Superconducting Current Driver Latches for Bidirectional Load Control

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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 flow in both directions effectively, particularly in low-temperature environments.

Innovation Solution

A superconducting bidirectional current driver system utilizing a plurality of superconducting latches activated by specific signals to provide current paths through a bidirectional current load in either direction, employing H-bridge or A-bridge configurations with Josephson junction devices and activation controllers to manage current flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a unidirectional current driver is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but it cannot provide bidirectional current flow required by memory and quantum processor applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional current flow capabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current driver is segmented into two separate latches: a first latch configured to drive current in a first direction and a second latch configured to drive current in a second direction. Each latch independently controls current flow in its designated direction, enabling bidirectional operation while maintaining manageable complexity through functional division.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit employs dynamic control through activation signals that selectively enable or disable specific latches based on the desired current direction. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the same circuit structure to adaptively provide unidirectional or bidirectional current flow as needed by the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If bidirectional current control is implemented, then current direction flexibility is improved, but control mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent direction control flexibilityVSAvoidactivation signal control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latches are pre-configured with specific activation signals that determine their operational state. The first latch is activated by a first activation signal and the second latch by a second activation signal, establishing a clear preliminary control mechanism that simplifies the switching between current directions without requiring complex real-time control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If superconducting latches are used for bidirectional current control, then current flow efficiency is improved, but the system requires low temperature operation which limits application environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent flow energy lossVSAvoidoperating temperature requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the superconducting state parameter change that occurs at critical temperatures. By operating below the critical temperature threshold, the latches exhibit zero electrical resistance, enabling lossless current flow. This parameter-based approach allows the system to achieve superior energy efficiency while accepting the temperature constraint as a necessary condition for superconductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 through bidirectional current loads, allowing for precise control of memory states in superconducting circuits, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of quantum and classical systems at low temperatures.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Implementation Method 2

superconducting digital technology... typically comprises superconductor based single flux quantum superconducting circuitry, utilizing superconducting Josephson junctions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJosephson effect: Josephson Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10122351B1Superconducting bi-directional current driver

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

One example includes a superconducting bidirectional current driver. 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 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 in a second direction opposite the first direction.