Ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFET)

Ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFET)

In the field of chemosensor technology, Fraunhofer IPMS develops sensors for the detection of ion concentrations and conductivities in aqueous solutions.

  • Design and development of ISFET chips and wafer test structures
  • Metrological testing and characterization at wafer level (modeling for sensor operating point prediction, layer characterization and wafer area evaluation)
  • Development and design of assembly and connection technologies for use as sensors (module concept) including investigations and developments for polymer insulation of ISFET chips and the evaluation and testing of sensor seals
  • Metrological testing and characterization in aqueous solution (pH0-14, 0-95°C) with the development, testing and automation of measurement and characterization sequences
  • Development and pilot production of ISFET chips for integrators, system developers and industry. The main areas of application are environmental sensors, indoor farming, agriculture and water management as well as lifestyle and healthcare products.
  • Development and pilot production of ISFET arrays based on n-trough technology
  • Development and pilot production of ion-selective ISFETs

 

Sensor chip parameters

  • Chip size: 5x5 mm2
  • Operating point: e. g. VDS - 0,5 V; IDS = 190...170 µA
  • Reference electrode is needed
  • Fraunhofer IPMS n-Well ISFET allows multiple separate ISFETS on one chip

 

Parameter Min Typ Max CONdition Units
Sensitivity 56 58,2 60 20 °C mV/pH
Drift   20 40 ph 7 µV / h
Response time (accuracy 0,02 pH)   5 8 pH 4-7 (bei 25 °C) s
Temperature 5   80 pH 1-13 °C
pH range 1   13   pH
Pressure 10   100   kPa
© Fraunhofer IPMS
Close-up of a circuit board with ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFET).
© Fraunhofer IPMS
Ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFET)

Conductivity sensor

Quadrupole for capacitive and conductive measurement methods

  • Design and development of CMOS-compatible conductivity sensor structures
  • Design and integration of conductivity sensor structure in pH sensor systems
  • Metrological testing and characterisation
  • Design and development of circuits for integrating the AC conductivity sensor structure into the DC pH sensor

Areas of application

  • Environmental sensor technology
  • Water monitoring
  • Waste water technology
  • Microfluidics
  • Sports medicine/body sensors 

Structure

  • Si wafer with SiO2
  • Conductive structures made of Al + tantalum
  • Passivation of the surface by tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5)

 

Temperature sensor

  • Design and development of CMOS-compatible temperature sensor structures and test structures
  • Metrological testing and characterisation
  • Design and integration of the temperature sensor structure in pH sensors or conductivity sensors
  • Design and development of circuits for integrating the temperature sensor structure into the pH sensor/conductivity sensor

Applications and Projects:

Project "REAL"

Resource-efficient electrochemical analysis

Project "Pummel"

Point of Use Micro-Multichannel-Gas-Chromatograph

Project "REISen"

Resource and energy saving ISFET based sensor technology

Application

Breath analysis

Press release

Innovation in sensor technology

Development of a new pH sensing layer successfully integrated into an ISFET.