Superconductor multi-level quantizer
AssigneeHypres, Inc.
InventorDmitri Kirichenko
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A superconductor multi-level quantizer is disclosed, which quantizer includes a number N of Josephson junction (JJ) comparators connected in parallel to a common input node. The quantizer further includes at least one flux bias device. Each flux bias device is capable to adjust the flux threshold for at least one of the JJ comparators. The quantizer is so configured a feedback current from the output is capable to shift the flux threshold for each of the JJ comparators.
Claims20
A superconductor circuit, comprising:
- a number N of Josephson junction (JJ) comparators, with said N being at least two, said JJ comparators are connected in parallel to an input node and each is capable of switching, wherein upon said switching each said JJ comparator is producing a feedback current, wherein each said JJ comparator has a flux threshold for said switching;
- at least one of flux bias devices, wherein said flux bias device is capable to adjust said flux threshold for at least one said JJ comparator;
- and
- wherein said superconductor circuit is so configured that each said JJ comparator is adapted to receive at least a portion of said feedback current, wherein said feedback current is capable to shift said flux threshold for each said JJ comparator.
A method for converting an electromagnetic analog signal into a digital signal, said method comprising:
- connecting N Josephson junction (JJ) comparators in parallel to an input receiving said analog signal, wherein said N is at least two, and said JJ comparators have flux thresholds for switching, wherein said switching produces said digital signal;
- adjusting said flux thresholds individually to a predetermined set of flux values;
- and
- randomizing said flux thresholds with a feedback current, wherein said feedback current is generated by said switching of said JJ comparators.
A superconductor Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), comprising:
- a multi-level quantizer, wherein said multi-level quantizer comprises:
- a number N of Josephson junction (JJ) comparators, with said N being at least two, said JJ comparators are connected in parallel to an input node and each is capable of switching, wherein upon said switching each said JJ comparator is producing a feedback current, wherein each said JJ comparator has a flux threshold for said switching;
- at least one of flux bias devices, wherein said flux bias device is capable to adjust said flux threshold for at least one said JJ comparator;
- and
- wherein said superconductor circuit is so configured that each said JJ comparator is adapted to receive at least a portion of said feedback current, wherein said feedback current is capable to shift said flux threshold for each said JJ comparator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.