Standalone Area Optimized ASIC Tag Powered and Programmable by Light for Identification of Novel Drug Candidates

Abstract

We present a compact optical programmable ASIC-based tag for the identification of novel drug candidates, requiring no external components. Our tag aims for a time and cost-efficient solution to keep track of compounds during the split and pool synthesis. The ASIC is self-powered by integrated solar cells and optimized for intensive light in the range of 10Mlx. This intensive illumination can cause unwanted leakage currents in p-n junctions. Therefore, extensive care was taken to provide shielding for sensitive parts of the circuit and measurements prove the effectiveness. The ASIC is manufactured in a 0.6µm process including special devices like EEPROM and photodiodes. Our tag contains an oscillator, optical receiver, reference voltage, and a digital controller. A custom optical communication protocol provides an energy-efficient data link to the smart tag with continuous power transfer.