Reusable CGM Sensor Development
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
Pioneer Role 1: Firmware & Electronics Specialist (The Hardware Hacker)
The Mission: Defeat the manufacturer's programmed 14-day expiry lock in the sensor’s firmware.
Key Responsibilities:
Hardware Reverse Engineering: Non-destructive disassembly of sealed, waterproof CGM sensors to access the Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
JTAG/SWD Debugging: Identify the microcontroller (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, Nordic nRF), map the JTAG/SWD pins, and successfully connect the debug probe.
Firmware Exploit: Use tools like OpenOCD and Ghidra to analyze proprietary firmware, locate the memory address of the 14-day timer, and develop a reliable exploit/script to reset the operational clock.
PCB Preparation: Perform micro-soldering to remove the old electrode and prepare contact points for the new biosensor.
Required Skills:
Expert in Embedded C/C++ and microcontroller programming.
Proven experience with logic analyzers, J-Link/JTAG probes, and micro-soldering.
Deep understanding of security in embedded systems.
Pioneer Role 2: Biosensor Chemist & Micro-Fabrication Specialist (The Probe Designer)
The Mission: Design and fabricate a new, highly accurate electrochemical glucose sensor that can be physically attached to the salvaged PCB.
Key Responsibilities:
Enzyme Engineering: Formulate and manage the Glucose Oxidase (GOx) enzyme solution and a chemical mediator for precise electrochemical detection.
Electrode Fabrication: Utilize techniques (e.g., screen printing, dip-coating) to deposit working, reference, and counter electrodes using conductive inks (Carbon/Silver) onto a flexible substrate (e.g., Kapton/PET).
Sterile Assembly: Work with the Electronics Specialist to perform the final, sterile connection of the new probe to the validated PCB.
QC/Testing: Develop and execute lab-based electrochemical tests (Cyclic Voltammetry) to ensure the probe's accuracy and longevity.
Required Skills:
Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or Material Science.
Expertise in GOx immobilization (e.g., glutaraldehyde cross-linking).
Experience with lab protocols for micro-fabrication and sterilization/clean environment work.
The Mission: Defeat the manufacturer's programmed 14-day expiry lock in the sensor’s firmware.
Key Responsibilities:
Hardware Reverse Engineering: Non-destructive disassembly of sealed, waterproof CGM sensors to access the Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
JTAG/SWD Debugging: Identify the microcontroller (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, Nordic nRF), map the JTAG/SWD pins, and successfully connect the debug probe.
Firmware Exploit: Use tools like OpenOCD and Ghidra to analyze proprietary firmware, locate the memory address of the 14-day timer, and develop a reliable exploit/script to reset the operational clock.
PCB Preparation: Perform micro-soldering to remove the old electrode and prepare contact points for the new biosensor.
Required Skills:
Expert in Embedded C/C++ and microcontroller programming.
Proven experience with logic analyzers, J-Link/JTAG probes, and micro-soldering.
Deep understanding of security in embedded systems.
Pioneer Role 2: Biosensor Chemist & Micro-Fabrication Specialist (The Probe Designer)
The Mission: Design and fabricate a new, highly accurate electrochemical glucose sensor that can be physically attached to the salvaged PCB.
Key Responsibilities:
Enzyme Engineering: Formulate and manage the Glucose Oxidase (GOx) enzyme solution and a chemical mediator for precise electrochemical detection.
Electrode Fabrication: Utilize techniques (e.g., screen printing, dip-coating) to deposit working, reference, and counter electrodes using conductive inks (Carbon/Silver) onto a flexible substrate (e.g., Kapton/PET).
Sterile Assembly: Work with the Electronics Specialist to perform the final, sterile connection of the new probe to the validated PCB.
QC/Testing: Develop and execute lab-based electrochemical tests (Cyclic Voltammetry) to ensure the probe's accuracy and longevity.
Required Skills:
Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or Material Science.
Expertise in GOx immobilization (e.g., glutaraldehyde cross-linking).
Experience with lab protocols for micro-fabrication and sterilization/clean environment work.
Related categories:
Electronics
Microcontroller
Electrical Engineering
PCB Layout
Biomedical Engineering