressure measurement system was proposed based on a textile-based capacitive pressure sensor array in order to measure sitting pressure distribution simply and conveniently.The capacitive pressure sensor array is sandwich structure composed of a high-density sponge layer and two electrode array fabrics,which possesses high resolution(2.26 sensors/cm2),high sensitivity(0.701 kPa-1)and fast response(≤35 ms).It is worth noting that the raw materials of the sensing fabric include commercialized copper sheets and polyester yarns.The as-prepared pressure measurement system can accurately measure the pressure distribution nephogram for sitting posture analysis.The sitting pressure of 10 volunteers was measured and six types of posture were distinguished clearly.

Facile fabrication of microstructured surface using laser speckle for high-sensitivity capacitive pressure sensors

The design of a maskless exposure system for fabricating the microstructured surface based on the grainy light illumination generated by laser speckle is reported. Upon combining with soft lithography, we obtained microstructured polydimethylsiloxane electrodes with microstructure sizes of 20 μm and 40 μm and microstructure fill factors ranging from 10% to 90%. The feasibility of using this method in fabricating high-sensitivity capacitive pressure sensors was demonstrated. The sensor shows the highest sensitivity of 2.14 k Pa-1under 0–100 Pa pressures, the low detection limit of 4.9 Pa, and the excellent stability and durability of 10000 cycles. The method of employing laser speckle in fabricating microstructures with different morphologies is simple and robust, which is superior to other methods such as traditional photolithography.

Soft-template synthesis of hierarchically porous structured polydimethylsiloxane toward flexible capacitive pressure sensor

Flexible pressure sensors play an important role in the field of monitoring, owing to their inherent safety and the fact that they are embedded at the material level. Capacitive pressure sensors have been proven to be quite versatile, with the ability to change the sensitivity and monitoring range by modifying the pore structure of the dielectric layer(elastic modulus). In this paper, capacitive pressure sensors are devised, comprising hierarchical porous polydimethylsiloxane. Due to the inherent hollow and hierarchical micropore structure, the capacitive pressure sensor allows operation at a wider pressure range(~1000 kPa) while maintaining sensitivity(6.33 MPa-1) in the range of 0–300 k Pa. Subsequently, the capacitance output model of the sensor is optimized, which provides an overall approximation of the experimental values for the sensor performance. Additionally, the signal response of the“break up the whole into parts”(by analysis of the whole sensor in parts) is simulated and outputted by the finite element analysis. The simplified analysis model provides a good understanding of the relationship between the local pressure and the signal response of the pressure sensor. For practical applications, seal monitoring and rubber wheel pressure array system are tested, and the proposed sensor shows sufficient potential for application in large deformation elastomer products.

Progress in achieving high-performance piezoresistive and capacitiveflexible pressure sensors: A review

Electronic skin(e-skin) and flexible wearable devices are currently being developed with broad application prospects. Transforming electronic skin(e-skin) into true ¨skin¨is the ultimate goal. Tactile sensing is a fundamental function of skin and the development of high-performance flexible pressure sensors is necessary to realize thus. Many reports on flexible pressure sensors have been published in recent years,including numerous studies on improving sensor performance, and in particular, sensitivity. In addition,a number of studies have investigated self-healing materials, multifunctional sensing, and so on. Here,we review recent developments in flexible pressure sensors. First, working principles of flexible pressure sensors, including piezoresistivity, capacitance, and piezoelectricity, are introduced, as well as working mechanisms such as triboelectricity. Then studies on improving the performance of piezoresistive and capacitive flexible pressure sensors are discussed, in addition to other important aspects of this intriguing research field. Finally, we summarize future challenges in developing novel flexible pressure sensors.

ANALYTICAL ANALYSIS OF MEMS CAPACITIVE PRESSURE SENSOR WITH CIRCULAR DIAPHRAGM UNDER DYNAMIC LOAD USING DIFFERENTIAL TRANSFORMATION METHOD(DTM)

In this paper, first a circular diaphragm is modeled using the classical plate theory. An analytical solution based on differential transformation method （DTM） and Runge-Kutta method is employed for solving the governing differential equation for the first time. Then the influences of various parameters on central deflection of the diaphragm, stress distribution and capacitance of pressure sensor with a time-dependent pressure are examined. Several case studies are compared with simulations to confirm the proposed method. The analytical results compared with ABAQUS simulation show excellent agreement with the simulation results. This method is very promising for time saving in calculating micro-device characteristics.

Numerical analysis of capacitive pressure micro-sensors

Pseudo-spectral method is used to numerically model the diaphragm deflection of capacitive pressure micro-sensor under uniform load. The relationship between the capacitance of the micro-sensor and the load is then analyzed after the description of the computational principle. For normal mode micro-sensor, the tensile force on the diaphragm can be ignored and thereby the capacitance increases linearly with the load increase only when the load is so small that the resultant deflection is less than the diaphragm thickness. The linear relationship between the capacitance and the load turns to be nonlinear thereafter and the capacitance rises dramatically with the constant increase of the load. For touch mode micro-sensor, an algorithm to determine the touch radius of the diaphragm and substrate is presented and the curve of capacitance versus load is shown on the numerical results laying a theoretical foundation for micro-sensor design.

State-of-the-art and recent developments in micro/nanoscale pressure sensors for smart wearable devices and health monitoring systems

Small-sized,low-cost,and high-sensitivity sensors are required for pressure-sensing applications because of their critical role in consumer electronics,automotive applications,and industrial environments.Thus,micro/nanoscale pressure sensors based on micro/nanofabrication and micro/nanoelectromechanical system technologies have emerged as a promising class of pressure sensors on account of their remarkable miniaturization and performance.These sensors have recently been developed to feature multifunctionality and applicability to novel scenarios,such as smart wearable devices and health monitoring systems.In this review,we summarize the major sensing principles used in micro/nanoscale pressure sensors and discuss recent progress in the development of four major categories of these sensors,namely,novel material-based,flexible,implantable,and selfpowered pressure sensors.

Pressure effects in AlAs/Inx Ga1-xAs/GaAs resonant tunnelling diodes for application in micromachined sensors

This paper reports the current-voltage characteristics of [001]-oriented AlAs/InxGa1-xAs/GaAs resonant tunnelling diodes （RTDs） as a function of uniaxial external stress applied parallel to the [110] and the [1^-10] orientations, and the output characteristics of the GaAs pressure sensor based on the pressure effect on the RTDs. Under [110] stress, the resonance peak voltages of the RTDs shift to more positive voltages. For [1^-10] stress, the peaks shift toward more negative voltages. The resonance peak voltage is linearly dependent on the [110] and [1^-0] stresses and the linear sensitivities are up to 0.69 mV/MPa, -0.69 mV/MPa respectively. For the pressure sensor, the linear sensitivity is up to 0.37 mV/kPa.

Simulation Study of CMUT for Pressure Sensing Applications

Capacitive micromechanical ultrasonic transducers(CMUTs)have been widely studied because they can be used as substitutes for piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers in imaging applications.However,it is unclear whether and how CMUTs can be developed for sensors incorporating other functions.For instance,researchers have proposed the use of CMUTs for pressure sensing,but fundamental and practical application issues remain unsolved.This study explored ways in which a pressure sensor can be properly developed based on a CMUT prototype using a simulation approach.A three-dimensional finite element model of CMUTs was designed using the COMSOL Multiphysics software by combining the working principle of CMUTs with pressure sensing characteristics in which the resonance frequency of the CMUT cell shifts accordingly when it is subjected to an external pressure.Simultaneously,when subjected to pressure,the CMUT membrane deforms,thus the pressure can be reflected by the change in the capacitance.

基于MEMS技术的集成压力-湿度传感器

设计了一种高灵敏度的集成压力和湿度传感单元的芯片。压力传感单元基于SOI和蛇形电阻结构。室温下,传感器在载压范围为3~129 kPa内灵敏度为0.026 mV/kPa,与有限元仿真基本吻合。传感器在25~120℃范围内的热灵敏度漂移为0.004‰FS/℃,热零点漂移为0.25%FS/℃。湿度传感单元采用的叉指电极和电容式结构,引入含氟PI作湿度敏感膜。设计Mo电阻加热结构加快传感器降湿过程,缩短降湿时间近32%。在10%~90%RH的湿度范围,含氟PI湿度传感器的灵敏度为0.121 pF/%RH,略低于无氟PI器件。含氟基团的引入,使得传感器的湿滞较无氟PI降低16%。“电容-湿度”曲线呈指数分布,相关系数R^(2)=0.996。测试结果发现,湿度传感单元和压力传感单元拥有良好的独立工作性能。

柔性电容式压力传感器性能优化的研究进展

柔性电容式压力传感器具有低能耗、高灵敏度、高稳定性等优点,在可穿戴设备、电子皮肤等柔性电子领域受到广泛关注。概述了以复合介电层和微结构设计为代表的柔性电容式压力传感器灵敏度提升方法,并介绍了柔性电容式压力传感器在追求高灵敏度和宽检测范围方面通常采用的多级复合结构、复合机制和混合响应策略,最后对柔性电容式压力传感器发展趋势进行了展望。

具有多孔双微结构层的柔性电容式压力传感器

电极和介电层的材料性能和表面结构是决定柔性电容式压力传感器性能的关键因素。将碳纳米管(CNT)与硅橡胶结合制备出拉伸性能优良的斜线型微结构电极层。以聚二甲基硅氧烷(PDMS)/BaTiO_(3)/SrTiO_(3)复合材料制备多孔砂纸微结构介电层。电极与介电层交界面构成双重微结构以提升电荷携带能力。场发射扫描电子显微镜与光学显微镜观测结果验证了上述微结构的存在。基于电容模型的分析表明,传感器灵敏度主要取决于多孔介电层的形变量。所制备的多孔双微结构层柔性电容式压力传感器最高灵敏度为2.681 kPa^(-1),在3~5 kPa的压力区间仍具有0.412 kPa^(-1)的灵敏度,响应时间和释放时间分别约为39和61 ms。该传感器能够检测出吞咽时咽部运动的微小压力,实验中测得的最小电容变化率为0.13%,能够识别0.53 Pa的微小压力,具有较低的检测限。进行6000次以上的压缩循环测试后,传感器加载-卸载曲线重合性好,同时对不同频率压力的响应良好,验证了传感器良好的可重复性。总之,所提出的传感器具有良好的压力感知性能,在生理信号监测、人机交互等领域具有广阔的应用前景。

集成式陶瓷压力传感器结构设计与测试分析

本文设计并制备了一种集成式陶瓷压力传感器。首先基于电容式压力传感器工作原理和薄板变形理论,对传感器敏感结构进行建模和仿真分析。将设计的信号调理电路集成在印刷电路板(PCB)上,PCB通过导电结构PIN针与敏感结构紧贴在一起,采用压缩弹簧实现针脚连接。同时设计了传感器敏感结构工艺制备流程,并对封装后的传感器进行研究分析。测试结果表明:传感器在0~1.4 MPa量程内,常温下其灵敏度达到0.571 V/V/MPa,非线性度小于0.325%FS,在-40~150℃温度范围内,整体测量误差精度为±0.245%RH,传感器在振动和冲击的环境中工作稳定。

基于镓基液态金属的电容式柔性压力传感器

旨在设计并测试一种基于镓基液态金属的电容式柔性压力传感器。该传感器由镓基液态金属镓铟锡合金(Galinstan)、炭黑(CB)以及聚二甲基硅氧烷(PDMS)以牺牲模板法制作传感器介电层,同时通过丝网印刷技术将镓基液态金属共晶镓铟合金(EGaIn)印刷于普通织物上制备传感器电极。完成传感器封装后,对传感器进行各项传感性能的测试。测试结果表明,该传感器具备较高灵敏度(0.18 kPa^(-1)),低迟滞性,快速响应时间(140 ms)及恢复时间(180 ms),并展现出优良的循环耐久性和稳定性。此外,还探讨了该传感器在监测人体运动,如自行车踏频监测和步频监测等方面的潜在应用,证明其在运动分析和健康监测领域的有效性。通过这些实验和分析,证实了该传感器作为一种新型柔性压力传感器的可行性和应用潜力,为未来的研究和应用提供了有价值的参考。

基于空心微柱介电层的柔性电容式压力传感器

提出了一种使用空心微柱介电层的柔性电容式压力传感器,通过倒模的方法制备PDMS和BaTiO_(3)复合材料的空心微柱介电层,通过在PET薄膜上丝网印刷导电银浆制作为阵列式电极。实验表明,该传感器在压力范围为0~5 kPa,5~50 kPa和50~200 kPa时的灵敏度分别为0.498,0.026和0.008 kPa^(-1),最小检测压力可达35 Pa,在1000次重复压力实验中表现稳定,且具有快速的响应速度(约134 ms)。该传感器制备方法简单高效,制作成本低且便于大规模制备,同时该传感器在准确性、稳定性、灵活性等方面都有优秀的表现,可被应用于可穿戴电子设备和智能机器人等领域。

电容式柔性压力传感器的性能优化原理及研究进展

作为可穿戴电子器件的重要分支,柔性压力传感器在人机交互、健康监测等方面具有广阔的应用前景。随着新型材料与新的器件制备策略的不断开发,柔性压力传感器的力学与电学性能不断被优化以适应不同的应用需求。相较于其他传感器,电容式柔性压力传感器具有灵敏度高、功耗低、响应快的优势。电容式柔性压力传感器的性能优化主要通过改变器件的结构参数来实现,如电极有效正对面积、电极间距、有效介电常数等。主要方法策略包括新型纳米材料的应用、新型微结构设计和新型复合材料的开发。主要优化原理有四种:(1)通过改变电极表面粗糙度来改变电极有效正对面积;(2)在电极或介电层中引入空气层以降低弹性模量;(3)在介电层中引入空气或高介电常数材料来改变有效介电常数;(4)通过复合材料在介电层中形成微电容以改变总体电容变化。在电容式柔性压力传感器的性能优化研究中存在一个共性问题,即高灵敏度与宽检测范围之间总是存在一种制约关系。在一定压力范围内,尤其是低压范围,灵敏度提升往往会使器件较易达到压缩饱和而使检测范围有限,即线性度较差。近年来,研究者们着眼于高灵敏度与宽检测范围之间的制约问题,对介电层的梯度结构设计及混合响应机制进行探索,取得了丰硕的成果,在保证高灵敏度的前提下大幅提升了器件的检测范围。然而,迟滞、稳定性及阵列优化仍是电容式柔性压力传感器面向实际应用时存在的问题。本文系统归纳了电容式柔性压力传感器的性能优化原理,分别对电极和介电层的结构设计与材料优化方法进行了介绍,分析了电容式柔性压力传感器在性能优化研究中面临的难题,并进行了展望,以期为设计和制备满足应用需求条件的高性能柔性压力传感器提供参考。

介电层造孔优化ITO-PET/PDMS/ITO-PET结构的电容式柔性压力传感性能

灵敏度是柔性压力传感器的重要性能指标,为了有效提高传感器的灵敏度,同时兼顾其他各性能,选用聚二甲基硅氧烷(PDMS)作为复合介电层材料、氧化铟锡-聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇脂(ITO-PET)作为电极材料、二亚硝基五亚甲基四胺(DPT)作为造孔试剂,通过介电层造孔的方式,尝试配置不同质量分数DPT的DPT-PDMS试剂来寻找最佳配比,使制备的ITOPET/PDMS/ITO-PET结构的电容式柔性压力传感器的灵敏度显著提高,在低压范围灵敏度达到了1.65 kPa^(-1),相较于没有造孔的PDMS电容式柔性压力传感器的灵敏度(0.36 kPa^(-1))提高了3.58倍,最终取得了灵敏度高、工作压力范围(0~8 kPa)宽、阻滞误差小、循环稳定性高、工作温度范围(0~80℃)广、响应时间(<65 ms)短的电容式压力传感特性。由此可见,对介电层造孔能够有效提高传感器的灵敏度,并且传感器的其他性能均表现良好。

高性能可穿戴式柔性压力传感器的制作与检测

对柔性压力传感器进行了设计和研究,总体采用三明治式结构,介质层选择了复眼微结构的设计方式,电极层则需要在改性后的PDMS表面溅射一层金属银。将制备的三层结构通过键合的方式组成响应速度和灵敏度均较高的传感器。该传感器的测试结果为:当传感器表面压力一定时,复眼结构的电容式压力传感器的灵敏度达到了0.32 kPa^(-1),响应时间和恢复时间分别为130 ms和120 ms,迟滞性参数均小于7%,经过12 000次的撞击实验,传感器仍然能保持稳定的输出。制备的传感器具有较强的响应特性、良好的恢复性和稳定性,能够适应柔性可穿戴电子器件的应用需求。