Printed memory on strip

摘要

A test strip for analyzing a biological fluid using a test meter includes a biosensor to sense the biological fluid. The test strip includes contacts to communicate with the test meter and conductors connected to the contacts. The test strip further includes a combination of diodes, resistors, and short circuits arranged in various ways between the conductors. The test strip stores data based on a number of connections severed between the diodes, the resistors, the short circuits, and the conductors. The test meter reads the data and communicates with the biosensor via the contacts.

主权项

1. A test strip for analyzing a biological fluid using a test meter, the test strip comprising:
a biosensor configured to sense the biological fluid, wherein the biosensor comprises a pair of conductors printed on the test strip to communicate with the test meter and a reagent deposited on the test strip to react with the biological fluid; first, second, and third contacts configured to communicate with the test meter, wherein at least two of the first, second, and third contacts are configured to communicate with the pair of conductors of the biosensor; first, second, and third conductors connected to the first, second, and third contacts, respectively, wherein at least two of the first, second, and third conductors are included in the pair of conductors of the biosensor; first and second diodes each having a first end connected to the first conductor and a second end connected to the second conductor at a first node so that the first diode is connected to the second diode in opposing polarity; third and fourth diodes each having a first end connected to the second conductor at the first node and a second end connected to the third conductor so that the third diode is connected to the fourth diode in opposing polarity; a first short circuit having (i) a first end connected to the first ends of the first and second diodes and (ii) a second end connected to the second ends of the first and second diodes; and a second short circuit having (i) a first end connected to the first ends of the third and fourth diodes and (ii) a second end connected to the second ends of the third and fourth diodes, wherein the test strip is configured to store data based on a first number of connections severed between (i) the first through fourth diodes and the first through third conductors and (ii) the first and second ends of the first and second short circuits.