Cryogenic electronic memory infrastructure for physically related “continuity of care records” of frozen cells

This paper describes low-temperature electronics for cryogenic applications, especially for a new technique for living-cell storage near liquid-nitrogen temperatures. Central is the reliable coupling of a sample carrier to cryo-tolerant electronics, particularly memory devices storing continuity of care records, lab workflows, and other useful documentation. We present (1) a two-year study of the performance and data retention of Flash-Memory devices in a controlled cryogenic environment, (2) a cryogenic multiplexer allowing multiple, cold Flash-Memories to share a communication channel, and (3) results for radio frequency identification tags immersed in liquid nitrogen.