Superconducting Data Input with Phase-Synchronized Clocked Receivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting circuits face challenges in efficiently transferring data at high speeds and low power dissipation, particularly in integrating with classical computer systems, due to timing errors and inefficiencies in data transfer protocols.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting data input system utilizing an inductive coupler and clocked receivers to generate bias currents at specific phases of a clock signal, enabling a double data rate by generating reciprocal quantum logic pulses based on the presence or absence of current pulses, with an alignment circuit to adjust timing for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transferred in superconducting circuits based on an oscillating clock signal, then logic operations and time-dependent signal transfer can occur, but timing errors and inefficiencies in data transfer protocols arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing the clock signals between the classical computer system and superconducting circuit before data transfer begins. The synchronization circuit establishes a common timing reference in advance, which eliminates timing errors during subsequent data operations. This pre-establishment of timing coherence ensures accurate edge-triggered data capture without timing mismatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a synchronization circuit that continuously monitors and adjusts the clock signals to maintain phase coherence between the classical and superconducting domains. This feedback mechanism detects timing drift and corrects it in real-time, preventing timing errors from accumulating during data transfer operations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If superconducting circuits operate at temperatures of around 4 Kelvin, then low power dissipation and high speed are achieved, but integration with classical computer systems becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface circuit that bridges the classical computer system and the superconducting circuit operating at 4 Kelvin. This intermediary handles the temperature and protocol differences, allowing the superconducting circuit to maintain its low-temperature operation for low power dissipation while the classical system operates at room temperature. The interface manages data conversion and timing synchronization without requiring full system integration at cryogenic temperatures.
3Speed
If high speed data transfer is implemented in superconducting circuits, then computing and communications resources are enhanced, but timing synchronization between clock cycles becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer process into distinct clock phases, with separate clock signals dedicated to writing data and reading data from the superconducting circuit. This segmentation prevents timing conflicts by ensuring that write and read operations occur in non-overlapping time windows synchronized to different phases of the clock cycle. The edge-triggered logic further segments data capture to specific clock transitions, enhancing timing precision at high speeds.
4Productivity
If edge-triggered logic is used to capture data on rising or falling edges of clock cycles, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but sensitivity to timing variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing all clock signals across the system before data transfer begins. This establishes a common timing reference that reduces timing variations, allowing edge-triggered logic to operate reliably without excessive sensitivity to jitter or drift. The synchronization occurs in advance of data operations, creating a stable timing foundation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through continuous clock synchronization that monitors timing variations and makes real-time adjustments to maintain phase coherence. This feedback reduces the effective timing sensitivity of the edge-triggered logic by compensating for variations before they affect data capture, thereby maintaining both high efficiency and reliability.
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 achieves accurate and efficient data transfer at high speeds with reduced power consumption by mitigating timing errors, allowing for seamless integration with classical computer systems and enabling double data rate operations.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive coupler that generates first and second bias currents in response to receiving a current pulse
Implementation Method 2
superconducting Josephson junctions, and can exhibit typical signal power dissipation of less than 1 nW (nanowatt) per active device at a typical data rate of 20 Gb/s (gigabytes/second) or greater
Data Source
AI summary
One example includes a superconducting data input system. The system includes an inductive coupler that generates first and second bias currents in response to receiving a current pulse. The system also includes a first clocked receiver configured to generate a first superconducting data signal having a first data state in response to the first bias current at a first phase of a clock signal, and a second data state in response to not receiving the first bias current at the first phase of the clock signal. The system further includes a second clocked receiver configured to generate a second superconducting data signal having the first data state in response to the second bias current at a second phase of the clock signal different from the first phase, and having the second data state in response to not receiving the second bias current at the second phase of the clock signal.