Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

08:21
Sample Preparation in Quartz Crystal Microbalance Measurements of Protein Adsorption and Polymer Mechanics
Published on: January 22, 2020
Quartz crystal microbalance based on passive frequency to voltage converter
1Department of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400084, Romania. ioan.burda@phys.ubbcluj.ro
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|March 3, 2012
Summary
A novel passive frequency to voltage converter offers faster, stable, and accurate monitoring for quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. This advancement aids in precisely studying microdrop evaporation dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Studying microdrop evaporation requires precise measurement tools.
- Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a sensitive technique for monitoring mass changes.
- Existing QCM systems face challenges in real-time frequency shift processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel passive frequency to voltage converter for enhanced QCM applications.
- To improve the speed, stability, and accuracy of QCM data acquisition.
- To facilitate the investigation of dynamic evaporation processes.
Main Methods:
- Development of a passive frequency to voltage converter circuit.
- Static and dynamic characterization of the converter's performance.
- Application of the converter to monitor microdrop evaporation.
Main Results:
- The developed converter provides faster and more stable frequency shift monitoring.
- Accurate translation of QCM frequency shifts into continuous voltage changes.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in characterizing microdrop evaporation dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The passive frequency to voltage converter is a powerful tool for fast QCM applications.
- This technology enhances the study of microdrop evaporation and drying processes.
- The converter offers improved performance over existing electronic interfaces.
Related Concept Videos
Design Example: Capacitance Multiplier Circuit
In integrated circuit technology, a capacitance multiplier is often utilized to produce a larger capacitance value when a small physical capacitance falls short. This is achieved by a circuit that multiplies capacitance values by a factor of up to 1000, such that a 10-pF capacitor can replicate the performance of a 100-nF capacitor.
The circuit illustrated in Figure 1 below incorporates two op-amps, with the first operating as a voltage follower and the second acting as an inverting amplifier.
The circuit illustrated in Figure 1 below incorporates two op-amps, with the first operating as a voltage follower and the second acting as an inverting amplifier.
Design Example: Strain Gauge Bridge or Wheatstone Bridge
The utilization of strain gauges as transducers for converting mechanical strain into electrical signals is a common practice in various engineering applications. These strain gauges are frequently integrated into Wheatstone bridge circuits to accurately measure parameters such as force or pressure. Within this context, each element within the circuit exhibits a resistance that undergoes subtle variations when subjected to mechanical strain. The primary objective is to convert minuscule...
Frequency Response of a Circuit
Inductive circuits present intriguing challenges in electrical engineering, particularly during the transition from the time domain to the frequency domain. This transformation involves converting inductors into impedances and utilizing phasor representation.
The transfer function is pivotal in characterizing how these circuits react to various frequencies, facilitating a profound understanding of their behavior. An essential parameter is the time constant, signifying the...
The transfer function is pivotal in characterizing how these circuits react to various frequencies, facilitating a profound understanding of their behavior. An essential parameter is the time constant, signifying the...
Instrumentation Amplifier
An electrocardiography (ECG) machine is an essential piece of medical equipment used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. It operates by detecting small electrical changes on the skin that result from the depolarization of the heart muscle during each heartbeat. However, these signals are in the microvolt range and can be easily overwhelmed by noise or interference.
To overcome this challenge, an ECG machine utilizes an instrumentation amplifier. This specialized amplifier is...
To overcome this challenge, an ECG machine utilizes an instrumentation amplifier. This specialized amplifier is...

