A Skin-Inspired Integrated Sensor for Synchronous Monitoring of Multiparameter Signals

Electronic skins, as the integration of multiple distinct sensors, have aroused broad interests owing to their great potential in sensing applications. However, problems including the interference between sensing components and the difficulty in synchronous monitoring are practically encountered when they are applied to mixed signals. In this work, efforts are devoted to trouble-free technical strategies for laminating three sensors with different sensing abilities into a skin-like electronic device. The use of ionic liquid, combined with particular circuit topologies, ensures the reliable stability against mechanical disturbance during the real-time sensing tests. The intrinsic layered structure and three independent sensing functions of natural skins are successfully presented by this particular device in which three sensors with the ease of preparation are spatially integrated. The changes of temperature, pressure, and infrared light can be recorded simultaneously yet without mutual signal interference. The perfect integration of multiple functional sensors into a single skin-like device without any signal interference makes an important progress for pursuing the goal of future electronic skins that can practically be used as skin.