Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays

摘要

Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising: an array of sensors arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, sensors in the array of sensors including a corresponding chemically-sensitive field-effect transistor (chemFET);
a plurality of microwells associated with the array of sensors; circuitry for accessing sensors in the array of sensors, the circuitry including:
a row select circuit responsive to a first input signal to apply a sequence of shifted row select signals, wherein a given row select signal is applied to enable reading of one or more sensors in a corresponding row in the plurality of rows, anda column select circuit responsive to a second input signal to apply a sequence of shifted column select signals during application of the row select signals, wherein a given column select signal is applied to acquire an output signal produced by an enabled sensor in a corresponding column in the plurality of columns; and readout circuitry including:
a buffer amplifier having an input and an output, anda plurality of switches coupled between at least two columns of the plurality of columns and the input of the buffer amplifier, wherein switches in the plurality of switches are responsive to corresponding column select signals to selectively provide output signals generated by enabled sensors in the at least two columns to the input of the buffer amplifier.