Reusable test unit for simulating electrochemical sensor signals for quality assurance of portable blood analyzer instruments
First Claim
1. A reusable test unit for quality assurance testing of a portable analyzer instrument, the instrument having a multi-channel connector for electrical connection to a disposable sensor device and front end amplifiers for receiving signals from said multi-channel connector, comprising:
- connector means for establishing electrical connection with the multi-channel connector of the instrument;
simulated signal means for simulating on separate channels a plurality of microfabricated electrochemical sensors, each having a relatively high impedance with respect to the outputs of said front end amplifiers;
means for enabling detection of instrument failures arising from said multi-channel connector; and
means for enabling detection of instrument failures arising from said front end amplifiers.
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Abstract
A reusable test unit is disclosed for testing the functionality of a portable blood analyzer, and particularly the interface between the high-impedance electrochemical sensors and the instrument. Signals are generated to simulate amperometric, conductimetric, and potentiometric sensors. Circuitry permits detection and discrimination between failures from damaged CMOS amplifiers and failures from leakage currents in contaminated connectors. The test unit may be configured to be insertable into the instrument to fit mechanically in the same fashion as a disposable sensor device. A scheme for three-dimensional routing of guard lines on a circuit board is disclosed for guarding against coupling between closely space traces and connector pads.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A reusable test unit for quality assurance testing of a portable analyzer instrument, the instrument having a multi-channel connector for electrical connection to a disposable sensor device and front end amplifiers for receiving signals from said multi-channel connector, comprising:
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connector means for establishing electrical connection with the multi-channel connector of the instrument; simulated signal means for simulating on separate channels a plurality of microfabricated electrochemical sensors, each having a relatively high impedance with respect to the outputs of said front end amplifiers; means for enabling detection of instrument failures arising from said multi-channel connector; and means for enabling detection of instrument failures arising from said front end amplifiers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification