This disclosure relates to superconducting. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a support structure for flexible interconnect of a superconducting system.
Superconductivity is the set of physical properties observed in certain materials, wherein electrical resistance no longer exists and from which magnetic flux fields are expelled. Any material exhibiting these properties is a superconductor. Unlike an ordinary metallic conductor, whose resistance decreases gradually as its temperature is lowered even down to near absolute zero, a superconductor has a characteristic critical temperature below which the resistance drops abruptly to zero. An electric current through a loop of superconducting wire can persist indefinitely with no power source.
It was discovered that some cuprate-perovskite ceramic materials have a critical temperature above 90 K (−183° C.). Such a high transition temperature is theoretically impossible for a conventional superconductor, leading the materials to be termed high-temperature superconductors. Readily available coolant liquid nitrogen boils at 77 K, and thus the existence of superconductivity at higher temperatures than this facilitates many experiments and applications that are less practical at lower temperatures.
Densely-integrated cryogenic electronic systems employ electrical interconnect technology. In particular, superconducting cables with multiple signals, high signal density, low loss, low thermal leakage and small cross-sections are needed to operate as interconnects. The superconducting characteristics of thin-film niobium (Nb) make thin film Nb a viable material for realizing low-temperature (4 K or below) superconducting cables, such as high density DC cables and RF cables including microstrip and stripline. Thin-film flexible superconducting ribbon cables incorporating polymer dielectrics are particularly useful for making multiple interconnections between different substrates and/or different temperature zones.
One example relates to a support structure for a superconducting system that can include a support member that is formed of thermally conductive material. The support member can include a plurality of parallel slots. Each slot extends from a first surface of a base of the support member to a second surface of the base, wherein the first and second surfaces of the base are positioned on parallel planes. Each slot can be shaped to allow relative movement of a fastener that allows a respective connector assembly to be affixed to the support member. The respective connector assembly can provide mechanical support for the flexible interconnect of the superconducting system and establish a heat path between the flexible interconnect and the support member. The support member can further include a wall extending transverse from the first surface of the base, the wall can include a plurality of through-holes.
Another example relates to a support structure for a superconducting system. The support structure can include a support member that is formed of thermally conductive material. The support member can include a plurality of parallel slots, wherein each slot extends from a first surface of a base of the support member to a second surface of the base, wherein the first and second surfaces are positioned on parallel planes. The support member can also include a wall extending transverse from the first surface of the base, the wall comprising a plurality of through-holes. The support member can further include a plurality of connector support rods. Each of the plurality of connector support rods can be affixed to the base of the support member via a respective slot. The support structure can still further include a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector is affixed to a respective connector support rod and each connector provides mechanical support for a flexible interconnect between at least two superconducting circuits mounted on respective blades of a superconducting system.
Yet another example relates to a system that can include a first superconducting system. The first superconducting system can include a plurality of blades and a plurality of superconducting circuits. Each superconducting circuit can be mounted on a respective blade of the first superconducting system, and each of the plurality of superconducting circuits in the first superconducting system includes low temperature superconducting materials. The system can also include a second superconducting system, the second superconducting system can include a plurality of blades and a plurality of superconducting circuits. Each superconducting circuit in the second superconducting system is mounted on a respective blade of the second superconducting system, and each of the plurality of superconducting circuits in the second superconducting system includes high temperature superconducting materials. The system further includes a support structure. The support structure includes a support member that can be formed of thermally conductive material. The support member includes a plurality of parallel slots, wherein each slot extends from a first surface of a base of the support member to a second surface of the base, wherein the first and second surfaces are positioned on parallel planes. The support member also includes a wall extending transverse from the first surface of the base. The wall can include a plurality of through-holes extending from a first surface of the wall to a second surface of the wall. The support member further includes a plurality of connector assemblies. Each connector assembly can include a connector support rod that is affixed to the base of the support structure via a respective slot and a connector affixed to the respective connector support rod and the connector provides mechanical support for a flexible interconnect between at least two superconducting circuits mounted on respective blades of the first superconducting system. The support structure can still further include an extender arm that can have a base that extends in a direction parallel to a surface of the wall of the support member. The extender arm can also have a column extending in a direction transverse to the base. A plurality of alignment connectors can be affixed to the column of the extender arm. Each alignment connector mechanically couples a given blade of the first superconducting system to a corresponding blade of the second superconducting system.
The examples described herein are related to a system that includes a first superconducting system with a first plurality of blades housed in a chassis. Each of the first plurality of blades has a superconducting circuit mounted thereon and each of the plurality of superconducting circuits in the first superconducting system includes materials that superconduct at temperatures of 4 K (Kelvin) or less (e.g., low temperature superconducting materials). The system can also include a second superconducting system that has a second plurality of blades, and each of the second plurality of blades has a superconducting circuit mounted thereon, and each of the plurality of superconducting circuits in the second superconducting system includes materials that superconduct at temperatures of 77 K or less (e.g., high temperature superconducting materials).
The system also includes a support structure that can have a support member that can be formed of thermally conductive material. The support member can include a plurality of parallel slots, wherein each slot extends from a first surface of a base of the support member to a second surface of the base (e.g., through-holes). The support member can also include a wall extending transverse from the first surface of the base. The wall can include a plurality of through-holes that are employable to fasten the support member to a substrate.
The support member can further include a plurality of connector assemblies, wherein each connector assembly can have a connector support rod that is affixed to the base of the support via a respective slot on the support member. Each connector assembly can include a connector affixed to an end of a respective connector support rod, wherein the connector can provides mechanical support for a flexible interconnect between at least two superconducting circuits mounted on respective blades of the first superconducting system. Further, each connector assembly establishes a heat path between a flexible interconnect and the support member to dissipate heat when operating in a cryogenic environment.
Further, in some examples, the support structure can include an extender arm that is removably attached to the support member. The extender arm can include a base that extends in a direction parallel to a surface of the wall of the support member and a column extending a direction transverse to the base. The support structure can have a plurality of alignment connectors affixed to the column of the extender arm. Each alignment connector can mechanically couple a corresponding blade of the first superconducting system to a corresponding blade of the second superconducting system. In this manner, the support structure (including the extender arm) can be moved on one axis (e.g., a horizontal axis), and this movement causes corresponding movement in the first plurality of blades of the first superconducting system and the second plurality of blades in the second superconducting system that are affixed to the column via an alignment connector, which prevents breakage of interconnecting components.
Each superconducting circuit 58 can include materials that superconduct at 4 K or less (e.g., low temperature superconducting materials). Each superconducting circuit 58 on a given blade 56 can communicate with another superconducting circuit 58 or multiple superconducting circuits 58 via a flexible interconnect 62. Stated differently, each flexible interconnect 62 provides a superconducting communication path between two superconducting circuits 58. Each flexible interconnect 62 can be formed of a superconducting polymide such as poly-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide.
To avoid inadvertent damage the flexible interconnects 62 should be handled with care at both room temperature (e.g., temperature greater than 273 K) and superconducting temperatures (e.g., 4 K and below). Additionally, as the superconducting system 52 transitions from room temperature (e.g., greater than 273 K) to superconducting temperatures (e.g., 4 K or below) different components of the superconducting system 52 have different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). Thus, during transitions from room temperature to cryogenic temperature (e.g., 77 K and below), the flexible interconnects 62 are prone to breakage due to relative movement (e.g., due to different CTEs) between components to the superconducting system 52. Additionally, the problems of the different CTEs between components of the superconducting system 52 are amplified as the temperature decreases toward the cryogenic temperature.
Each flexible interconnect 62 (or some subset thereof) can be clamped by a connector 70 of the support structure 50. Each connector 70 aligns and connects traces on the corresponding flexible interconnect 62. The support structure 50 can include K number of connectors 70, where K is an integer greater than or equal to one (1). The connector 70 is affixed (e.g., mounted) on a connector support rod 72 of the support structure 50. The connector 70 and the connector support rod 72 can be formed of thermally conductive material, such as aluminum 6061. The connector support rod 72 can be affixed to a support member 76 (which may be referred to as a pegboard) of the support structure 50 via a slot 78 on the support member 76. A printed circuit board (PCB) 80 can be affixed on the support member 76. The support rod 70 and the support member 76 provide both thermal and structural support to each connector 70 and each flexible interconnect 62.
The support member 100 can include a base 102 (e.g., a plate) that extends in a first plane. The base 102 can have a rectangular prism like shape. The base 102 can include a plurality of bosses 104 (e.g., protuberances) that extend in a direction normal to the surface of the base 102 of the support member 100. Each boss 104 can have a round shape and a center hole. In some examples, the center hole can be threaded. The center hole of each boss 104 can receive a fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt or hold down) to enable a PCB (e.g., the PCB 80 of
The base 102 can also include a plurality of slots 106. In the example illustrated, there are twelve (12) slots, but in other examples, there could be more or less slots 106. The plurality of slots 106 can be arranged in parallel. Moreover, each slot 106 is an elongated through-hole (e.g., having an elliptical base shape) that extends from a first surface of the base 102 to a second surface of the base 102. In fact, as used herein, the term “through-hole” denotes a hole that extends from a given surface of material to another surface of the material, wherein the other surface opposes the given surface.
As explained herein, the slots 106 are shaped receive fasteners that affix a connector support rod (e.g., the connector support rod 72 of
The base 102 can include a set of through-holes 108. Although there are two (2) through-holes 108, in other examples there can be more through-holes 108 or a single through-hole 108. The through-holes 108 can be implemented as square holes with rounded corners to allow connectors from the PCB to pass through.
The support member 100 can also include a first wall 110 that extends transversely (e.g., at a 90 degree angle) from the base 102. The first wall 110 includes through-holes 112 that can receive fasteners to allow the support member 100 to be affixed on a substrate (e.g., the thermally conductive substrate 60 of
The support member 100 can further include a second wall 120 that extends transversely from the base 102. Moreover, the second wall 120 can intersect the first wall 110 at a corner 122 of the support member 100. In some examples, the corner 122 has a draft angle (or curve). In some examples, the second wall 120 has a triangular prism shape.
The PCB 150 can include a plurality of IC chips 156 mounted thereon. As some examples, the IC chips 156 can be implemented as temperature sensors, heaters or a combination thereof. Each of the IC chips 156, or some subset thereof can be coupled to a connector.
The first portion 202 includes a plurality of through-holes 220. In the example illustrated, there are two (2) through-holes 220 in the first portion 202 of the connector support rod 200. However, in other examples, there could be more or less through-holes 220. The through-holes 220 enable fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws) to pass therethrough. Moreover, the connector support rod 200 is configured such that the first portion 202 extends parallel to the plane on the surface of the base 102 illustrated in
The second portion 204 extends in a direction transverse from the first portion 202. Moreover, the third portion 206 extends in a direction transverse from the second portion 204 and in a direction that opposes the first portion 202. The fourth portion 208 extends in a direction transverse from the third portion 206 and extends on a plane parallel to a plane of a surface of the second portion 204.
The fourth portion 208 includes a plurality of through-holes 222. In the example illustrated in
The first plate 252 includes a first set of through-holes (hidden from view) that receives fasteners 256 that pass through the plurality of holes (222 if
A flexible interconnect 260 can be sandwiched between the first plate 252 and the second plate 254. In this manner, the first plate 252 and the second plate 254 of the connector 251 clamps the flexible interconnect 260 to hold the flexible interconnect 260. The flexible interconnect 260 can be representative of an instance of the flexible interconnect 62 of
Referring back to
Further, as noted, by clamping each flexible interconnect 62 (or some subset thereof), the clamped flexible interconnects 62 are held relatively still, and thereby relieving tension (e.g., due to gravity) that would otherwise be applied to the connected superconducting circuits 58, which could lead to component failure.
The support structure 400 includes a support member 406. The support member 406 can be formed of thermally conductive material, such as aluminum (e.g., aluminum 6061). The support member 406 includes a plurality of slots 410 that are arranged in parallel, only one of which is labeled. The plurality of slots 410 can be implemented in a manner similar to the plurality of slots 78 illustrated in
The superconducting system 402 and the support structure 400 can operate in a cryogenic environment, such as a region of the cryogenic environment with a temperature of about 4 K or less. The superconducting system 402 can include a chassis (omitted for clarity) that houses M of blades 420. Each of the M number of blades 420 can operate as a heat spreader for a corresponding superconducting circuit 422. In some examples, each superconducting circuit 58, or some subset thereof, can be implemented as an MCM.
The superconducting circuits 422 can be connected through flexible interconnects 424, which can be implemented as the flexible interconnects 62 of
As illustrated, the support structure 400 provides mechanical support for each of the flexible interconnects 424. Additionally, the first connector assembly 430, the second connector assembly 432 and the third connector assembly 434 provide a heat path from each corresponding flexible interconnect 424 to the support member 406.
The first superconducting system 510 can be similar to the superconducting system 52 of
Further,
The first superconducting system 510 and the second superconducting system 520 communicate can via communication channels 536 and 538. In some examples, the communication channels 536 and 538 can be formed of wires and/or flexible interconnects (e.g., superconducting flexible interconnects).
The support structure 500 can include features of the support structure 50 of
Further, the support structure 500 can include an extender arm 550 that is removably connected to the support structure 500. The extender arm 550 includes a base 551 that extends in a direction parallel to a surface of a wall 552 of the support member 540. The extender arm 550 can include a column 554 that extends transversely from base 551 of the extender arm 550. A plurality of alignment connectors 558 can be affixed to the column 554 (only one of which is visible in
The support structure 600 includes a support member 610. The support member 610 illustrated in
The wall 612 of the support member 610 includes a surface that extends on a first plane. Moreover, an extender arm 620 includes a base 622 that extends in the first plane, the same plane as the surface of the wall 612. Additionally, a column 624 extends in a transverse direction from the first plane, and parallel to a surface of the base 614 of the support member 610. The column 624 can be employed to implement the column 554 of
The column 624 can include J number of through-holes 630, where J is an integer greater than or equal to one. Each of the J number of through-holes 630 is shaped to receive a fastener (e.g., a bolt or screw) to affix an alignment connector 634 to the column 624. Although
Referring back to
After installation, the extender arm 550 including the column 554 can be removed to prevent undesired thermal transfer between the first superconducting system 510 and the second superconducting system 520. Thus, the extender arm 550 facilitates access to certain components of the first superconducting system 510 and the second superconducting system 520 without disturbing delicate components of the first superconducting system 510 and the second superconducting system 520.
What have been described above are examples. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of this application, including the appended claims. As used herein, the term “includes” means includes but not limited to, the term “including” means including but not limited to. The term “based on” means based at least in part on. Additionally, where the disclosure or claims recite “a,” “an,” “a first,” or “another” element, or the equivalent thereof, it should be interpreted to include one or more than one such element, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
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