Superconducting Bidirectional Current Driver With Latch-Based Flow Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting digital technology requires bidirectional current drivers for applications like memory and quantum processors, but existing solutions lack efficient mechanisms to manage current direction effectively in superconducting circuit systems.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting bidirectional current driver system utilizing a plurality of superconducting latches activated by activation signals to provide current through a bidirectional current load in either direction, configured as an H-bridge or A-bridge circuit, allowing for selective direction control of the input current through inductive loads in memory systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional current drivers are used to enable bidirectional current flow, then current direction control is achieved, but voltage drops and power dissipation occur due to series resistance and contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electronic switching mechanisms with a superconducting tunnel junction (SJT) that utilizes quantum mechanical tunneling effects. The SJT enables bidirectional current control through voltage polarity switching without the series resistance and contact resistance inherent in conventional mechanical switches and contacts, thereby eliminating the associated power dissipation losses.
2Ease of operation
If conventional current drivers with switching elements are used, then current flow control is enabled, but reliability decreases due to contact resistance and potential contact failures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical switching elements and electrical contacts with a superconducting tunnel junction that operates based on quantum tunneling principles. This substitution eliminates wear, contact resistance, and potential contact failures associated with mechanical switching, thereby significantly improving system reliability while maintaining current flow control capability.
3Power
If high current densities are applied in conventional drivers, then driving capability for high-field magnets is achieved, but heat generation increases due to resistive losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional resistive current driving mechanisms with a superconducting tunnel junction-based driver. The SJT utilizes quantum tunneling to achieve high current density transmission with minimal resistance, thereby enabling sufficient driving capability for high-field magnets while dramatically reducing resistive heat generation compared to conventional approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental electrical parameters of the driving system by transitioning from normal resistive conduction to superconducting tunneling. This parameter change enables the system to operate at extremely low resistance states, allowing high current densities to be delivered without the proportional increase in heat generation that would occur in conventional resistive systems.
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
Enables efficient bidirectional current flow in superconducting circuit systems, effectively writing logic states in memory cells by steering current through the bidirectional current load based on the selective activation of superconducting latches, ensuring reliable operation and flexibility in quantum and classical computer systems.
Implementation Method 1
superconducting bidirectional current driver includes a plurality of superconducting latches that are selectively activated to provide a current path for an input current that is provided from a current source through non-activated superconducting latches and through the bidirectional current load in one of the first and second directions
Implementation Method 2
Superconducting digital technology has been developed as an alternative to CMOS technology, and typically comprises superconductor based single flux quantum superconducting circuitry, utilizing superconducting Josephson junctions
Data Source
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AI summary
A superconducting bidirectional current driver (10) is disclosed. The current driver includes a first direction superconducting latch that is activated in response to a first activation signal and a second direction superconducting latch that is activated in response to a second activation signal. The second direction superconducting latch is activated to provide a first current path of an input current through the first direction superconducting latch and through a bidirectional current load (12) in a first direction. The first direction superconducting latch is activated to provide a second current path of the input current through the second direction superconducting latch and through the bidirectional current load (12) in a second direction opposite the first direction.