High-precision intelligent interface for a hybrid electronic nose

At present all commercial electronic noses mag be described as monotype, that is, they rely on a single class of sensing material and transduction principle such as conducting polymers or semiconducting oxides chemoresistors. However, in order to meet the emerging needs of the industry, we need to design superior instruments and to this end we have developed a multitype programmable electronic instrument. First. it can handle a wide range: of sensor baseline values (e.g., three orders of magnitude of resistance). Secondly, it has a high resolution and stability with, if desired, embedded numerical temperature compensation. Thirdly. sensor signals can be mathematically pre-processed in order to enhance the discrimination power of the electronic nose. The instrument can employ resistive and piezoelectric sensors in arrays, either paired or on integrated devices, to make a multitype or hybrid electronic nose with improved dynamic characteristics. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.