RSFQ Programmable Phase Generator for Wide Digital Phase Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art RSFQ digital phase generator circuits lack flexible programmability, restricting their use in complex digital systems despite being the fastest electronic technology, as they cannot achieve a wide range of digital phase delays.
Innovation Solution
A programmable phase generator using Josephson junction technology is developed, employing a Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) binary counter and RSFQ inverters to achieve a controllable phase shift by decimating the input signal and inserting inverters before toggle flip-flops, allowing for a selectable phase shift through binary input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If prior art RSFQ digital phase generator circuits are used, then ultrafast speed is achieved, but flexible programmability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The phase generator is divided into multiple identical stages, each contributing a fixed phase delay. By selectively enabling or disabling stages through binary control signals, any desired phase delay can be achieved. This segmentation allows the circuit to maintain ultrafast RSFQ speed while gaining flexible programmability through combinatorial control of discrete units.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit transitions from a fixed, static phase generator to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Binary control signals dynamically enable or disable specific stages, allowing the phase delay to be programmably adjusted in real-time. This dynamic control mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the circuit adaptable without sacrificing the inherent speed of RSFQ technology.
2Device complexity
If prior art RSFQ digital phase generator circuits are used, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but wide range of digital phase delays cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The phase generator employs multiple identical stages, each providing a fixed phase delay increment. By selectively activating stages through binary control, a wide range of phase delays is achieved while maintaining relatively simple individual stage designs. The repetition of standardized units keeps overall complexity manageable despite the expanded functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each stage in the multi-stage circuit serves multiple purposes: it provides a fixed phase delay increment, can be selectively enabled or disabled, and contributes to the overall programmable phase shift. This universal design allows the same structural unit to fulfill multiple functions, achieving wide phase delay range without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 enables ultrafast digital phase generators with flexible programmability, allowing for a wide range of digital phase delays, maintaining the speed of RSFQ circuits while enhancing their usability in complex digital systems.
Implementation Method 1
The Josephson effect in particular results from two superconductors acting to preserve long-range order across a barrier, such as an insulating barrier. A constant voltage across the junction will produce an oscillating current through the barrier, and vice versa. Thus, Josephson junctions convert a direct current voltage to an alternating current.
Implementation Method 2
A current may flow freely within the superconductors but the barrier prevents the current from flowing freely between them. However, a supercurrent may tunnel through the barrier depending on the quantum phase of the superconductors.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable phase shifter is constructed of Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) logic elements. The logic elements may include an RSFQ inverter and an RSFQ T flip-flop. A digital word comprising N bits is used to control the amount of phase shift and the phase shifter selectively imparts a respective phase shift for any of 2N states that can be represented by the digital word. The RSFQ logic elements utilize Josephson junctions which operate in the superconducting temperature domain.