Superconducting Cable Connector Compression Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In superconducting computing systems, the connection between superconducting flexible interconnecting cables is unreliable due to difficulty in aligning metal traces, leading to compromised electrical continuity, and the fragile nature of these cables results in high device downtime and rework costs when issues arise.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting flexible interconnecting cable connector with a recessed base and compression device that securely nests and aligns the cables, ensuring reliable electrical contact through the use of connecting chips and a cover that compresses the connectors to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If superconducting flexible interconnecting cables are connected directly without a connector structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of electrical continuity is compromised due to difficulty in aligning metal traces
Solution Approach 1:
A connector assembly acts as an intermediary component between two superconducting flexible interconnecting cables. The connector includes a base with a recessed area receiving connecting chips that have metal traces, which align and bond with metal traces from the cables. This intermediary structure ensures precise alignment and reliable electrical continuity without requiring direct cable-to-cable alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a base structure with a recessed area, connecting chips with metal traces, a cover, and a compression device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the base provides structural support and alignment, the connecting chips establish electrical contact, the cover protects the assembly, and the compression device ensures secure bonding.
2Reliability
If superconducting flexible interconnecting cables are made more fragile-resistant, then the reliability improves, but the ease of manufacture worsens due to specialized material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly provides beforehand cushioning and protection for the fragile superconducting cables. The recessed area in the base cradles the cable ends and connecting chips, while the cover protects the assembled components. The compression device applies controlled pressure to secure the connection without exerting excessive stress on the fragile cables during assembly and operation.
3Reliability
If a compression device is added to secure the cables, then the reliability of connection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device provides dynamic adjustment capability to the connector assembly. It can apply variable compression force to secure the connecting chips and cable ends firmly in the recessed area, ensuring reliable electrical contact. The dynamic nature of the compression mechanism allows for proper seating of components and maintains consistent pressure to prevent movement or disconnection.
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting flexible interconnecting cable connector for supercomputing systems is provided. The cable connector includes a base with a recessed area defined therein to receive superconducting flexible interconnecting cables and superconducting connecting chips to electrically connect the superconducting flexible interconnecting cables to each other. A cover is provided to cover the superconducting flexible interconnecting cables and the superconducting connecting chips when the cover is in a closed position. A compression device compresses the superconducting connecting chips together to secure the superconducting flexible interconnecting cables and the superconducting connecting chips inside the recessed area of the base when the cover is in the closed position.