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IEEE Transactions on Magnetics

A new quantum flux parametron logic gate with large input margin

W. Hioe, M. Hosoya, Eiichi Goto

Published Mar 1, 1991• 8 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The quantum flux parametron (QFP) is a flux-transfer, flux-activated Josephson logic device which realizes much lower power dissipation than other Josephson logic devices. Being a two-terminal device, its correct operation may be affected by coupling to other QFPs. The problems include backcoupling form active QFPs through inactive QFPs (relay noise), coupling between QFPs activated at different times because of clock skew (homophase noise), and interaction between active QFPs (reaction hazard). Previous QFP circuits worked by wired-majority, which is a linear input logic and has low input margin. A logic gate (D-gate) using a QFP to perform logic operations has been analyzed and tested by computer simulation. Relay noise, homophase noise, and reaction hazard are substantially reduced. Moreover, the inputs have little interaction, and hence input margin is greatly improved. Using only D-gates it is possible to realize any combinational logic function. Important logic functions can be realized using one gate, such as a two-input multiplexer, majority, and parity. Since the QFP has a latching effect, D-gates can realize fully pipelined circuits without additional registers.

DOI
10.1109/20.133784

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IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity•Jun 1, 1997•4 citations
The quantum flux parametron (QFP) is a flux-transfer, flux-activated Josephson logic device which realizes much lower power dissipation than other Josephson logic devices. Being a two-terminal device, its correct operation may be affected by coupling to other QFPs. The problems include backcoupling form active QFPs through inactive QFPs (relay noise), coupling between QFPs activated at different times because of clock skew (homophase noise), and interaction between active QFPs (reaction hazard). Previous QFP circuits worked by wired-majority, which is a linear input logic and has low input margin. A logic gate (D-gate) using a QFP to perform logic operations has been analyzed and tested by computer simulation. Relay noise, homophase noise, and reaction hazard are substantially reduced. Moreover, the inputs have little interaction, and hence input margin is greatly improved. Using only D-gates it is possible to realize any combinational logic function. Important logic functions can be realized using one gate, such as a two-input multiplexer, majority, and parity. Since the QFP has a latching effect, D-gates can realize fully pipelined circuits without additional registers.
The D-gate is a quantum flux parametron (QFP) logic gate which was proposed to reduce input interaction and improve input margin. It is basically a 2-input multiplexer with two select signals. By giving appropriate inputs, a single gate can also perform 2-input AND, 2-input OR, 2-input XOR, 3-input majority, 3-input parity or 1-bit equality. Since it is a QFP device, it has a self-latching effect which can be exploited for pipelined designs of many combinational logic functions. However, because QFP logic is a clocked logic expected to operate at 10 GHz or more, propagation delay becomes an important issue in circuit design.
The quantum-flux parametron (QFP) is a single-flux quantum Josephson device with a high gain of over 20 dB and a low power dissipation of 1-nW order at 10 GHz. Logic and analog circuits using the device have been fabricated and tested. The device's margin may be reduced by a number of problems due to fabrication and design variations such as imbalance of Josephson-junction critical currents, flux loss in transformer self-inductances, and transformer coupling variations. The authors review these problems and describe three auxiliary circuits-booster, puller, and regulator-for alleviating them. A booster reduces the effect of critical current variations and doubles the output. A puller increases the activation current, thus allowing smaller clock signals. A regulator ensures full activation of the QFP over a wide range of activation levels. With these currents, the device has a much improved margin against variations originating from within itself.>
The Quantum Flux Parametron (QFP) is a Josephson Junction device using the polarity of a quantum magnetic flux to represent a binary information. A quantum unit of magnetic flux in a QFP can be controlled to realize majority logic operation, consequently AND and OR logics can be realized. Together with negation, which can be realized by a flux-inverting transformer, various computing logic devices can be constructed. In addition, the QFP is also a latching device so that a flux can be confined in the device to realize memory function. Due to the homogenous nature of memory and logic circuits as well as the flux nature of the signal which can be transmitted inductively, an entirely new Josephson supercomputer with memory and CPU pipelining arranged in a 3D setting was conceived. The computer with 40 processors is expected to run at a maximum speed of 20 GFLOPS of scalar processing.
This book concerns a Josephson device for supercomputers which has extremely low heat dissipation (about 106 times less than semiconductor devices and 103 times less than voltage-based Josephson devices). In the previous book on Quantum Flux Parametrons (QFPs), DC Flux Parametron, the basic device operation are described. This book deals in much greater depth on the problems which are faced by the QFP. The device characteristics are worked out in detail showing clearly the analysis methods used. A new logic gate using the QFP is described with respect to its basic scheme, operation, and ways for forming logic circuits. The problems faced by the basic QFP are much reduced in the new logic gate. As the QFP operates near the Heisenberg and Boltzmann limits for computing devices, we also show the relationship between speed and stability. The book contains the latest analytical results on QFPs.The material presented in the book can be understood with very little mathematical training or knowledge about superconducting physics. It is also self-contained and does not require reading of other material. Most of the device characteristics can be reproduced from the equations given using simple programs. A circuit simulator is not needed except for high speeds when transient behavior becomes important.
Ultra-low-power adiabatic quantum flux parametron (QFP) logic is investigated since it has the potential to reduce the bit energy per operation to the order of the thermal energy. In this approach, nonhysteretic QFPs are operated slowly to prevent nonadiabatic energy dissipation occurring during switching events. The designed adiabatic QFP gate is estimated to have a dynamic energy dissipation of 12% of I c Φ 0 for a rise/fall time of 1000 ps. It can be further reduced by reducing circuit inductances. Three stages of adiabatic QFP NOT gates were fabricated using a Nb Josephson integrated circuit process and their correct operation was confirmed.
Quantum Flux Parametron (QFP) logic gates were designed and fabricated from a single layer of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ thin film based on step-edge Josephson junctions. Self-inductance (L) of the QFP loop, an important circuit parameter, as is critical current (J/sub c/) of the Josephson junction, was determined by using directly coupled dc superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Magnetically coupled dc SQUIDs were used to detect the output signal from the QFP. Simulated waveforms were used to identify the operation modes of the QFP as a function of the circuit parameters. From examination of the output waveforms of the QFP, operation in agreement with simulations was confirmed.