Superconducting switching amplifier
US7468630B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/92
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A superconducting switching amplifier embodying the invention includes superconductive devices responsive to input/control signals for clamping the output of the amplifier to a first voltage or to a second voltage. The amplifier includes a first set of superconducting devices serially connected between a first voltage line and an output terminal and a second set of superconducting devices serially connected between the output terminal and a second voltage line. The first set and the second set of devices are operated in a complementary fashion in response to control signals. When one of the first and second sets is driven to a superconducting (zero resistance) state the other set is driven to a resistive state. In accordance with the invention, the devices of each set are laid out in a pattern and driven in a manner to enable all the devices of each set to be driven to a selected state at substantially the same time. In one embodiment, the devices in each set are superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Four sets of superconductive devices may be interconnected to function as a differential switching amplifier. The operating voltage applied to an amplifier may be vari…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.