transmission line

Abstract

The invention relates to a transmission line for communication between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, the transmission line comprising: a flexible planar transmission line for connection to the first electronic device, the flexible planar transmission line comprising a first conductive layer, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a second conductive layer, and a signal line disposed between the first and second dielectric layers, wherein the signal line is provided with an exposed portion; an adapter comprising a conductive body provided with a first opening at a first side of the conductive body, the first opening being arranged to receive the flexible planar transmission line; and a first connector provided at a second side of the conductive body, the first connector being provided with a contact area and a pin, the contact area being arranged at the second side to receive a first connection portion of a second transmission line for connection to the second electronic device, the pin being for receiving a second connection portion of the second transmission line; wherein the contact area is electrically connected to the second conductive layer, and the adapter further comprises a support arranged to deform the flexible transmission line plane to connect the signal line to the pin and the first conductive layer to the contact area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transmission line for communication between a first electronic device and a second electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Transmission lines can be used to transmit and receive signals between electronic systems and cryogenic circuits. Known transmission lines utilize adapters to connect coaxial transmission lines to planar transmission lines. Such transmission lines are known from US 5,986,519.

[0003] Cryogenic circuits can include, for example, qubit devices, quantum processors, sensing and detector systems, quantum internet devices, medical devices, cryptographic devices, classical computing processors, and any other electronic devices. However, there are many other applications using cryogenic electronic circuits, such as multi-pixel superconducting photon detectors used in astronomy and quantum communication applications.

[0004] Cryogenic cooling systems are designed to maintain cryogenic electronic circuits at desired operating temperatures close to zero Kelvin. Such systems typically consist of a stack of separate temperature stages, each cooled to a lower temperature. Due to fundamental thermodynamic principles, the power required to cool to a lower temperature increases exponentially. For example, a typical cryogenic cooling system consumes 20 to 30 kW at 100 mK to handle a heat load of 12 to 18 μW. Control devices for cryogenic systems are typically located outside the cryogenic system to prevent power dissipation from heating the entire system and, consequently, the cryogenic circuitry. Therefore, a communication path is needed to exchange signals between cryogenic circuits at the final stages of the system, through the top of the system, to the electronic system (e.g., external control electronics). This path typically consists of a series of semi-rigid transmission lines (usually coaxial cables) to minimize the distance during the cooling process and operation. Cryogenic circuitry (such as qubit devices) needs to communicate with external control devices to control the qubits and send back the actual state of each qubit. This also requires high-frequency (HF) analog signals. Typically, the range of this signal can be from low frequency or DC to ultra-high frequency up to 80 GHz.

[0005] The latest cryogenic qubit devices feature an increased number of qubits. Each qubit needs to communicate individually with a control unit outside the cryogenic qubit device. This individual communication requires an increased number of transmission lines for the qubits. For example, a cryogenic qubit device may contain 96 qubits and require at least 288 individual transmission lines that should be guided to the outside via subsequent thermal stages. Each transmission line may include several coaxial connectors, for example, for use across successive stages of the cryogenic apparatus. Therefore, as the number of transmission lines increases, the total number of connectors bridging each stage in the transmission lines also increases, requiring relatively more space to accommodate the increased number of connectors, and potentially becoming a limiting factor for further increases in the number of qubits. Flat flexible transmission lines can be used to connect the coaxial transmission lines to the qubits of the cryogenic device. Adapters are then needed to connect the coaxial transmission lines to the flat flexible transmission lines. However, the connection between the coaxial transmission lines and the flat flexible transmission lines in the adapter may negatively affect the HF signal transition through the transmission lines. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to alleviate the above-mentioned problems and to provide a transmission line that achieves miniaturization, scalability and improved signal transmission.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, this and other objectives are achieved by a transmission line for communication between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, the transmission line comprising...

[0008] A flexible planar transmission line is arranged to connect a first electronic device. The flexible planar transmission line includes a first conductive layer, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a second conductive layer, and a signal line disposed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, wherein the signal line has an exposed portion.

[0009] An adapter includes a conductor and a first connector. The conductor has a first opening on a first side, the first opening being arranged to receive a flexible planar transmission line. The first connector is disposed on a second side of the conductor and has a contact area and a pin. The contact area on the second side is arranged to receive a first connection portion for connecting to a second transmission line of a second electronic device and is electrically connected to a second conductive layer. The pin is arranged to receive a second connection portion of the second transmission line.

[0010] The contact area is connected to the second conductive layer;

[0011] Furthermore, the adapter further includes

[0012] A support member is arranged to deform the plane of the flexible transmission line to connect the exposed portion of the transmission line to the pin and to connect the first conductive layer to the contact area.

[0013] In this application, planar deformation is defined as deforming the flexible transmission line such that the width of the flexible transmission line parallel to the width of the flexible transmission line and the direction perpendicular to the signal line in the adapter remains unchanged along the flexible transmission line.

[0014] In this arrangement, the support presses the exposed portion of the signal line against the pin to ensure electrical contact between the pin and the signal lines of the coaxial transmission line on one side and the flexible planar transmission line on the other side.

[0015] By bending the planar surface, the first and second conductive layers remain adjacent to the signal line up to the contact area. This arrangement provides a reduced connection path without detours for the current from both the first and second conductive layers to the contact area, and provides a smooth transition of the EM field from the flexible transmission line to the first connector.

[0016] In addition, this transmission line ensures improved HF signal transmission to the GHz range.

[0017] Furthermore, in this arrangement, the pin can be removably connected to the center core of the transmission line.

[0018] Another advantage is that this arrangement enables the connection between the non-superconducting layer and the superconducting layer.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment according to this disclosure, the transmission line includes a second transmission line provided with a second connector, the second connector including a first connecting portion of the transmission line and a second connecting portion of the transmission line, and the first connector being detachably connected to the second connector. In this arrangement, the flexible planar transmission line, the adapter, and the second transmission line are integrated into a single device.

[0020] In another embodiment according to this disclosure, the second transmission line is a coaxial transmission line comprising a shield, a dielectric, and a core, wherein the first connection portion is to the shield and the second connection portion is to the core, and wherein the second connector is a coaxial connector having a housing made of metal forming the first connection portion and another pin or sleeve forming the second connection portion. The second connector may be a coaxial connector, such as a male SMA connector or a female SMA connector.

[0021] In another embodiment according to this disclosure, the support includes a first adjusting member disposed on a third side of the conductor opposite to the second side, arranged to apply a first force in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pin. The force can be manually adjusted, for example by a screw, via the first adjusting member, and can be secured when the correct adjustment is achieved. This force provides a rigid connection between the signal line and the pin.

[0022] In another embodiment, the first adjusting member includes a first screw or a spring-loaded device. In this arrangement, the first screw is mounted in a hole in the third side, and when the first screw is tightened, a force can be applied between the signal line and the pin. The spring-loaded device can be a so-called "pogo".

[0023] In another embodiment according to this disclosure, the first adjusting element includes an electromechanical actuator arranged to apply a first force upon receiving a control signal. The electromechanical actuator can be activated by the control signal. In this embodiment, the electromechanical actuator is a piezoelectric device. Furthermore, other electromechanical actuators, such as electromagnetic devices, can be used. After a transmission line is installed, the control signal can be applied to the electromechanical actuator, and an HF connection can be established.

[0024] In another embodiment according to this disclosure, the support includes a second adjusting member disposed on a third side of the conductor opposite to the second side, arranged to provide a second force at the end of the transmission line. The second adjusting member may be a second screw or a spring-loaded device. In this arrangement, when the second screw is tightened, the second screw applies a second force on the second conductive layer to ensure electrical contact with the contact area at the second side of the adapter. In this arrangement, the support deforms the planar shape of the flexible transmission line, and the signal line is connected to the pin, and the first and second conductive layers are connected to the contact area. In this arrangement, the HF path between the first conductive layer, the signal layer, the second conductive layer, and the second connector is further reduced.

[0025] In another embodiment according to this disclosure, a third dielectric layer is disposed on the side of the transmission line away from the orientation of the first conductive layer. The third dielectric layer protects the first conductive layer.

[0026] In various embodiments according to this disclosure, the support further includes a conductive portion located between an end of the first conductive layer and a contact area. In this arrangement, the HF path between the first conductive layer, the signal line, the second conductive layer, and the second connector is further reduced by the conductive portion.

[0027] In another embodiment according to this disclosure, the conductive portion includes a third conductive layer facing the first conductive layer, and the third conductive layer has a fourth dielectric layer disposed on a side facing away from the first conductive layer. In this arrangement, a simple end of a flexible transmission line can be used.

[0028] In various embodiments according to this disclosure, the adapter includes a bead located between the flexible transmission line and the first connector, wherein the bead is provided with a sheath, a second dielectric, and a pin, wherein the sheath is electrically connected to a contact area and a first conductive layer. This arrangement can be used for hermetic sealing of the adapter. The bead may be, for example, a glass bead.

[0029] In various embodiments according to this disclosure, the adapter includes a printed circuit board having a first via and a second via, wherein a contact area is electrically connected to a first conductive layer through the first via, and wherein the second via includes a pin.

[0030] The present invention further relates to an electronic device including the transmission line of the present invention.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, this and other objectives are achieved by a method for regulating a transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the following steps in sequence:

[0032] a) Provide an HF signal with a spectrum in the range of DC to 80 GHz at one end of the transmission line;

[0033] b) Measure the output HF signal at one end or the other end of the transmission line;

[0034] c) Based on the characteristics of the output HF signal, the force is adjusted via the support component; and

[0035] d) Fix the first support member in a fixed position.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first adjustment element can be fixed by strong adhesive, epoxy resin, or welding. The characteristics of the HF output signal can be, for example, transmission or attenuation of the transmission line within a frequency range of, for example, 0 GHz to 15 GHz.

[0037] These and other features and effects of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and practiced without departing from the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 An intersection of a transmission line with a support member is shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2A The junction of a transmission line with a support member is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 2B The junction of a transmission line with a support member is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 3 The handover of a planar transmission line according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0042] Figure 4An embodiment of the handover of a transmission line according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0043] Figure 5 The handover of a transmission line according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0044] Figure 6 The handover of a transmission line according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 7 The handover of a transmission line according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0046] Figure 8 The handover of a transmission line according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0047] Figure 9 A test arrangement including a transmission line according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown; and

[0048] Figure 10 An electronic device, a cryogenic circuit, and a transmission line according to an embodiment of this disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0049] In the diagram, similar numbers refer to similar parts. (See reference) Figures 1 to 10 This invention explains the present invention. The transmission line can be used for communication between a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The first electronic device can be, for example, an electronic circuit at room temperature, and the second electronic device can be, for example, a cryogenic electronic circuit at a temperature of about 10 mK. The cryogenic circuit can be, for example, a qubit device. Planar transmission lines can also be applied within a cryogenic cooling device between two successor stages at different temperatures.

[0050] Figure 1 A cross-section of a transmission line 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. The transmission line 1 includes a flexible planar transmission line 2, an adapter 3, and an additional transmission line 4.

[0051] The flexible planar transmission line 2 includes a stack of a first conductive layer 21, a first dielectric layer 22, a second dielectric layer 24, and a second conductive layer 25. A signal line 23 is disposed on the side of the first dielectric layer 22 oriented away from the first conductive layer 21, located between the first and second dielectric layers. The signal line 23 has an exposed portion 26 in the insertion adapter 3 of the flexible planar transmission line 2. The flexible planar transmission line 2 may have a rectangular geometry, with a length of, for example, 100 mm or 200 mm, a width of, for example, 4 mm, and a thickness of, for example, 0.3 mm. The first and second dielectric layers may be, for example, polyimide or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). In embodiments, quartz, silicon, and printed circuit board materials may be used. The flexible planar transmission line 2 can be manufactured by providing a polyimide sheet forming the first dielectric layer 22 together with the first conductive layer 21. For example, the first conductive layer 21 can be provided by sputtering, electroplating, or other thin-film or thick-film processes known to those skilled in the art. The thickness of the polyimide sheet is, for example, in the range of 0.012 mm to 0.4 mm. In an embodiment, the conductive layer comprises silver (Ag). Alternatively, gold (Au) and copper (Cu) may also be used. In an embodiment, conductive layers 21 and 25 comprise a superconductor, such as one of aluminum (Al), niobium (Nb), niobium titanium (NbTi), niobium titanium nitride (NbTiN), and indium (In).

[0052] In an embodiment, conductive layers 21 and 25 comprise resistive films, such as one of nickel-chromium alloy, NiCr, carbon C, platinum Pt, and indium tin oxide (ITO). The thickness of the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 is, for example, 2 μm. The second dielectric layer 24 may also be formed of a polyimide sheet. A first signal line 23 may be provided on the first dielectric layer. In an embodiment, the first signal line 23 may be provided on the side of the first dielectric layer 22 opposite to the first conductive layer 21. The signal line 23 may be located at the center of the first dielectric layer. The signal line 23 comprises a conductive material for signal transmission. In an embodiment, the signal line 23 may be made of the same conductive material used in the first conductive layer 21. The signal line 23 may have a width of, for example, 0.15 mm and a thickness of, for example, 0.002 mm. The thickness of the polyimide sheet may be, for example, 0.1 mm. Then, the second dielectric layer 24 and the second conductive layer 25 are provided. The flexible planar transmission line 2 may be provided with an additional polyimide layer to obtain a desired thickness. Layer stacking can be formed by gluing, lamination, welding, cold welding, ultrasonic welding, sealing, scraping, spin coating, or dielectric resin. The total thickness of the flexible planar transmission line can be, for example, 0.3 mm.

[0053] In an embodiment, the thickness of the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 of the flexible planar transmission line can be selected from a value between 0.1 μm and 5 μm. For example, the value can be 2 μm. In an embodiment, the end of the conductive layer at the cold side of the flexible planar transmission line can include a superconductor (e.g., one of aluminum (Al), niobium (Nb), niobium titanium (NbTi), niobium titanium nitride (NbTiN), and indium (In), and at this end, the thickness can be reduced to 10 nm. At the other end of the flexible planar transmission line, the conductive layer can include silver with a thickness of up to 35 μm (typically in the range of 10 nm to 100 nm).

[0054] In this embodiment, the adapter 3 is formed of a conductor. The conductor can be a rectangular block or a box. The block can be made of metal, such as a copper plate or copper plates with gold plating on the inner and outer sides. The thickness of the wall of the conductive block can be, for example, 3 mm. The conductive block has a first opening 33 in a first side portion and a first connector 5 in a second side portion adjacent to the first side portion, wherein the first opening receives the flexible planar transmission line 2.

[0055] The first connector 5 has a contact area, a first dielectric 56 located in the second side, and a pin 53 located at the center of the first dielectric. The contact area includes a portion of the second side of the conductive block and is connected to the first conductive layer 21, the second conductive layer 25, and the first connection portion of the second transmission line 4 of the flexible planar transmission line 2.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second transmission line 4 is a coaxial transmission line, which includes a shield 41, a first dielectric 42, and a central core 43. Furthermore, the transmission line 4 is provided with a second connector 6. The second connector 6 mates with the first connector 5, wherein the second connector includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion of the second transmission line 4. In this arrangement, the first connector 5 is detachably connected to the second connector 6.

[0057] Furthermore, the second connector 6 is a coaxial connector comprising a housing 61, a second dielectric 63, and another pin 62, wherein the housing 61 is connected to the shield 41, and the other pin or sleeve is connected to the center core 43. The housing may be made of demagnetizing stainless steel, the second dielectric may be a synthetic material (e.g., PTFE), and the center core may be copper. In this embodiment, the first connection portion is part of the housing 61. The pin 53 is detachably connected to the second connection portion of the second transmission line 4, wherein the second connection portion includes the other pin 62.

[0058] In this embodiment, the second dielectric layer 24 and the second conductive layer 25 can be excluded from flexible planar transmission. In this embodiment, the first opening 33 of the adapter is provided with a dielectric layer (e.g., polyimide, PTFE, or ETFE) to insulate the first opening from the signal line 23. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first contact area is connected only to the first conductive layer 21.

[0059] In one embodiment, the signal line 23 may be located on a portion of the same side of the dielectric layer as the first metal layer, and separated from the first conductive layer by a certain distance.

[0060] Furthermore, the adapter is provided with a support member. In this embodiment, the support member includes a first adjusting member. The first adjusting member includes a first screw 32, wherein a force is set by tightening the first screw 32. In this embodiment, the first adjusting member includes an electromechanical actuator, wherein the force is actively applied by the electromechanical actuator (e.g., a piezoelectric device or an electromagnetic device). (Refer to...) Figure 8 The description describes an embodiment in which the electromechanical actuator is a piezoelectric device.

[0061] Furthermore, in adapter 3, a first screw hole is located inside the third side of the conductive block opposite to the second side and aligned with the longitudinal axis of pin 53 to receive a first screw 32. The first screw 32 may have a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 10 mm. When the first screw is tightened, a force is applied along the direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of pin 53 to the exposed portion 26 at the end of the signal line 23 of the flexible planar transmission line 2 at which point the signal line 23 is exposed. This force deforms the planar surface of the flexible planar transmission line 2, connecting the signal line 23 to pin 53 and connecting the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area. This force ensures good contact quality between the signal line 23 and pin 53 for transmitting HF signals in the range between 0 GHz and 80 GHz. After testing, the first screw 32 can be fixed, for example, using strong adhesive or epoxy resin.

[0062] Furthermore, when the first screw is rotated to tighten, the first dielectric layer 22 prevents damage to the signal line 23 due to the rotation of the end of the first screw 32.

[0063] Furthermore, pin 53 of the first connector 5 electrically connects another pin 62 of the second connector 6 to the exposed portion 26 at the end of the signal line 23 of the flexible planar transmission line 2. The length of pin 53 can be between 1.5 mm and 5 mm. The diameter of pin can be approximately 1 mm. The end of pin can be tapered. Pin can be made of copper or brass. This embodiment provides a smooth transition in the geometry of the cross-section between the central core 43 of the flexible planar transmission line and the signal line 23, respectively, resulting in an improved transition of HF signals. Furthermore, this arrangement provides a detachable connection between pin 53 of the first connector 5 and another pin 62 of the second connector 6.

[0064] In this embodiment, the housing 61 is provided with a flange, and the first connector is provided with two clips 51 and 52 and screw holes. Screws 54 and 55 fasten the clips 51 and 52, thereby securing the clips to the flange of the housing 61 of the second connector 6. Furthermore, the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 22 are electrically connected to the shield 41 of the coaxial flexible planar transmission line 2 via the contact area of ​​the first connector 5 and the housing 61. In this embodiment, the contact area is formed by a portion of the clips 51 and 52 and a portion of the conductive block.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first adjusting member can be a spring-loaded device, such as a so-called Pogo. The advantage of Pogo is that it remains reliable at lower temperatures or even cryogenic temperatures due to the elasticity of the contacts. In this embodiment, the first connector 5 is a male SMA connector, and the second connector 6 is a female SMA connector.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flexible planar transmission line 2 may be provided with a plurality of (e.g., six) signal lines 23, and the adapter 3 may be provided with six connectors 5 to respectively receive the second connectors of the six coaxial transmission lines, and the adapter is provided with six pins 53 to electrically connect the central core 43 of each coaxial transmission line 4 to the exposed portion of each signal line 23 via additional pins 62. Additionally, the adapter thus includes six first screws 32 to apply force to the exposed portion of the flexible transmission line 2 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the corresponding pin 53.

[0067] Figure 2A A cross-section of a transmission line 20 with a support member according to an embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. The transmission line 20 and... Figure 1The transmission lines shown are almost identical. In this embodiment, a third dielectric layer 27 is provided on the side of the first conductive layer 21 opposite to the first dielectric layer 22. The third dielectric layer 27 can be provided on the flexible planar transmission line 2 in the same manner as the first dielectric layer 22 and the second dielectric layer 24. The first conductive layer 21 and the third dielectric layer 27 extend beyond the end of the signal line 23 in the length direction of the flexible planar transmission. Furthermore, the flexible transmission line has an exposed portion at the end of the first conductive layer 21 facing the second side of the conductive block.

[0068] Furthermore, the support includes a first adjusting member (e.g., a first screw 32) and a second adjusting member (e.g., a second screw 32'). Additionally, a second screw hole is provided in the third side in addition to the first screw hole, such that when the second screw 32' is tightened, a force parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin 53 is provided at the end of the first conductive layer 21 via the third dielectric layer 27, and the end of the first conductive layer 21 is electrically connected to the contact area at the second side of the conductive block 3'. In this arrangement, the support deforms the flexible planar transmission line 2 to connect the signal line 23 to the pin 53 and the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area, respectively. In this arrangement, the ends of the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 are adjacent to the signal line 23 at the contact area at the second side, respectively, and provide a smooth transition of the EM field from the flexible transmission line to the first connector.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adapter 3 is provided with a first connector 5 to detachably connect to a second connector 6 at the end of the coaxial transmission line 4. When the first connector 5 is connected to the second connector 6, the two clips 51, 52 and the conductive block 3' are electrically connected to the housing 61, the first conductive layer 21 and the second metal layer 25 of the second connector 6 via the contact area of ​​the first connector, respectively. The contact area is formed by a portion of the clips 51, 52 and the second side of the conductive block 3'. The pin 53 of the first connector is electrically connected to another pin 62 of the second connector and the central core 43 of the coaxial transmission line 4. In this arrangement, with the... Figure 1 Compared to the HF path of the adapter in the previous embodiment, the HF signal path in adapter 3 is shortened.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the second screw 32' is rotated to tighten, the second screw 32' will not damage the first conductive layer 21 because the second screw contacts the third dielectric layer 27 that protects the first conductive layer 21.

[0071] In one embodiment, the second adjusting member may be a spring-loaded device. In another embodiment, the first connector and the second connector may be coaxial connectors, such as SMA connectors.

[0072] In one embodiment, a third dielectric layer 27 may be provided and a second screw may be directly disposed to the first conductive layer 21.

[0073] Figure 2B A cross-section of a transmission line 20 with a support member according to an embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. The transmission line 20 and... Figure 1 The transmission lines shown are nearly identical. In this embodiment, the support includes a first adjusting member (i.e., a first screw 32), a second adjusting member (i.e., a second screw 32'), and a conductive portion or plate. The conductive portion includes a third conductive layer 28 facing the first conductive layer 21 and a fourth dielectric layer 29 located on the side of the third conductive layer 28 facing away from the first conductive layer 21. The third conductive layer 28 connects the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area. The first screw 31 provides force along the longitudinal axis of the pin 53 and connects the signal line 23 to the pin 53, and connects the first conductive layer 21 to the third conductive layer 28. The second screw 32' provides force on the fourth dielectric layer 29 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin 53 and connects the third conductive layer 28 to the contact area. In this arrangement, the support deforms the flexible planar transmission line 2 to connect the signal line 23 to the pin 53 via the third conductive layer 28 and the first conductive layer 21, respectively, and connects the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area. The second conductive layer 25 and the third conductive layer 28 are adjacent to the signal line 23, respectively, and provide a smooth transition of the EM field from the flexible transmission line to the first connector.

[0074] Figure 3 A cross-section of a transmission line 30 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. In this embodiment, the transmission line 30 is connected to... Figure 2A The transmission line 20 shown in the embodiment is almost identical. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first screw 32 provides force at the end of the flexible planar transmission line 2 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pin 53. This force ensures the HF connection between the signal line 23 and the pin 53. The difference lies in that, in this embodiment, the second dielectric 63 extends inside the adapter 3 such that the end of the second dielectric 63 is located between the outside of the second connector 6 and the end of another pin 62.

[0075] In this arrangement, the support deforms the flexible planar transmission line 2 to connect the signal line 23 to the pin 53 and the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area. In this arrangement, the ends of the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 are adjacent to the signal line 23 at the contact area on the second side, respectively, and provide a smooth transition of the EM field from the flexible transmission line to the first connector.

[0076] Figure 4 A cross-section of a transmission line 40 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. In this embodiment, the transmission line 40 and... Figure 2AThe transmission line 20 shown in the embodiment is almost identical. In this embodiment, the housing 61 of the second connector 6 has threads on its outer periphery, and the first connector 5 has threaded screw holes on its inner periphery to receive the threads of the second connector 6. This arrangement provides a threaded connection between the first connector 5 and the housing 61. In this embodiment, the contact area includes the threaded connection portion.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first adjusting member in the adapter 3 includes a first screw 32. The first screw 32 applies force to the end of the flexible planar transmission line 2 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pin 53. This force ensures the HF connection between the signal line 23 and the pin 53. Additionally, the second adjusting member includes a second screw 32'. The second screw provides force at the end of the third dielectric layer 27 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin 53 to electrically connect the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area of ​​the block 3' and the housing 61.

[0078] In this arrangement, the support deforms the flexible planar transmission line 2 to connect the signal line 23 to the pin 53 and the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area. In this arrangement, the ends of the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 are adjacent to the signal line 23 at the contact area on the second side, respectively, and provide a smooth transition of the EM field from the flexible transmission line to the first connector.

[0079] Figure 5 A cross-section of a transmission line 50 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. In this embodiment, the transmission line 50 is connected to... Figure 2A The transmission line 20 shown in the embodiment is almost identical. The difference lies in that... Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 61 of the second connector 6 is provided with a flange having two holes, and the adapter 3 is provided with screw holes and screws 54 and 55 with threads on its inner periphery to connect the flange to the adapter 3 via a threaded connection. In this embodiment, the contact area is formed by the area between the conductive block of the adapter 3 and the flange. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first adjusting member includes a first screw 32 to apply force to the end of the flexible planar transmission line 2 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pin 53 via the third dielectric layer 27, the first conductive layer 21, and the first dielectric layer 22. This force ensures a good connection between the signal line 23 and the pin 53 and a stable transition of the HF signal. Furthermore, the second adjusting member includes a second screw 32', which, when tightened, provides force at the end of the flexible planar transmission line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin 53 via the third dielectric layer and the first metal layer to electrically connect the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area of ​​the conductive block 3' and the housing 61. In this arrangement, the support deforms the flexible planar transmission line 2 to connect the signal line 23 to the pin 53 and the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area. In this arrangement, the ends of the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 are adjacent to the signal line 23 at the contact area on the second side, respectively, and provide a smooth transition of the EM field from the flexible transmission line to the first connector.

[0080] Figure 6 A cross-section of a transmission line 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. In this embodiment, the transmission line 60 is connected to... Figure 2A The transmission line 20 shown in the embodiment is almost identical. The difference lies in that, in this embodiment, the housing 61 of the second connector 6 is provided with a flange having two holes, and the adapter 3 is provided with screw holes and screws 54, 55 with threads on its inner periphery to connect the flange to the adapter 3 via a threaded connection. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adapter 3 includes a printed circuit board PCB 71 with three through holes, namely a first via 72, a second via 73, and a third via 74. The first via 72 and the third via 74 are respectively connected via contact areas to the housing 61 of the second connector 6 and the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 of the flexible planar transmission line 2. The contact area includes a portion of the conductive block 3' and the flange. The second via 73 includes a pin 53 connected to another pin 62 of the second connector 6 and a signal line 23. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first adjusting member includes a first screw 32 to apply force at the end of the flexible planar transmission line 2 via the third dielectric layer 27, the first conductive layer 21, and the first dielectric layer 22 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pin 53.

[0081] Furthermore, the support includes a second adjusting member. The second adjusting member includes a second screw 32'. When tightened, the second screw provides force at the end of the third dielectric layer 27 to electrically connect the first conductive layer 21 to the housing 61 via the conductive block 3'. This force ensures a good connection between the signal line 23 and the pin 53. In this arrangement, the support deforms the flexible planar transmission line 2 to connect the signal line 23 to the pin 53 and the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area, respectively. In this arrangement, the ends of the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 are adjacent to the signal line 23 at the contact area on the second side, respectively, and provide a smooth transition of the EM field from the flexible transmission line to the first connector.

[0082] Figure 7 A cross-section of a transmission line 70 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. In this embodiment, transmission line 30 and... Figure 6 The transmission line 60 shown in the embodiment is almost identical. In this embodiment, the second connector 6 includes a housing 61, a second dielectric 63, and a conductive sleeve 65. In this embodiment, the second connector 6 may be a female SMA connector.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adapter 3 includes a bead 81 (e.g., a glass bead), wherein the glass bead includes a sheath 82, a third dielectric 83, and a pin 53. The sheath 82 may be made of copper. The third dielectric may be glass. The pin 53 is long enough to engage with the conductive sleeve 65. In this embodiment, the pin 53 is electrically connected to the conductive sleeve 65 and the signal line 23. The first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 are electrically connected to the housing 61 through a contact area, wherein the contact area includes a portion of the housing 61 and the area of ​​the adapter between the adapter and the housing 61. Moreover, in this embodiment, the support includes a first adjusting member. The first adjusting member includes a first screw 32. The first screw applies force to the end of the flexible planar transmission line 2 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pin 53 via the third dielectric layer 27, the first conductive layer 21, and the first dielectric layer 22. When the first screw 32 is tightened, this force ensures the HF connection between the signal line 23 and the pin 53. Furthermore, the support includes a second adjusting member. The second adjusting member includes a second screw 32'. When tightened, the second screw 32' provides force at the end of the third dielectric layer 27 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin 53, and electrically connects the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area of ​​the conductive block 3'. In this arrangement, the support deforms the flexible planar transmission line 2 to connect the signal line 23 to the pin 53 and the first conductive layer 21 to the contact area, respectively. In this arrangement, the ends of the first conductive layer 21 and the second conductive layer 25 are adjacent to the signal line 23 at the contact area on the second side, respectively, and provide a smooth transition of the EM field from the flexible transmission line to the first connector.

[0084] Figure 8 A cross-section of a transmission line 80 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is schematically shown. In this embodiment, the transmission line 80 is connected to... Figure 1 The transmission line 1 of the illustrated embodiment is nearly similar. The difference lies in that the first adjustment element of the support includes a well-known piezoelectric actuator 91 and a control line 92 for receiving a control signal to deflect the piezoelectric actuator from a first state A (where no force is applied) to a state B (where a first force is applied and aligned with the longitudinal axis of pin 53). The piezoelectric actuator may be a strip bending actuator with one or both ends fixed. If one end of the piezoelectric actuator is fixed, the other end bends; if both ends of the piezoelectric actuator are fixed, the center is deflected to produce displacement. The control line 92 may be connected to a controller 93. The controller 93 is arranged to activate the piezoelectric actuator to provide a first force along the direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of pin 53 via a first conductive layer 21 and a first dielectric layer 22 on the exposed portion 26 at the end of the signal line 23 of the flexible planar transmission line 2. This force ensures good contact quality between the signal line 23 and pin 53 for transmitting HF signals in the range between 0 GHz and 80 GHz.

[0085] Figure 9 A test setup 90 is shown, which includes a vector network analyzer (VNA) 101 and a transmission line that can be used to test HF transmissions. The transmission line includes a flexible planar transmission line 2, an adapter 3, and a second transmission line 4 according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0086] VNA 101 can be, for example, the P937xA available from Keysight in the United States. The VNA connects to a personal computer. Furthermore, the inputs and outputs of VNA 101 are connected to the input of coaxial transmission line 4 and the output of flexible planar transmission line 2, respectively. Alternatively, the inputs and outputs of the VNA can be connected to only one side of the transmission line.

[0087] During operation, the VNA generates an HF signal. The HF signal contains frequencies in the range of 0 GHz to 80 GHz. The transmission line can then be conditioned by following these steps in sequence.

[0088] Provide an HF signal to the end of axial transmission line 4;

[0089] Measure the output HF signal at one end or the other end of the transmission line;

[0090] For example, the force is adjusted via the first adjusting member by: tightening screw 31 until the receiver 103 measures the output signal; determining the characteristics of the output HF signal, such as transmission line transmission or attenuation; and, in a final step, when the characteristics have a predetermined value, using glue 104 (e.g., super glue or epoxy resin) to fix screw 31 to the fixed position of adapter 3. The predetermined value of attenuation may be, for example, -15 dB.

[0091] Figure 10 An electronic system 100 is shown, including a first electronic device 111, a second electronic device 113, and a transmission line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this arrangement, the first electronic device 111 is an electronic control circuit. The second electronic device 113 is a cryogenic circuit disposed in a cryogenic cooling device 112 or a refrigerator. The transmission line provides communication between the electronic control circuit and the cryogenic circuit. The transmission line may be... Figures 1 to 8 One embodiment of the method. The flexible planar transmission line 2 enters the refrigerator through a dedicated port 115. The flexible planar transmission line 2 can be connected to the coaxial transmission line 4 via an adapter 3.

[0092] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various changes or modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in a particular embodiment' appearing in different places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, it should be noted that these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Claims

1. A transmission line for communication between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, comprising: A flexible planar transmission line for connecting to the first electronic device, the flexible planar transmission line including a first conductive layer, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a second conductive layer, and a signal line disposed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, wherein... The signal line has an exposed portion; An adapter, the adapter including a conductor having a first opening at a first side of the conductor, the first opening being arranged to receive the flexible planar transmission line; as well as A first connector is disposed on the second side of the conductor. The first connector has a contact area, a first dielectric, and a pin. The contact area on the second side is arranged to receive a first connection portion, which is a shield for connecting to a coaxial second transmission line of the second electronic device. The first dielectric is in the second side. The pin is located in the first dielectric to receive the second connection portion, which is a core of the coaxial second transmission line. At least a portion of the first dielectric faces the exposed portion of the signal line, and the contact area is electrically connected to the second conductive layer. The adapter further includes... A support member is arranged to deform the plane of the flexible planar transmission line to connect the signal line to the pin and to connect the first conductive layer to the contact area.

2. The transmission line as described in claim 1, in, The transmission line includes the second transmission line, which is provided with a second connector. The second connector includes the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of the transmission line. The first connector is detachably connected to the second connector.

3. The transmission line as described in claim 2, wherein, The second transmission line includes a first dielectric; and wherein the second connector is a coaxial connector, the coaxial connector being provided with a housing forming the first connection portion, a second dielectric, and another pin or sleeve forming the second connection portion.

4. The transmission line as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The support includes a first adjusting member disposed on a third side of the conductor opposite to the second side, and arranged to apply a first force in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pin.

5. The transmission line as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The first adjusting element includes a first screw or spring-loaded device.

6. The transmission line as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The first regulating element includes an electromechanical actuator arranged to apply the first force when a control signal is received.

7. The transmission line as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The support includes a second adjusting member disposed on a third side of the conductor opposite to the second side, and arranged to provide a second force at the end of the transmission line.

8. The transmission line as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The second adjusting element includes a second screw or spring-loaded device.

9. The transmission line as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The flexible planar transmission line has a third dielectric layer disposed on the side of the first conductive layer opposite to the first dielectric layer.

10. The transmission line as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The support further includes a conductive portion located between the end of the first conductive layer and the contact area.

11. The transmission line as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The conductive portion includes a third conductive layer facing the first conductive layer, and the third conductive layer has a fourth dielectric layer disposed on the side facing away from the first conductive layer.

12. The transmission line as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The adapter includes a beaded edge located between the flexible planar transmission line and the first connector, wherein the beaded edge is provided with a sheath, a third dielectric and the pin, wherein the sheath is electrically connected to the contact area and the first conductive layer.

13. The transmission line as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The adapter includes a printed circuit board having a first via and a second via, wherein the first via is arranged to electrically connect the contact area to the first conductive layer, and the second via includes the pin.

14. An electronic device comprising a transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for regulating a transmission line according to any one of claims 1-13, comprising the following steps in this order: a) Provide an HF signal with a spectrum in the range of 1 GHz to 80 GHz at one end of the transmission line; b) Measure the output HF signal at one end and the other end of the transmission line; c) Based on the characteristics of the output HF signal, the force is adjusted through the support component; d) Fix the support in a fixed position.

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