Electronic module for real-time droplet-position sensing and driving in digital microfluidic system

A digital microfluidic system, comprising:

• a device including a droplet and an electrode array, wherein the electrode array includes a first electrode and a second electrode;
• a control electronics connecting to the device and providing a first pulse to the first electrode, wherein the control electronics generates a capacitance-derived frequency signal;
• a field programmed gate array (FPGA) connecting to the control electronics, and collecting the capacitance-derived frequency signal;
• and
• a computer connecting to the FPGA, the computer using a frequency of the capacitance-derived frequency signal to calculate a precise droplet position and generating a duration voltage signal;
• wherein the control electronics conducts a control process according to the duration voltage signal, the control process including:
• providing the first pulse to the first electrode for kicking off the droplet till a centroid of the droplet reaching a centroid of the first electrode;
• and
• providing a second pulse to the second electrode when a leading edge of the droplet reaches the second electrode;
• and
• wherein the control electronics includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a high-voltage (HV) switches IC chip array, a blocking capacitance array, an analog switches IC chip array, and a ring oscillator.