Superconducting Wire Routing for Target Inductance Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic design automation (EDA) tools are inadequate in efficiently routing superconducting wires to meet the inductance requirements and operating constraints of superconducting circuits, as they often rely on shortest-path algorithms that do not ensure sufficient inductance for proper device operation.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and method that iteratively determine costs for nodes forming paths between start and end locations in a superconducting circuit, considering both physical positions and target inductance, to select a final path with the lowest cost that meets the target inductance requirements, incorporating additional constraints such as cross-coupling and layer passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If shortest-path algorithms (e.g., Dijkstra's algorithm) are used to route superconducting wires, then routing efficiency is improved, but the inductance requirement cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the routing problem from a pure shortest-path problem to a constrained optimization problem by introducing inductance as a key parameter. The cost function is redefined to include both path length and inductance contributions, allowing the algorithm to balance routing efficiency with inductance requirements through parameter weighting and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing algorithm dynamically adjusts the cost of different paths based on accumulated inductance values. As the routing progresses, the cost function adapts to ensure that the final path meets the minimum inductance requirement while still maintaining reasonable routing efficiency, making the optimization process dynamic rather than static.
2Manufacturing precision
If wire length is increased to meet inductance requirements, then inductance target is achieved, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The algorithm incorporates feedback mechanisms where the accumulated inductance along the current path is continuously monitored and used to adjust the cost function for subsequent routing decisions. This feedback allows the algorithm to determine whether additional path length is needed to meet inductance targets without unnecessarily increasing routing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing algorithm performs preliminary calculations of inductance contributions from different path segments before finalizing the route. By pre-evaluating which paths will contribute sufficient inductance, the algorithm can plan ahead and avoid unnecessary complexity in the final routing configuration.
3Reliability
If additional constraints (cross-coupling, layer passage) are incorporated, then operational requirements are met, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing problem into distinct constraint categories (geometric constraints, inductance constraints, cross-coupling constraints, layer passage constraints). Each constraint type is handled through dedicated cost function components, allowing the algorithm to systematically address multiple constraints without overwhelming computational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to routing superconducting wires in superconducting circuits and in particular to efficiently routing superconducting wires that meet inductance requirements. The superconducting wire routing technique involves modeling the target location not only as a physical location, but as a physical location (e.g., x, y, and z dimensions) combined with inductance (e.g., a target inductance range). One or more other constraints may also be included in the modeling, such as a number of wires that would need to be moved/lifted, a number of circuit-vias allowing passage through layers of the circuit, an amount of cross-coupling with other inductors, and a number of wire segments.