Josephson Junction Series Layout for High-Density Superconductor Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconductor circuits face a challenge in miniaturization due to the need for increased inductance, which results in a larger footprint, contradicting the goal of compact systems, as larger inductors are required to achieve lower power consumption and high clock speeds.
Innovation Solution
The use of a series of Josephson junctions with varying critical currents, where intermediate junctions convert voltage pulses into working currents that are high enough to trigger the next junction without exceeding their critical current, allowing for reduced geometric inductance and a smaller footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the length of the inductor is extended to increase inductance, then lower power consumption and high clock speeds are achieved, but the footprint of the inductor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the Josephson junctions by varying their critical currents (Ic) across the series. This parameter variation allows the creation of different inductance values in each junction, enabling the system to achieve the required total inductance with a more compact footprint while maintaining the ability to operate at lower power consumption and high clock speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the inductor function into multiple discrete Josephson junctions connected in series, each with a different critical current. This segmentation allows the total inductance to be distributed across multiple smaller components rather than requiring one large inductor, thereby reducing the overall footprint while achieving the necessary inductance for low power operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the critical current of Josephson junctions is reduced to achieve lower power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but the inductance of interconnect must be increased proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the critical current of each Josephson junction in the series. This allows each junction to contribute differently to the total inductance, enabling the system to maintain low power consumption through reduced critical currents while achieving the required inductance through the cumulative effect of multiple junctions with optimized individual parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure using multiple Josephson junctions with different critical currents, where each junction acts as a distinct element with specific electrical characteristics. This composite approach allows the system to achieve the desired inductance-to-power ratio by combining multiple junctions with varying parameters, rather than relying on a single uniform inductor.
3Area of stationary object
If the footprint of the circuit is reduced to achieve compact systems, then system size decreases, but the inductance required for low power operation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the critical currents of individual Josephson junctions to optimize the inductance distribution across the circuit. This allows the system to achieve the necessary total inductance for low power operation within a compact footprint, as the varied parameters enable more efficient space utilization compared to uniform inductor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (one large inductor) to a multi-dimensional solution by arranging multiple Josephson junctions in series, each contributing to the total inductance. This dimensional change in the circuit architecture allows the system to achieve the required inductance value within a smaller overall footprint by distributing the inductive function across multiple smaller elements.
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 enables a high-density superconductor inductive element with a smaller footprint, maintaining performance across different temperatures and frequencies, thus achieving compact and efficient digital logic circuits.
Implementation Method 1
A Josephson junction is a weak link between two superconducting materials where carriers tunnel across the junction. As long as the current through the junction is less than a critical current (Ic), the junction will be superconducting. When additional current, for example, from an analog signal, is applied to the junction so that the current exceeds the critical current, the junction will generate a voltage pulse.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for providing a logic circuit element. The method includes arranging a series of Josephson junctions between a first Josephson junction and a second Josephson junction, the first Josephson junction having a first critical current (Ic1) and the second Josephson junction having a second critical current (Ic2); providing a working current to the first Josephson junction, the working current transmitting to the second Josephson junction through the series of the Josephson junctions; wherein the working current is sufficiently high to trigger the second Josephson junction while sufficiently low to not disturb super-conductivity of the series of intermediate Josephson junctions.