MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERMAL CONTROL

摘要

The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed resistive thermal detectors (RTDs). Each of the RTDs is associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The RTDs are connected to a power supply through individual electrodes and pairs of common electrodes. Adjacent RTDs may be driven with alternating polarities, and the current in the common electrodes may be minimized using a virtual ground circuit. The compact microfluidic device is capable of fast heating and highly precise thermal control. The compact microfluidic device is also capable using the RTDs to sense temperature without their heating capability.

主权项

1. A microfluidic system comprising:
a microfluidic device comprising:
a plurality of microchannels;a plurality of resistive temperature detectors (RTDs) each adjacent to a portion of an associated one of the plurality of microchannels;a first common electrode connected to each of the plurality of RTDs;a second common electrode connected the first common electrode and to each of the plurality of RTDs; and a heater control and measurement circuit configured to:
(i) drive the plurality of RTDs with heater control signals having alternating polarities so that adjacent RTDs of the plurality are driven with heater control signals having opposite polarities;(ii) minimize the current in the first and second common electrodes;(iii) sense a temperature of each of the plurality of RTDs; and(iv) update the heater control signals using the sensed temperatures of the plurality of RTDs.