The Electronic Patch

– sensors for non-invasive physiological measurements

The objective of the Electronic Patch project is to develop a new patient monitoring device where sensors and electronic is integrated into a sticking patch. In the Electronic Patch research is oriented towards design, clean room fabrication and integration of silicon based sensors for non-invasive measurement of physiological parameters. The Electronic Patch can measure heart beat rate and arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry and measurements of other parameters like cardiac output, and blood pressure are investigated.

Top side of the Electronic Patch containing sensors, electronics

and wireless communication.

The project relies on a strong collaboration between academic, industrial, and health care partners. In this multidisciplinary environment between physicists, electronic engineers, and medical doctors a new technological platform is innovated: Low-power sensors, electronics, and radio communication is integrated into an advanced adhesive material creating an “Electronic Patch”. It allows for continuous long term monitoring of chronic diseases in a discrete and comfortable way.

Bottom side of the Electronic Patch where a fabricated concentric

silicon photodiode can be seen around two commercial LEDs.

The Electronic Patch enables a new way of thinking about patient monitoring, personal health care, and health care infrastructure. The Electronic Patch has the potential to work in a body sensor network, passing information via gateways to central databases, intensive care units, and electronic patient journals.

Fabricated silicon photodiode on a printed circuit board.