Micro-Fabricated RTD Based Sensor for Breathing Analysis and Monitoring

The design, micro-fabrication, and characterization of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) based micro sensor for minimally invasive breathing analysis and monitoring is presented. Experimental results demonstrate that the change in air temperature while inhaling and exhaling can be transduced into a time varying electrical signal, which is subsequently used to determine the breathing frequency (respiratory rate). The RTD is placed into a Wheatstone bridge to simultaneously reduce the sensor's output noise and improve overall system accuracy. The proposed design could potentially aid health care providers in the determination of respiratory rates, which is of critical importance during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Automated summary

This study presents a design, micro-fabrication, and characterization of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) based micro sensor for minimally invasive breathing analysis and monitoring. Experimental results show that the sensor can transduce changes in air temperature during inhalation and exhalation into an electrical signal, allowing for determination of breathing frequency. Placing the RTD into a Wheatstone bridge simultaneously reduces sensor noise and improves overall system accuracy, potentially aiding healthcare providers in determining respiratory rates during the current COVID-19 pandemic.