Superconducting XOR Gate Tree for Single-Phase Multi-Input Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting XOR gates with more than two inputs operate out-of-phase with each other, leading to increased latency in typical superconducting circuits due to the phase boundary constraints of clock signals, which complicates the implementation of logic operations.
Innovation Solution
A superconducting XOR-gate system that includes multiple two-input XOR gates and a pulse generator capable of generating a decision pulse and a delayed decision pulse, allowing the XOR function to be performed on multiple inputs on a single phase of a clock signal, thereby mitigating timing errors and reducing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If XOR gates are implemented on different phase boundaries of clock signal to accommodate more than two inputs, then the XOR function can be performed on multiple inputs, but latency increases due to out-of-phase operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-input XOR operation into multiple two-input XOR gates arranged in a tree structure. Each gate processes a subset of inputs on the same clock phase, avoiding the need to span multiple phase boundaries. This segmentation allows N inputs to be processed with reduced latency compared to sequential phase-based approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a sequential time-based approach (using multiple clock phases) to a parallel spatial approach (using multiple gates operating simultaneously on the same phase). By organizing gates in a hierarchical tree structure, the system processes multiple inputs in parallel within a single clock phase, effectively moving the solution from the time dimension to the spatial dimension.
2Loss of time
If multiple two-input XOR gates are used to process N inputs on a single clock phase, then latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic tree structure where the number and arrangement of XOR gates adapt to the number of inputs N. For any given N, the system automatically configures the appropriate hierarchical structure, balancing the trade-off between parallelism (reduced latency) and complexity. This dynamic configuration allows optimal performance for different input sizes without requiring a fixed complex architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal multi-input XOR gate system that can handle any number of inputs N using the same fundamental two-input XOR gate building block. The hierarchical tree structure provides a scalable template that works for any N, making the system universally applicable while keeping individual gate complexity low. Each level of the tree uses identical two-input gates, achieving complexity efficiency through repetition and modularity.
Data Source
AI summary
One example describes a superconducting XOR-gate system. The system includes a pulse generator configured to generate a decision pulse. The system also includes an input superconducting XOR-2 gate that receives a first superconducting logic input signal and a second superconducting logic input signal and is configured to perform a logic XOR function based on the decision pulse on a given phase of a clock signal to provide an intermediate superconducting logic output signal. The system also includes an output superconducting XOR-2 gate that receives the intermediate superconducting logic output signal and a third superconducting logic input signal and is configured to perform a logic XOR function based on the decision pulse on the given phase of the clock signal to provide a superconducting logic output signal.