A low‐power integrated electronic nose system

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a novel approach for fabricating electronic nose (e-nose) systems for adaptation into autonomous wireless sensor nodes. Such systems must fulfill a combination of requirements that currently cannot be met by existing technologies. The paper also contains an overview of the various application domains that are envisaged for such miniaturized electronic nose systems. Design/methodology/approach - The approach makes use of micromechanical systems that are an ideal technology for fabricating miniaturized sensor arrays for low-power applications. An array of doubly clamped micromechanical beams with integrated piezoelectric transducers is presented. Findings - The presented approach fulfills the requirements of sensitivity, arrayability, integratability and low-power operation. Research limitations/implications - Further research is required to integrate the structures with low-power analog readout circuits and to demonstrate simultaneous measurements from multiple structures. Practical implications The presented technology makes use of established micromachining techniques and deploys commercial inkjet printing for functionalization of the individual detection elements. This enhances its potential adaptation by industry. Originality/value - The innovative concept paves the way for autonomous electronic nose systems.