Abstract

A MEMS based multi-sensor chip has been developed for the purpose of monitoring turbidity, TDS, and temperature in a sample of drinking water. The benefits of MEMS technology over conventional sensors include compact size, low power consumption, integration capability, and low cost bulk manufacturing. Two revisions of the multi-sensor silicon chip were designed, fabricated, and tested. The layout of the chip and the fabrication process were redesigned in the second spin to provide more robust and sensitive responses. The sensor structures include photodiodes, temperature diodes, interdigitated electrodes in direct contact with the sample, and capacitive interdigitated fingers. The sensors were characterized with the use of commercially available thermometers, turbidity standard solutions, and TDS standard solutions. Signal conditioning circuitry was implemented to convert each sensor output to a DC level between 0 and 1 V. The sensors were shown to be responsive to temperature, turbidity, and TDS in the ranges applicable to drinking water, although obstacles relating to reliability and signal conditioning still remain.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Water quality--Data processing; Multisensor data fusion; Microelectromechanical systems

Publication Date

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Microelectronic Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Fuller, Lynn

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TD370 .P87 2010

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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