Abstract: A self-powered system and a method for power extraction and measurement of energy-generator units are disclosed. The system comprises an energy generator unit (10) providing an electrical current IFC and a voltage VFC; an instrumentation block (20) to measure the electrical current IFC; and a power management unit (30) connected to the energy generator unit (10) via a first input that collects the electrical current IFC, extracting an electrical power provided by the energy generator unit (10). The power management unit (30) also has a second input which is connected to a feedback element (40) connected to a voltage reference VREF, to the voltage VFC and to the instrumentation block (20). A variation of an equivalent input impedance of the power management unit (30) sets a given parameter of the energy generator unit (10) to a controlled given value and the instrumentation block (20) assists in the control of the parameter.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a micro-rheometer (1) with a microchannel (2) and a sensor array arranged along the microchannel to measure rheological properties of a fluid. The sensor array comprises a plurality of pairs of electrodes (8, 8?), each pair being placed face to face to function as an electronic switch when the fluid flows through them. It further comprises a data acquisition system (10) with an electronic circuit in which each pair of electrodes is connected to an amplifier electronic circuit (11) to ensure an ultra-low electrical current flow through the short-circuit created by the fluid and the pair of electrodes, to avoid damaging the fluid. The invention may be used as a small portable device for medical diagnosis in diseases associated to changes in blood viscosity, operating in a wide range of shear rates.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a micro-rheometer (1) with a microchannel (2) and a sensor array arranged along the microchannel to measure rheological properties of a fluid. The sensor array comprises a plurality of pairs of electrodes (8, 8?), each pair being placed face to face to function as an electronic switch when the fluid flows through them. It further comprises a data acquisition system (10) with an electronic circuit in which each pair of electrodes is connected to an amplifier electronic circuit (11) to ensure an ultra-low electrical current flow through the short-circuit created by the fluid and the pair of electrodes, to avoid damaging the fluid. The invention may be used as a small portable device for medical diagnosis in diseases associated to changes in blood viscosity, operating in a wide range of shear rates.