AN INTELLIGENT GAS SENSOR

A general purpose instrument embodying the principles of an electronic nose suggests a very extensive system of sensors, software and output indicators, with obvious disadvantages in terms of cost and, hence, c ommercial viability. However, many of these disadvantages can be overc ome if a modular approach to system design is adopted. Such an approac h limits the complexity of the system, whilst preserving a capability for high performance in a wide range of applications. The integration of system components in intelligent configurations enhances the prospe cts of commercial success. Examples of the various options now availab le for each of the modules of such an instrument are discussed and exp erimental progress towards their practical realization is described.