Cryogenic Transmitter Voltage Stability via Variable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic transmitters using Josephson junctions face challenges with power consumption and speed due to RC delay and charging/discharging operations of decoupling capacitors when adjusting supply voltages.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a transmission circuit and switching circuit that utilizes variable resistance elements and Josephson junctions to manage current paths and voltage levels, allowing for low-power and high-speed signal transmission by maintaining constant voltage levels and adjusting resistance values during data output enable and disable periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If decoupling capacitors are coupled to supply voltage terminals to stabilize supply voltage levels, then voltage stability is improved, but power consumption increases due to charging/discharging operations and transmission speed decreases due to RC delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes decoupling capacitors from the supply voltage terminals in the cryogenic transmitter circuit. By eliminating these capacitors, the charging/discharging operations that cause power consumption are removed, directly addressing the power consumption problem while maintaining voltage stability through alternative means in the cryogenic environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the temperature-dependent characteristics of resistive components in cryogenic environments. By operating at cryogenic temperatures, the RC delay of remaining resistive elements is reduced due to changed material properties, allowing voltage stabilization without requiring large decoupling capacitors that would otherwise be needed at higher temperatures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If decoupling capacitors are coupled to supply voltage terminals to stabilize supply voltage levels, then voltage stability is improved, but transmission speed decreases due to RC delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes decoupling capacitors from the supply voltage terminals in the cryogenic transmitter circuit. By eliminating these capacitors, the RC delay that limits transmission speed is removed, directly addressing the speed problem while maintaining voltage stability through alternative means in the cryogenic environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the temperature-dependent characteristics of resistive components in cryogenic environments. By operating at cryogenic temperatures, the RC delay of remaining resistive elements is reduced due to changed material properties, allowing voltage stabilization without requiring large decoupling capacitors that would otherwise be needed at higher temperatures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable resistance elements are used to adjust current flowing in Josephson junctions, then current control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses variable resistance elements whose resistance can be changed by applying control voltages. This allows dynamic control of current flowing through the Josephson junctions without adding complex control circuitry, as the resistance adjustment is achieved through simple voltage application to the variable resistance elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable resistance elements act as intermediary components between the control voltages and the Josephson junctions. By placing these resistance elements in series with the junctions, they provide a simple interface for current control, avoiding the need for direct complex control mechanisms on the junctions themselves.
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
The solution minimizes power consumption and reduces the time required for signal transmission by maintaining constant voltage levels and adjusting resistance values, enhancing the speed and efficiency of signal output in cryogenic environments.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter in accordance with the related art effectively transmits a signal in a cryogenic environment by utilizing hysteresis characteristics of the Josephson junctions
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first and second variable resistance elements may have a first resistance value during the data output enable period and has a second resistance value larger than the first resistance value, during the data output disable period
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a transmission circuit coupled between a first voltage supply node and a second voltage supply node, and suitable for outputting an output data signal corresponding to a data value to an output terminal during a data output enable period, and a switching circuit coupled between the first and second voltage supply nodes, and suitable for providing a current path between the first and second voltage supply nodes during a data output disable period.