Rolled Flexible PCB Filter With EM Absorber for Cryogenic Signal Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filters are not optimized for low real estate use and low temperatures, particularly in quantum computer applications where temperatures are below 1K, and they fail to effectively reduce electron temperature in signal transport.

Innovation Solution

A flexible printed circuit board (PCB) with elongate signal tracks covered by an electromagnetically absorbing material, which is folded or rolled to reduce real estate use while maintaining filtering functionality, even at low temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional filter design is used, then filtering functionality is provided, but real estate use is excessive and it cannot adapt to low temperature environments effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to low temperaturesVSAvoidreal estate use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter transitions from a planar PCB layout to a three-dimensional rolled or folded structure. The printed circuit board is rolled into a cylindrical form or folded into compact shapes, utilizing the third dimension to reduce the footprint area while maintaining the signal track length and filtering functionality. This dimensional transformation allows the filter to occupy minimal real estate space in quantum computer applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter employs temperature-dependent electrical parameters of materials to adapt to low-temperature environments. The electromagnetically absorbing material and signal track materials are selected to maintain appropriate electrical conductivity and filtering characteristics at cryogenic temperatures below 1K, changing their operational parameters to match the quantum computer operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the PCB is made flexible to reduce real estate use, then compact form is achieved, but manufacturing precision and structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal estate useVSAvoidPCB folding precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The PCB is divided into multiple rigid segments or sections that are connected through flexible joints or hinges. Each segment maintains precise manufacturing tolerances and structural integrity, while the joints allow controlled folding and rolling. This segmentation enables the filter to achieve compact configurations without compromising the precision of individual PCB sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible intermediary layers or materials are introduced between rigid PCB segments to enable controlled folding and rolling. These intermediary elements act as mediators that allow the rigid signal-carrying portions to be positioned precisely while providing the necessary flexibility for compact configuration, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling reduced real estate use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If electromagnetically absorbing material is applied to signal tracks, then electron temperature is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron temperatureVSAvoidfilter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetically absorbing material is merged directly with the PCB substrate or signal tracks during the manufacturing process, rather than being added as a separate component layer. This integration combines the filtering function with the existing PCB structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining the electron temperature reduction capability through the absorbing material's interaction with signal electrons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetically absorbing material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electron temperature reduction through electromagnetic absorption, maintains signal integrity, and can also serve as part of the PCB structural layer. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate cooling or filtering components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively reduces electron temperature in signal transport, adapts to low temperatures, and minimizes real estate use, making it suitable for quantum computer applications and other low-temperature physics setups.

Implementation Method 1

a first electromagnetically absorbing material covering the first elongate signal tracks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12334618B2Rolled or folded filter comprising a flexible printed circuit board having first elongate signal tracks covered by an electromagnetically absorbing material

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 QM TECHNOLOGIES APS

AI summary

A filter comprising a flexible PCB with one or more signal tracks on one side. A electromagnetically absorbing material covers the signal tracks. An insulating material may be provided between the signal tracks and the electromagnetically absorbing material. The PCB is then folded or rolled to take up less space. The PCB may be first folded and then rolled to have both ends of the signal tracks available at the outer portion of the roll.