Extended disjoint principal-components regression analysis of SAW vapor sensor-array responses

The application of a disjoint principal-components regression method to the analysis of sensor-array response patterns is demonstrated using published data from ten polymer-coated surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) sensors exposed to each of nine vapors. Use of the method for the identification and quantitation of the components of vapor mixtures is shown by simulating the 36 possible binary mixtures and 84 possible ternary mixtures under the assumption of additive responses. Retaining information on vapor concentrations in the classification models allows vapors to be accurately identified, while facilitating prediction of the concentrations of individual vapors and the vapors comprising the mixtures. The effects on the rates of correct classification of placing constraints on the maximum and minimum vapor concentrations and superimposing error on the sensor responses are investigated.