3D Resonant Clock Networks for Stacked Superconducting ICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor-based integrated circuits face limitations in device size and high power consumption due to static power dissipation and current leakage, especially in high-performance digital circuits, necessitating a more efficient power and clock distribution method.
Innovation Solution
The use of stacked superconducting integrated circuits with resonant clock networks, employing metamaterial transmission lines and through-silicon vias, to distribute clock and power signals with uniform amplitude and phase across multiple chips, utilizing Josephson junction-based reciprocal quantum logic circuits that operate with alternating current to minimize power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CMOS technology is used for high-performance digital circuits, then computing efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases due to static power dissipation and current leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from CMOS technology operating at DC voltage to superconducting technology operating at AC frequencies. This parameter change fundamentally alters the power consumption characteristics by eliminating static power dissipation and enabling operation without DC voltage, thereby resolving the contradiction between computing efficiency and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic field-based CMOS operation with a superconducting quantum mechanical system using Josephson junctions. This substitution enables lossless current flow and eliminates the need for continuous DC power supply to maintain transistor states, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining high computing efficiency
2Duration of action of stationary object
If DC voltage is used to power CMOS circuits, then circuits can operate continuously, but current leakage occurs even when circuits are inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs AC clock signals at specific frequencies to power and synchronize superconducting logic circuits. This periodic action replaces continuous DC voltage, allowing circuits to operate only during active clock cycles and eliminating current leakage during inactive periods, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from DC voltage to AC clock signals. This parameter change enables the superconducting circuits to be powered periodically rather than continuously, eliminating the need for continuous current flow and thereby preventing current leakage while maintaining operational capability
3Area of stationary object
If clock distribution networks are extended to cover large areas, then more circuits can be clocked, but signal propagation delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant oscillators and harmonic oscillators to generate and distribute clock signals at specific resonant frequencies. This approach enables synchronized clock distribution across large areas without significant propagation delays, as the resonant frequency ensures uniform signal propagation throughout the distributed network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal clock distribution architecture using phase-locked loops and frequency dividers that can synchronize multiple clock domains across different regions of the integrated circuit. This multi-functional approach allows a single clock source to effectively service large areas while maintaining timing synchronization and minimizing propagation delays
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves high computing efficiency and reduced power consumption by minimizing ohmic losses and signal propagation delays, enabling a dense integration of superconducting logic gates with efficient clock and power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
resonant clock networks, employing metamaterial transmission lines and through-silicon vias, to distribute clock and power signals with uniform amplitude and phase across multiple chips
Implementation Method 2
superconducting integrated circuits can also be combined with integrated circuits having CMOS technology
Implementation Method 3
utilizing Josephson junction-based reciprocal quantum logic circuits that operate with alternating current to minimize power loss
Data Source
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AI summary
Stacked superconducting integrated circuits with three dimensional resonant clock networks are described. An apparatus, including a first superconducting integrated circuit having a first clock distribution network for distributing a first clock signal in the first superconducting integrated circuit, is provided. The apparatus further includes a second superconducting integrated circuit, stacked on top of the first superconducting integrated circuit, having a second clock distribution network for distributing a second clock signal in the second superconducting integrated circuit, where each of the first clock distribution network and the second clock distribution network comprises a clock structure having a plurality of unit cells, where each of the plurality of unit cells includes at least one spine and at least one stub, the at least one stub inductively coupled to a first superconducting circuit, and where each of the first clock signal and the second clock signal has a same resonant frequency.