PCB Hermetic Feedthrough Panel for Quantum Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating hermetic feedthroughs in enclosures for quantum computers and QIP systems are costly, inflexible, and difficult to maintain, as they often require specialized connectors or compromise the hermetic seal when passing signals or fluids.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board (PCB) is used as an enclosure panel with inner and outer connectors to enable hermetic sealing and signal/fluid passage without breaking the seal, utilizing standard connectors and processes like hot air solder leveling to maintain the seal and allow for flexible configurations and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaskets are used to maintain the hermetic seal around connectors, then the hermetic seal is maintained, but the connector face still breaks the hermetic seal and requires external caps that need to be removed for cable connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector and hermetic seal functions into a single integrated component. The connector body itself forms the hermetic seal with the enclosure panel, eliminating the need for separate gaskets and external caps. This integration allows cable connection while maintaining the hermetic seal continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection, maintains hermetic seal, and allows for cable attachment/detachment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components like external caps that were previously required to maintain the seal during cable operations.
2Reliability
If special connectors with built-in hermetic seal are used, then the hermetic seal is maintained and cable connection is enabled, but the cost increases and configurations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector system into separable components: the connector body that provides hermetic seal and the cable interface portion. This segmentation allows different cable types and configurations to be connected to the same hermetic connector body, providing configuration flexibility without compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows for dynamic configuration changes by enabling cable attachment and detachment while maintaining the hermetic seal. The system can be reconfigured for different cable types and connection requirements without replacing the entire connector, providing adaptability while maintaining seal integrity.
3Ease of operation
If connectors are used to pass signals through the enclosure, then signal transmission is enabled, but the hermetic seal is broken at the connector face
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal transmission function with the hermetic seal function in a single integrated connector design. The connector body simultaneously provides electrical signal pathways and maintains the hermetic barrier, eliminating the contradiction between signal transmission and seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body acts as an intermediary element that bridges the internal and external environments while maintaining the hermetic seal. It provides signal transmission pathways through its structure while its outer surface maintains the hermetic barrier, allowing signals to pass without breaking the seal.
4Reliability
If potted cable approach is used to maintain hermetic seal, then the hermetic seal is maintained, but system maintenance becomes difficult as cables are difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable connection from the hermetic seal structure. The connector body that maintains the seal is separate from the cable interface portion, allowing cables to be detached and replaced without affecting the hermetic seal integrity. This eliminates the need to pot cables while maintaining ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design enables dynamic cable replacement while maintaining the static hermetic seal. Cables can be attached and detached from the connector body without compromising the seal, providing ease of maintenance while maintaining seal reliability throughout the system lifecycle.
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 reduces costs, enhances flexibility in configurations, and facilitates easy maintenance by allowing standard connectors and processes, while maintaining a hermetic seal for quantum systems and other enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket fitting the size and shape of the enclosure board and used with the enclosure board to provide the hermetic seal
Implementation Method 2
having the inner connectors connected with the outer connectors through the PCB
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes various aspects of techniques that can be used for making hermetic feedthroughs for enclosures. For example, a panel that provides a hermetic seal to a system enclosure can include an enclosure board made of a printed circuit board (PCB) and configured to have a size and shape that precisely covers an access to the system enclosure, the enclosure board including multiple inner connectors on an inner side of the PCB facing the inside of the system enclosure and multiple outer connectors on an outer side of the PCB facing the outside the system enclosure for feeding one or more of signals or fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, vacuum) through the PCB by having inner and outer connectors connected through the PCB. The panel may further include a gasket fitting the size and shape of the enclosure board and used with the enclosure board to provide the hermetic seal.