Phase-Change Superconducting Switch for Low-Loss Signal Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching devices, such as transistors and MEMS switches, suffer from signal losses, occupy significant space, and consume high power, while existing superconducting switches like Josephson junctions lack design flexibility and bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting phase-change material switch is introduced, comprising a switch portion made of phase-change material that toggles between conducting and blocking states via resistive heating, allowing it to be inline with superconducting transmission lines, facilitating compact size, low power consumption, and high bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional switching devices (transistors, MEMS switches) are used, then switching functionality is achieved, but signal losses occur and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating state parameters of the phase-change material by controlling its phase transitions between crystalline and amorphous states. This allows the material to switch between superconducting (zero resistance) and blocking states, achieving lossless signal transmission when closed while maintaining reliable switching functionality through phase-controlled resistance changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining phase-change material with superconducting transmission lines. This composite approach enables the switch to leverage both the phase-change material's resistive switching capability and the superconducting lines' zero-resistance property, eliminating signal losses in the closed state while preserving switching reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional switching devices are used, then switching functionality is achieved, but significant space is occupied on PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms (such as moving parts in MEMS switches) with a phase-change material-based electronic switch. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical components that occupy significant space, allowing the switch to be integrated inline with superconducting transmission lines in a compact configuration while maintaining reliable switching functionality through electrical phase control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional switching devices are used, then switching functionality is achieved, but significant power is consumed to maintain activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed heating to toggle the phase-change material between crystalline and amorphous states. Once switched, the material maintains its state without requiring continuous power input. This periodic action approach enables the switch to consume power only during state transitions rather than continuously during operation, significantly reducing activation power consumption while preserving reliable switching functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If Josephson junction switches are used, then superconducting switching is achieved, but design flexibility and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the phase-change material between crystalline and amorphous states to achieve superconducting switching. Unlike Josephson junctions that rely on quantum tunneling effects with limited design flexibility, this approach allows for versatile device configurations and broader bandwidth operation while maintaining zero-resistance signal transmission through the superconducting phase.
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 phase-change material switch achieves low resistance in one state and high isolation in another, enabling efficient signal propagation with minimal power usage and occupying less space, thus supporting high circuit density and flexible design.
Implementation Method 1
a phase-change material that is superconducting in a first state of the switch portion and blocking in a second state of the switch portion
Implementation Method 2
toggles between conducting and blocking states via resistive heating
Implementation Method 3
a first superconducting transmission line, a second superconducting transmission line and a phase-change material switch that is coupled between the first and second superconducting transmission lines
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention includes a switch circuit including a first superconducting transmission line, a second superconducting transmission line and a phase-change material switch that is coupled between the first and second superconducting transmission lines. The phase-change material switch includes a switch portion that includes a phase-change material that is superconducting in a first state of the switch portion and blocking in a second state of the switch portion, such that the phase change material switch is configured to propagate an input signal from the first superconducting transmission line to the second superconducting transmission line in the first state, and to prohibit propagation of the input signal from the first superconducting transmission line to the second superconducting transmission line in the second state.