Josephson RF Frequency Converter for Phase-Locked Clock Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In digital superconducting circuits, controlling RF clock distribution and generating multiple frequencies is challenging due to electrical delays and the reliance on bulky, expensive commercial off-the-shelf components that can only output a single RF frequency, leading to clock skew and erratic system operations.
Innovation Solution
A single flux quantum (SFQ) circuit with RF to DC and DC to RF conversion stages using series stacked Josephson Junctions and a Feeding Josephson Transmission Line, coupled with a balanced inductive bridge, to convert analog RF input signals into discrete SFQ pulses and generate multiple phase-locked RF tones from a single RF source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple commercial off-the-shelf RF generators are used to generate multiple frequencies, then frequency generation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single RF signal source is used to generate multiple output frequencies through a frequency division circuit. The circuit divides the input RF signal into multiple frequency components, allowing one RF source to perform the function of multiple RF generators, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining frequency generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency division circuit segments the input RF signal into multiple frequency components. By dividing the single RF signal into multiple frequency bands, the system achieves multiple frequency generation from a single source, reducing the need for multiple separate RF generators
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple commercial off-the-shelf RF generators are used to generate multiple frequencies, then frequency generation capability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single RF signal source is used to generate multiple output frequencies through a frequency division circuit. The circuit divides the input RF signal into multiple frequency components, allowing one RF source to perform the function of multiple RF generators, thereby reducing device size and cost while maintaining frequency generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple frequency generation functions are merged into a single frequency division circuit. Instead of using separate RF generators for each frequency, the circuit combines multiple frequency generation tasks into one integrated solution, reducing overall device size
3Adaptability or versatility
If external mixers and digital to analog converters are added to output multiple RF frequencies, then frequency generation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for external mixers and digital to analog converters by using a direct frequency division approach. The frequency division circuit directly generates multiple RF frequencies from a single input signal without requiring these additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining frequency generation capability
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 solution enables efficient frequency conversion and clock distribution with reduced wiring overhead, enhancing synchronicity and allowing for the creation of multiple configurable frequencies, thereby improving system performance and reducing the need for multiple RF generators.
Implementation Method 1
The DC to RF conversion stage includes a plurality of series stacked Josephson Junctions (JJs) having n stages, configured to convert a DC current received from the RF to DC conversion stage and reconvert the DC current to an RF tone
Implementation Method 2
The RF to DC conversion stage includes a Feeding Josephson Transmission Line (FJTL)
Data Source
AI summary
A single flux quantum (SFQ) circuit includes a radio frequency (RF) to direct current (DC) conversion stage. A DC to RF current conversion stage is coupled to a single output of the RF to DC conversion stage. The DC to RF current conversion stage includes a plurality of series stacked Josephson Junctions (JJs) having n stages, configured to convert a DC current received from the RF to DC conversion stage and reconvert the DC current to an RF tone.