Isochronous SFQ Receiver With RQL Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Classical and quantum computing systems face challenges in inter-chip communication due to unknown or arbitrary phase relations between clock signals used for data transmission and reception, particularly in superconducting logic systems where clock recovery is precluded by using the clock signal as a power source.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting isochronous receiver system that includes a single flux quantum (SFQ) receiver to convert data signals into SFQ signals, and a converter system to phase-align reciprocal quantum logic (RQL) signals with an AC clock signal, using an SFQ splitter stage and SFQ-RQL converters to generate RQL phase signals associated with sequential phases of the AC clock, allowing digital logic to align the RQL output signal with the sampling phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If clock signals are generated from multiple sources or transmitted across inter-chip communication system, then communication between separate chips can be implemented, but the clock signals will have unknown or arbitrary phase relation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating multiple RQL phase signals (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) at the transmitter before transmission. These phase-aligned signals are sent through the transmission line to the receiver, where they serve as reference signals for subsequent phase detection and alignment of incoming data signals, eliminating the need for clock recovery despite arbitrary phase relations between transmitter and receiver clock sources.
2Use of energy by moving object
If clock signal is used as power source in superconducting logic, then power efficiency is improved, but clock recovery becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing phase detection and phase alignment circuits that compare the phase of incoming data signals with the pre-generated RQL phase signals. This intermediary phase alignment mechanism enables clock synchronization without requiring traditional clock recovery, allowing the clock signal to continue serving as the power source while still achieving proper timing alignment for data sampling.
3Measurement precision
If phase alignment circuits are added to accommodate unknown clock phase relations, then data reception accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the phase alignment function into separate modular components: phase detection circuits that measure phase differences, phase alignment circuits that adjust timing, and digital logic that selects the correctly aligned data. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and potentially reusable in other contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The RQL phase signals serve multiple functions: they act as clock references for timing alignment, as power sources for superconducting logic operation, and as reference signals for phase detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while still achieving accurate phase alignment for improved data reception.
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 system effectively accommodates unknown phase relationships between clock signals, ensuring accurate data reception by aligning RQL output signals with the AC clock signal, thereby addressing the challenge of isochronous communication in superconducting inter-chip transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
a single flux quantum (SFQ) receiver configured to receive a data signal from a transmission line and to convert the data signal to an SFQ signal
Implementation Method 2
superconducting isochronous receiver system
Implementation Method 3
a converter system configured to convert the SFQ signal to an RQL signal and to phase-align the RQL signal with a sampling phase of an AC clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
An isochronous receiver system is provided and includes a single flux quantum (SFQ) receiver to receive a data signal from a transmission line. The single flux quantum receiver then converts the data signal to an SFQ signal. The system also includes a converter system to convert the SFQ signal to a reciprocal quantum logic (RQL) signal and to phase-align the RQL signal with a sampling phase of an AC clock signal.