U.S. patent application number 16/901392 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-01 for connection system for tiered stages.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Phoenix Company of Chicago, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert M. Bradley, John E. Maturo.
Application Number | 20200313371 16/901392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004885975 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200313371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maturo; John E. ; et
al. |
October 1, 2020 |
CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR TIERED STAGES
Abstract
A connection system for a quantum computer that employs constant
impedance connectors with attenuation or filtering components or
both embedded therein or within an adaptor removably insertable
within an adaptor housing for use in a cryogenically cooled quantum
computer. The connection system provides a higher density of cables
traversing through a hermetic sealed top plate, and which are
accessible to chill blocks to reduce the thermal energy from the
signal lines. Attenuators or filter circuits are embedded in the
constant impedance connector housings, or provided in adaptors that
connect on each end to form mating constant impedance connections,
in order to reduce signal strength as the signal progresses through
the cryogenic environment and to remove extraneous electrical
signal noise.
Inventors: |
Maturo; John E.; (Thomaston,
CT) ; Bradley; Robert M.; (Oakville, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Phoenix Company of Chicago, Inc. |
Naugatuck |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004885975 |
Appl. No.: |
16/901392 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16825488 |
Mar 20, 2020 |
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16901392 |
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16392821 |
Apr 24, 2019 |
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16825488 |
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15989328 |
May 25, 2018 |
10320133 |
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16392821 |
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15608168 |
May 30, 2017 |
10049788 |
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15989328 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
439/578 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/6473 20130101;
H01R 13/17 20130101; G06N 10/00 20190101; H01R 13/7197 20130101;
H01R 24/542 20130101; H01R 9/0524 20130101; H01R 43/26 20130101;
H01R 13/6315 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 24/54 20060101
H01R024/54; G06N 10/00 20060101 G06N010/00; H01R 13/6473 20060101
H01R013/6473; H01R 43/26 20060101 H01R043/26; H01R 13/17 20060101
H01R013/17; H01R 13/7197 20060101 H01R013/7197; H01R 13/631
20060101 H01R013/631 |
Claims
1. A connection system for transmitting signal cables comprising: a
first connector housing securing a first signal cable; said first
signal cable having a center conductor terminated by a first signal
cable constant impedance receptacle connector or first signal cable
constant impedance plug connector; a header housing comprising: a
header housing top portion with a header housing top portion
connector mounted therein, said header housing top portion
connector having on a first end a constant impedance receptacle
connector or a constant impedance plug connector complementary to
said first signal cable connector and exposed on said header
housing top portion; and a header housing bottom portion with a
header housing bottom portion connector mounted therein, said
header housing bottom portion connector having on a first end a
constant impedance receptacle connector or a constant impedance
plug connector and exposed on said header housing bottom portion;
said header housing top portion constant impedance connector being
in electrical communication with said header housing bottom portion
constant impedance connector; wherein said first connector housing
attaches to said head housing top portion such that said first
signal cable receptacle connector or plug connector attaches to,
and is in electrical communication with, said header housing top
portion complementary plug connector or receptacle connector in a
constant impedance cable connection; and a second connector housing
securing a second signal cable, wherein said second signal cable
has a center conductor terminated by a second signal cable constant
impedance receptacle connector or second signal cable constant
impedance plug connector, wherein said second connector housing
second signal cable connector is a complementary connector to said
header housing bottom portion connector, such that said second
connector housing second signal cable connector attaches to, and is
in electrical communication with, said header housing bottom
portion connector in a constant impedance cable connection.
2. The connection system of claim 1 wherein said header housing is
mounted to a first plate, wherein said header housing top portion
is exposed on a top side of said first plate, and said header
housing bottom portion is exposed on a bottom side of said first
plate.
3. The connection system of claim 2 wherein said first plate
functions as a heat sink, a ground potential, or both.
4. The connection system of claim 2 wherein said first plate
functions a refrigeration plate.
5. The connection system of claim 1 including additional connection
system tiered stages connected thereto.
6. A method of connecting electrical cables in a connection system,
comprising forming a first stage connection by: providing a first
connector housing; connecting a first signal cable to said first
connector housing, said first signal cable including a center
conductor terminated by a first signal cable constant impedance
receptacle connector or a first signal cable constant impedance
plug connector; providing a header housing having a top portion and
a bottom portion; connecting to said header housing top portion a
constant impedance receptacle connector or a constant impedance
plug connector complementary to said first signal cable connector,
such that said header housing top portion connector is exposed on
said header housing top portion; mounting said first connector
housing to said header housing top portion such that said first
signal cable connector is connected to, and in electrical
communication with, said exposed header housing top portion
connector; mounting to said header housing bottom portion a
constant impedance receptacle connector or a constant impedance
plug connector, such that said header housing bottom portion
connector is exposed on said header housing bottom portion;
providing a second connector housing; connecting a second signal
cable to said second connector housing, said second signal cable
including a center conductor terminated by a second signal cable
constant impedance receptacle connector or second signal cable
constant impedance plug connector; mounting said second connector
housing to said header housing bottom portion such that said second
signal cable connector is connected to said exposed header housing
bottom portion connector; wherein said second connector housing
second signal cable connector is a complementary connector to said
header housing bottom portion connector, such that said second
connector housing attaches to, and is in electrical communication
with, said header housing bottom portion connector in a constant
impedance cable connection.
7. A connection system for transmitting signal cables through
tiered stages, wherein at least one stage comprises comprising: a
first connector housing securing a first signal cable; said first
signal cable having a center conductor terminated by a first signal
cable receptacle connector or first signal cable plug connector; a
header housing comprising: a header housing top portion with a
header housing top portion connector mounted therein, said header
housing top portion connector having on a first end a receptacle
connector or a plug connector complementary to said first signal
cable connector and exposed on said header housing top portion; and
a header housing bottom portion with a header housing bottom
portion connector mounted therein, said header housing bottom
portion connector having on a first end a receptacle connector or a
plug connector and exposed on said header housing bottom portion;
said header housing top portion connector being in electrical
communication with said header housing bottom portion connector;
wherein said first connector housing attaches to said head housing
top portion such that said first signal cable receptacle connector
or plug connector attaches to, and is in electrical communication
with, said header housing top portion complementary plug connector
or receptacle connector; and a second connector housing securing a
second signal cable, wherein said second signal cable has a center
conductor terminated by a second signal cable receptacle connector
or second signal cable plug connector, wherein said second
connector housing second signal cable connector is a complementary
connector to said header housing bottom portion connector, such
that said second connector housing second signal cable connector
attaches to, and is in electrical communication with, said header
housing bottom portion connector.
8. The connection system of claim 7 wherein said header housing is
mounted to a first plate, wherein said header housing top portion
is exposed on a top side of said first plate, and said header
housing bottom portion is exposed on a bottom side of said first
plate.
9. A constant impedance connector for electrical attenuation or
electrical filtering of electrical signals in a connection system
comprising: a housing having an upper body portion with a first
conductive or shield component disposed therein and a lower body
portion with a second conductive or shield component disposed
therein; said housing upper body portion having an upper constant
impedance receptacle or plug mating end with a first center
conductor; said housing lower body portion having a lower
reciprocal constant impedance plug or receptacle mating end with a
second center conductor, said housing lower body portion removably
attachable to said housing upper body portion; an attenuator or
filter component embedded within said housing upper body portion
and/or said housing lower body portion, such that said housing
upper body portion, said housing lower body portion, or both, form
an internal cavity for securing said attenuator or filter component
embedded therein, said attenuator or filter component for
attenuating or filtering an electrical signal on said first and
second center conductor.
10. The constant impedance connector of claim 9 wherein said
attenuator or said filter component is in electrical communication
with said housing upper body portion first center conductor and
said housing lower body portion second center conductor.
11. The constant impedance connector of claim 9 wherein said
housing upper body portion, said housing lower body portion, or
both, are press-fitted within a housing block.
12. The constant impedance connector of claim 11 wherein said
housing block further comprises: a receptacle for receiving one of
said housing upper body portion and said housing lower body
portion; and a mating plug for receiving the other of said housing
upper body portion and said housing lower body portion; wherein the
constant impedance connector housing upper body portion and lower
body portion are press-fitted within the receptacle housing block
and mating plug housing block.
13. An adaptor for implementing an attenuator or a filter into a
constant impedance signal cable, said adaptor comprising an
attenuator or filter component or a filter component within an
adaptor housing, said adaptor housing terminating on each end with
a constant impedance receptacle or constant impedance plug.
14. The adaptor of claim 13 including a resilient component in
mechanical, electrical, and/or thermal communication with said
adaptor housing on one side, and in mechanical, electrical, and/or
thermal communication with an adaptor housing mounting structure on
the other side, such that said resilient component in connection
with said adaptor housing mounting structure provides a heat sink,
a ground potential, electromagnetic interference protection, or any
combination thereof, for signals traversing through said adaptor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a constant impedance
connector system, utilizing the characteristics of known constant
impedance connectors, some with embedded attenuation and/or
filtering components. The constant impedance connector system is
designed for use in computer technology, and to the connection
system for a quantum computer. More specifically, the present
invention may be adapted for use in a cryogenically cooled quantum
computer. The constant impedance connectors may be in the form of
replaceable adapters.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] Today's computer work by manipulating bits that exist in one
of two states: a 0 or a 1. Quantum computers, however, are not
limited to two states; they encode information as quantum bits, or
qubits, which can exist in superposition. Qubits represent atoms,
ions, photons, or electrons and their respective control devices
that are working together to act as computer memory and/or a
processor. Because a quantum computer can contain these multiple
states simultaneously, it has the potential to be millions of times
more powerful than today's most powerful supercomputers.
[0003] This superposition of qubits is what gives quantum computers
their inherent parallelism. This parallelism allows a quantum
computer to work on a million computations at once.
[0004] As the physical attributes of the qubits continue to
advance, meeting the challenge of realizing a quantum machine
requires the engineering of new hardware and control architectures
with complexity far beyond today's systems. One such system
advancement is the implementation of computing at cryogenic
temperatures using superconductor-based components. There are many
benefits of cryogenic operation, such as: increased mobility and
saturation velocity of the carriers, leading to higher operation
speed; lower noise levels; increased electrical conductivity;
increased integration densities; and the suppression of thermally
activated degradation processes, to name a few. The drawbacks of
cryogenic operation include: the necessity for an appropriate
cooling system; the selection of materials and components optimized
for low temperature operation; and, interfacing aspects between
"cold" and "warm" electronics, among others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior
art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
a connection system capable of operating in a cryogenic environment
with the ability to traverse through an external or "warm"
environment to an internal or "cold" environment.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
connection system that presents a higher density of cables than the
current state-of-the-art assemblies.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to
accommodate system electrical attenuation in a cryogenic
environment in order to reduce the thermal energy resulting from
transmitted signal power.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to establish a
hermetic seal in-line with the system cabling.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
connection system that can be installed within a quantum computer
operating system, and which can be easily assembled in the computer
system without damage to the extremely small diameter center
conductors of the cabling.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to
accommodate system electrical filtering in a cryogenic environment
in order to reduce extraneous electrical signals (noise) coupled
onto conductors.
[0011] The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those
skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is
directed to a connection system for transmitting signal cables
through tiered stages, wherein at least one stage comprises: a
first signal cable having a center conductor terminated by a first
constant impedance receptacle connector or first constant impedance
plug connector; a first connector housing for securing the first
signal cable; a header housing mounted to a first plate, the header
housing having a first header housing constant impedance receptacle
connector or a first header housing constant impedance plug
connector mounted on a first side, and a second header housing
constant impedance receptacle connector or a second header housing
constant impedance plug connector mounted on a second side opposite
the first side, wherein the first header housing connector on the
first side is complementary to the first constant impedance
receptacle connector or the first constant impedance plug connector
of the first signal cable, such that the first connector housing
attaches to the header housing on the first side in a constant
impedance cable connection; and a second connector housing a second
signal cable, wherein the second signal cable has a center
conductor terminated by a second constant impedance receptacle
connector or second constant impedance plug connector, wherein the
second connector housing second signal cable connector is a
complementary connector to the header housing constant impedance
receptacle connector or header housing constant impedance plug
connector on the second side, such that the second connector
housing attaches to the header housing on the second side in a
constant impedance cable connection.
[0012] A seal may be located between the header housing connectors
on the first and second sides for sealing the center conductor
passing therethrough.
[0013] The header housing may further include a removable
attenuator or filter component connected at one end to the header
housing constant impedance plug connector and at an opposing end to
the header housing constant impedance receptacle connector, for
signal attenuation and/or electrical signal filtering of the first
and second signal cables.
[0014] The first plate may be a heat sink or a ground potential or
both for constant impedance connectors, attenuators, and/or
filters, or the first plate may be a refrigeration plate.
[0015] The first constant impedance receptacle connector or the
first constant impedance plug connector of the first cable includes
an attenuator or filter component embedded therein for signal
attenuation and/or electrical signal filtering of the first and
second signal cables.
[0016] The second constant impedance receptacle connector or the
second constant impedance plug connector of the second cable
includes an attenuator or filter component embedded therein for
signal attenuation and/or electrical signal filtering of the first
and second signal cables.
[0017] Additional connection system stages may be connected to the
at least one stage.
[0018] The connection system may further include: a plug housing
block or a receptacle housing block for terminating the second
signal cable, wherein the plug housing block includes a constant
impedance plug connector for the second signal cable, or a constant
impedance receptacle connector for the second signal cable; an
adaptor housing having a plurality of apertures for mounting
attenuator housings, filter housings, or both, each of the
attenuator housings and/or filter housings associated with a signal
cable, and having a complementary constant impedance connector on a
first side of the adaptor housing for connecting with the
reciprocal constant impedance connector of plug housing block; and
a receptacle housing block for connecting to the adaptor housing on
a second side, the receptacle housing block including a constant
impedance plug connector in electrical communication with the
second signal cable, or a constant impedance receptacle connector
in electrical communication with the second signal cable, and
having a third signal cable extending therefrom; wherein the
receptacle housing block connected to the adaptor housing on the
adaptor housing second side, such that a complementary constant
impedance connector of receptacle housing block connects to a
complementary constant impedance connector of the adaptor housing
second side.
[0019] The attenuator housing, the filter housing, or both, each
include a resilient component for electrical communication, thermal
communication, electromagnetic interference protection, or any
combination thereof, to an inner wall of each respective aperture
of the adaptor housing.
[0020] The connection system may include at least one additional
plate for mounting a second lower housing stage, the second lower
housing stage comprising a modified constant impedance connector in
electrical communication with the third signal cable, the modified
constant impedance connector having a second attenuator or second
filter component embedded therein for signal attenuation or
electrical signal filtering.
[0021] The attenuator is capable of providing up to 40 dB
attenuation.
[0022] The constant impedance connectors may comprise non-magnetic
material.
[0023] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a
constant impedance connector for electrical attenuation or
electrical filtering of electrical signals in a connection system
comprising: a housing having an upper body portion and a lower body
portion; the housing upper body portion having a constant impedance
receptacle or plug mating end with a first center conductor; the
housing lower body portion having a constant impedance plug or
receptacle mating end with a second center conductor, the second
housing portion removably attachable to the first housing portion;
wherein the housing upper body portion, the housing lower body
portion, or both, form an internal cavity for securing an
attenuator or filter component embedded therein, the attenuator or
filter component for attenuating or filtering an electrical signal
on the first and second center conductor.
[0024] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to an
adaptor for implementing an attenuator or a filter into a constant
impedance signal cable, the adaptor comprising an attenuator
component or a filter component within an adaptor housing, the
adaptor housing terminating on each end with a constant impedance
receptacle or constant impedance plug.
[0025] The adaptor includes a resilient component in mechanical,
electrical, and/or thermal communication with the adaptor housing
on one side, and in mechanical, electrical, and/or thermal
communication with an adaptor housing mounting structure on the
other side, such that the resilient component in connection with
the adaptor housing mounting structure provides a heat sink, a
ground potential, electromagnetic interference protection, or any
combination thereof, for signals traversing through the
adaptor.
[0026] In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a
method of connecting electrical cables in a tiered staged
connection system, comprising forming a first stage connection by:
connecting a first signal cable having a center conductor
terminated by a first constant impedance receptacle connector or a
first constant impedance plug connector to a first connector
housing; mounting a first header housing constant impedance
receptacle connector or a first header housing constant impedance
plug connector mounted on a first side of a header housing;
mounting a second header housing constant impedance receptacle
connector or a second header housing constant impedance plug
connector mounted on a second side of the header housing opposite
the first side, wherein the first header housing connector on the
first side is complementary to the first constant impedance
receptacle connector or the first constant impedance plug connector
of the first signal cable, such that the first connector housing
attaches to the header housing on the first side in a constant
impedance cable connection; mounting the header housing to a first
plate, connecting a second signal cable to a second connector
housing, wherein the second signal cable has a center conductor
terminated by a second constant impedance receptacle connector or
second constant impedance plug connector, wherein the second
connector housing second signal cable connector is a complementary
connector to the header housing constant impedance receptacle
connector or the header housing constant impedance plug connector
on the second side, such that the second connector housing attaches
to the header housing on the second side in a constant impedance
cable connection; and mounting the second connector housing to the
header housing.
[0027] The method includes inserting a seal located between the
header housing connectors on the first and second sides for sealing
the center conductor passing therethrough.
[0028] The method further includes connecting a removable
attenuator or filter component at one end to the header housing
constant impedance plug connector and at an opposing end to the
header housing constant impedance receptacle connector, for signal
attenuation and/or electrical signal filtering of the first and
second signal cables.
[0029] An attenuation or filtering component or both may be
embedded within an adaptor removably insertable within an adaptor
housing.
[0030] The method includes connecting the adaptor housing at one
end to the header housing constant impedance plug connector and at
an opposing end to the header housing constant impedance receptacle
connector.
[0031] The method further includes electrically connecting a second
stage connection to the first stage connection.
[0032] The second stage connection may comprise a second stage
upper connector housing, a second stage header housing mounted to a
plate, and a second stage lower connector housing, wherein
complementary constant impedance plugs and receptacles are mounted
to the second stage upper connector housing, the second stage
header housing, and the second stage lower connector housing, to
form constant impedance electrical connections for signal cables
passing therethrough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The features of the invention believed to be novel and the
elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with
particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for
illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The
invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of
operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed
description which follows taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
connector system of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the top plate of the
connector system of FIG. 1 with a hermetic header housing attached
thereto;
[0036] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative example of an incoming cable
with a connector housing for connection to the top plate of FIG.
2;
[0037] FIG. 4 depicts the center stage of the connector system
where signal attenuation is achieved;
[0038] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded, perspective view of an adaptor
housing that encloses a plurality of attenuator or filter
components, each within respective apertures;
[0039] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the attenuator or
filter component insertable within the adaptor housing of FIG.
5;
[0040] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the adaptor
housing of FIG. 5, where a section of the aperture is shown removed
to expose the attenuator or filter component inserted therein;
[0041] FIG. 8 depicts a plug housing block attached to the adaptor
housing of FIG. 5 on one side, and receptacle housing block
attached to adaptor housing on the other side;
[0042] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-section of housing blocks mated to
the adaptor housing with attenuation adaptors and plug
connectors;
[0043] FIG. 10 depicts the separation of the housing blocks for
replacement of the attenuation adaptors, and an attenuation adaptor
removed therefrom; and
[0044] FIG. 11 depicts the separated housing blocks and the
replacement of a new attenuation adaptor or other component.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0045] In describing the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1-11 of the
drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the
invention.
[0046] The present invention provides a connection system for
electrical signals. The invention is preferably used to accommodate
computer architecture, and preferably quantum computer
architecture, although uses outside of computer architecture are
not prohibited. For illustrative purposes, the application of the
connection system of the present invention is demonstrated in
computer architecture; however, other uses for electrical signal
protection using the connection system are not precluded.
[0047] In one embodiment, the present invention lends itself to
operation in a cryogenically cooled environment, although the
present invention is not limited to cryogenically cooled
environment applications. The need for reducing input power that
would otherwise provide degrading thermal effects to the internal
system is mitigated through the introduction of attenuators
embedded within the housing of specialized constant impedance
connectors, or formed as adapters that are designed to extend a
constant impedance connection. In both instances the connectors are
designed with a direct thermal connection to heat sinking elements,
such as refrigeration plates, or the like. In certain instances,
the attenuators are cryogenically-design. Similarly, in lieu of, or
in addition to, attenuators, the present invention may also
accommodate filters that are either embedded within the housing of
specialized constant impedance connectors or attached as adapters
to extend the constant impedance connections.
[0048] The design for embedding attenuators or providing an
attenuating adaptor that extends a constant impedance connector
readily lends itself to the implementation of filtering components
within the connector or adaptor housing to reduce unwarranted
coupling on the signal lines. In this manner, extraneous power on
the line is further reduced by shunting at least a portion of the
electrically coupled noise to ground before it travels to the
colder portions of the cryogenically cooled environment.
[0049] Standardized constant impedance connectors accommodate large
radial and axial misalignment tolerances found in modular
applications. Constant impedance technology, as that found in the
PkZ.RTM. connectors of Palco Connector, Inc., of Naugatuck,
Conn.--an affiliate of The Phoenix Company of Chicago--ensures
constant impedance with low insertion forces and no internal
engagement spring. These connectors provide consistent performance
by maintaining constant impedance over the larger Z-axis mating
gaps caused by system and connector tolerance challenges. This is
advantageous over the SMA connectors of the prior art, which are
generally threaded and unable to accommodate movement of components
at low temperatures. The Palco PkZ.RTM. connectors are implemented
in this design as exemplary constant impedance connectors that will
maintain signal integrity in a challenging environment.
[0050] The operating signals may be either RF or digital signals,
typically in frequencies less than 40 GHz, but may be as high as 40
GHz to 60 GHz, with approximately 1 watt max power. This is in
contrast to SMA connectors currently found in the art, which
operate on the order of less than 20 GHz.
[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
connector system 1 of the present invention. The input signals
travel through connector system 1 via mounting and connecting
blocks with cables extending there between. Top plate 2 receives
input cables 20 from an external, uncontrolled or less controlled
environment, such as a less controlled temperature environment. The
center conductors of the cables pass through top plate 2 in a
manner that secures and maintains a hermetic seal. After traversing
through top plate 2, the signals are carried via cabling through at
least one additional plate 4, which may be a plate used for heat
sinking, and more preferably, a plurality of plates, to reduce and
maintain a lower temperature for cryogenic applications. Such
plates act as heat sinks for thermal energy, which aid in
prohibiting the thermal energy from transmitting further down the
connector system. The signals are then connected via cabling to a
lower housing stage 8 which is downstream of the top plate 2, and
which utilizes a modified constant impedance connector, such as a
PkZ.RTM. connector. The signal lines then traverse to a bottom
housing stage 10 through which the signal lines then progress to
the internal computer electronics.
[0052] As will be discussed in further detail below, the
modification of the constant impedance connection may be presented
in different distinct designs and at different stages. For example,
in a first embodiment, an attenuator or filter is embedded in
either a constant impedance connector receptacle or plug. As
depicted in FIG. 4, the connector receptacle is installed into a
receptacle housing block 9a, and the connector plug is installed
into a plug housing block 9b, such that when the receptacle housing
block 9a is mated to the plug housing block 9b, the receptacle and
plug connectors are mated as well. This allows for proper alignment
of the contacts and thermal dissipation through the housing
blocks.
[0053] In a second embodiment an attenuator component or filter
component adaptor is employed within its own adapter body which is
then mounted into an adaptor housing, which preferably accommodates
a plurality of adaptor bodies. The adaptor housing is then mounted
to a plate, such as a refrigeration plate. The adaptor housing will
receive on one side connectors from a receptacle housing block, and
on the other side connectors from a plug housing block. It is also
possible for an adaptor housing to be designed to receive
connectors from a receptacle housing block on both sides, or
connectors from a plug housing block on both sides, such that, in
either embodiment, a constant impedance connection is made on each
side of the adaptor housing.
[0054] The attenuator lowers the power on each center conductor
without changing the signal integrity. In cooling applications, the
excess thermal energy from the attenuated signals is then
dissipated through the housing to a heat sink, such as
refrigeration plate. The system is designed to accommodate a
plurality of such heat sinks. Additional plates may have further
attenuation components for further signal conditioning. External
cabling then extends from bottom housing stage 10 to the computer
internal electronics, and ultimately to the processor.
[0055] It is noted that for optimum operation of the connection
system within a quantum computer application most or approximately
all of the materials of the connection system are designed of
non-magnetic material. For other applications, non-magnetic
material may not be necessitated.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of top plate 2 of connector
system 1 with a hermetic header housing 21. Top plate 2 introduces
a hermetic seal in the signal lines. This is accomplished by
mounting hermitic header housing 21 on top plate 2. Hermetic header
housing 21 passes through an aperture in top plate 2. In this
manner, downstream signal cables and electronics are sealed from
the outside environment. In this embodiment, on one side of top
plate 2, incoming cables 20 are attached to a connector housing
22a. Connector housing 22a terminates the signal cables at a
constant impedance receptacle connector 24a. Alternatively, the
signal cables may be terminated at a constant impedance plug
connector, as receptacles and plugs may be interchanged without
loss of design function. The connector housing 22a then connects to
the top side of the hermetic header housing 21. The hermetic header
housing 21 on its top side has reciprocal constant impedance plugs
24b for mating with the constant impedance receptacles 24a of
connector housing 22a. The center conductor 25 runs through a
hermetic seal material 27 within the hermetic header housing 21. On
the bottom side of top plate 2, which correlates with the bottom
side of hermetic header housing 21, a constant impedance plug 24c
is installed for each signal line. A connector housing 22b then
connects to the bottom side of the hermetic header housing 21.
Connector housing 22b has reciprocal constant impedance receptacle
connectors 24d to mate with constant impedance plugs 24c.
[0057] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of incoming cable
20 for installation into connector housing 22. A first, standard
constant impedance receptacle 24a is attached thereto. The standard
PkZ.RTM. receptacle is preferably a commercially available type
constant impedance connector, such as that available from Palco
Connector, Inc., or an equivalent thereof. It should be noted that
where receptacles are utilized, plug connectors may be employed,
and where plug connectors are utilized, receptacle connectors may
be employed, without degradation to the constant impedance
connection.
[0058] As will be discussed in further detail below, in an
alternative embodiment, a second constant impedance mating plug may
be introduced, which is mated with a second constant impedance
receptacle. The second receptacle is altered from the first
receptacle discussed above insomuch as the second receptacle
requires a different internal termination to accommodate a
different cable, allowing the connection to proceed from a
generally standard cabling material to cabling 32, which may be
superconducting cabling material. In this manner, different cabling
may be used under a similar connection scheme.
[0059] Following the signal cabling from the external environment
towards the cryogenically cooled environment, through the hermetic
seal stage, the cabling extends from connector housing 22b to lower
housing stage 8. FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion
of lower housing stage 8. In this embodiment, the attenuator of the
constant impedance connector is press-fitted within the receptacle
housing 9a, and is thus not interchangeable or easily repairable.
In other embodiments, the attenuator may be secured by a clip ring
or mechanical retention retaining ring. As will be shown in a
second embodiment, an attenuator or filter adaptor is
interchangeable, and would connect on each end to a respective
constant impedance receptacle or plug.
[0060] In FIG. 4, receptacle housing block 9a performs an
attenuation of the cable signals utilizing an embedded attenuator
38. Cabling 32 includes a constant impedance (PkZ.RTM.) receptacle
36. PkZ.RTM. receptacle 36 is modified to include, internally,
attenuator 38. Attenuator 38 may be formed from discrete attenuator
electronic components. Other attenuator components may be employed,
provided their dimensions are acceptable for insertion within a
modified constant impedance connector housing having an upper body
portion and a lower body portion, such as PkZ.RTM. connector upper
housing body portion 42 and lower housing body portion 43.
Attenuator 38 may be any level of attenuation depending upon the
system requirements. In one embodiment, a 20 dB attenuator is
employed. Attenuator 38 is confined within an attenuator housing
40, which is secured within the modified PkZ.RTM. receptacle 36. A
conductive or shield component 41 is disposed between the
attenuator housing 40, and inner diameter of the upper and lower
housing body portions 42, 43.
[0061] By attenuating the cable signals, energy is removed from the
cables and shunted via the attenuator to the adjoining plate. In
this manner, heat energy is kept further away from the internal
computer electronics downstream.
[0062] Constant impedance receptacle 36 is then mated to a mating
plug 44 which is inserted within, and secured by, mating plug
housing block 9b. Mating plug 44 extends the signal conductor to a
cable 46, which under certain circumstances may be a
superconducting cable. Cable 46 does not necessarily have to be the
same material as cable 32, and any mating plug would be designed to
accommodate the different conducting cable material, including
superconducting cabling material.
[0063] Receptacle and plug housing blocks 9a, 9b are attached to,
and in thermal communication with, lower housing stage 8 via a
specialized clamp 50a,b. Clamp 50a,b are each designed to hold
extended ribs 48a,b on the perimeter of each housing block 9a,b
respectively. Clamps 50a,b are mechanically fastened to lower
housing stage 8 on one side via a threaded or other removable
attachment scheme. The bottom side of clamp 50b is in thermal
communication with lower housing stage 8.
[0064] Cables 46 extend from plug housing block 9b and may traverse
through one or more plates that may utilize heat sinks, and which
may be configured in the same manner as described above.
[0065] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded, perspective view of an adaptor
housing 70 that encloses a plurality of attenuator or filter
components 72, each within respective apertures 74, which for
illustrative purposes shall be shown as cylindrical apertures
although the present invention is not restricted to any given
shape. Adaptor housing 70 is attached to plate 76, which is
preferably a heat sink plate or a metal structure that provides
either thermal conduction for transmitting heat energy, or ground
potential for removing filtered signal noise, or both. A plug
housing block 78 attaches to adaptor housing 70 on one side, and a
receptacle housing block 80 attaches to adaptor housing 70 on the
other side. The plug and receptacle housing blocks 78, 80 each
house a mating section of a constant impedance connector, either
the receptacle or the plug portion component 82, 84, respectively,
for cable connection to the adaptor housing 70 on each side,
respectively.
[0066] In this manner, one end of the receptacle or plug portion
component 82, 84 is a mating constant impedance connector
receptacle or plug, which is designed to mate with the
complementary attenuator or filter component 72, such that a
constant impedance connection is formed. The mating attachment is
slidably connected to the receiving attachment on the attenuator or
filter component 72. By this design, the attenuator or filter
components 72 may be interchangeable, insomuch as attenuator
components may be replaced with filter components, and vice versa.
As an illustrative example, plug housing block 78 is depicted with
a PkZ.RTM. plug, and receptacle housing block 80 is depicted with a
PkZ.RTM. receptacle. The present invention can also accommodate the
interchanging of plugs and receptacles so that the constant
impedance connection is still maintained.
[0067] FIG. 6 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the
attenuator or filter component 72. This component includes an
attenuator or filter circuit contained in its own removable casing
90 with electrical connections 96, 98 at each end. This attenuator
or filter component 72 is insertable within aperture 74 of adaptor
housing 70.
[0068] A resilient, thermally and/or electrically conductive
component 100 is attached to the outside of attenuator or filter
component 72 to transmit thermal energy from the attenuator or
filter component 72 to the inner wall of aperture 74 upon
insertion. The resilient thermally or electrically conductive
component 100 may be in the form of a spring or other resilient
structure for forming a slideable, compressible connection against
the inner wall of aperture 74. The resilient component 100 provides
movement and flexibility that a press-fit device (as depicted by
the first embodiment above) cannot provide, while assuring improved
thermal conductivity and/or electromagnetic interference
protection.
[0069] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded, perspective view of adaptor
housing 70 where a section of the aperture 74 is shown removed to
expose the attenuator or filter component 72 inserted therein. As
shown, resilient component 100 is circumferentially attached to
attenuator or filter component 72 such that the outermost side of
component 72 is compressibly fit against the inner wall of aperture
74.
[0070] FIGS. 8-11 depict the method steps for mating the connection
system in a computer application. As depicted in FIG. 8, plug
housing block 78 is attached to adaptor housing 70 on one side, and
receptacle housing block 80 is attached to adaptor housing 70 on
the other side, using fixing hardware. Adaptor housing 70 is
populated with attenuation adaptors.
[0071] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-section of plug housing blocks 78, 80
mated to the adaptor housing 70 with attenuation adaptors 72 and
plug connectors 82, 84 shown.
[0072] In order to replace the attenuation adaptors 72, fixing
hardware is removed on both the plug housing block and the
receptacle housing block. The connector housings are then removed,
and the attenuation adaptors are removed and replaced. FIG. 10
depicts the separation of the housing blocks for replacement of the
attenuation adaptors, and an attenuation adaptor removed
therefrom.
[0073] After separating the connector housing, the attenuation
adaptors may be removed using appropriate tools. At this point, the
entire housing may be removed for work outside of the connection
system environment, or replaced with another housing containing
different attenuation adaptors and/or other components.
[0074] FIG. 11 depicts the separated housings 78, 80 and the
replacement of a new attenuation adaptor or other component 85.
FIG. 12 depicts the reassembly of the connector housings 78, 80 and
adaptor housing 70 with new attenuation adaptor 85.
[0075] While the present invention has been particularly described,
in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident
that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing
description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims
will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as
falling within the true scope and spirit of the present
invention.
[0076] Thus, having described the invention, what is claimed
is:
* * * * *