U.S. patent application number 16/709608 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for support structure for a flexible interconnect of a superocnductor.
This patent application is currently assigned to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is MARTIN BROKNER CHRISTIANSEN, KATHARINE KRAMER FERSTER, JONATHAN FRANCIS VAN DYKE. Invention is credited to MARTIN BROKNER CHRISTIANSEN, KATHARINE KRAMER FERSTER, JONATHAN FRANCIS VAN DYKE.
Application Number | 20210176890 16/709608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005608844 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210176890 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHRISTIANSEN; MARTIN BROKNER ;
et al. |
June 10, 2021 |
SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR A FLEXIBLE INTERCONNECT OF A
SUPEROCNDUCTOR
Abstract
A support structure for a flexible interconnect of a
superconducting system can include a support member that is formed
of thermally conductive material. The support member can include a
plurality of parallel slots. Each slot can extend from a first
surface of a base of the support member to a second surface of the
base. The first and second surfaces of the base can be positioned
on parallel planes and 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. Moreover, 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 also include a wall extending transverse from
the first surface of the base, the wall comprising a plurality of
through-holes.
Inventors: |
CHRISTIANSEN; MARTIN BROKNER;
(LAUREL, MD) ; FERSTER; KATHARINE KRAMER;
(BALTIMORE, MD) ; VAN DYKE; JONATHAN FRANCIS;
(BALTIMORE, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CHRISTIANSEN; MARTIN BROKNER
FERSTER; KATHARINE KRAMER
VAN DYKE; JONATHAN FRANCIS |
LAUREL
BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE |
MD
MD
MD |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS
CORPORATION
FALLS CHURCH
VA
|
Family ID: |
1000005608844 |
Appl. No.: |
16/709608 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/20 20130101; H05K
7/06 20130101; H01B 12/06 20130101; H01L 25/10 20130101; H01L 24/72
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/20 20060101
H05K007/20; H01L 25/10 20060101 H01L025/10; H01L 23/00 20060101
H01L023/00; H05K 7/06 20060101 H05K007/06 |
Claims
1. A support structure for a flexible interconnect of a
superconducting system comprising: a support member that is formed
of thermally conductive material, the support member comprising: 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 of the base are
positioned on parallel planes, wherein each slot is shaped to allow
relative movement of a fastener that allows a respective connector
assembly to be affixed to the support member, and the respective
connector assembly provides mechanical support for the flexible
interconnect of the superconducting system and establishes a heat
path between the flexible interconnect and the support member; and
a wall extending transverse from the first surface of the base, the
wall comprising a plurality of through-holes.
2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the wall is a first
wall, the support member further comprising: a plurality of bosses,
wherein each boss extends normal to the first surface of the
support member; and a second wall extending transverse from the
base, wherein the first wall and the second wall meet at a corner
of the support member.
3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the first wall
comprises a notch positioned between two of the plurality of
through-holes.
4. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the support member
further comprises a through-hole, wherein the through-hole is
spaced apart from each of the plurality of parallel slots, and the
through-hole has a square shape with rounded corners.
5. The support structure of claim 1, wherein each connector
assembly comprises a connector support rod that is formed of
thermally conductive material, wherein the connector support rod
comprises: a first portion extending in along the first surface of
the base of the support member, wherein the first portion comprises
a plurality of through-holes shaped to receive fasteners that
fasten the connector support rod to a respective slot of the
plurality of parallel slots of the support member, wherein the
connector support rod is in thermal communication with the support
member; a second portion extending transverse to the first portion
of the connector support rod; a third portion extending parallel to
the second portion of the connector support rod, wherein the third
portion comprises a plurality of through-holes for affixing a
connector that is formed of thermally conductive material to the
connector support rod, wherein the connector is in thermal
communication with the support member.
6. The support structure of claim 5, wherein the connector
comprises: a first plate comprising: a first plurality of
through-holes for fasteners to affix the first plate to the third
portion of the connector support rod; a second plurality of
through-holes; and a second plate comprising a plurality of
through-holes for fasteners to affix the second plate to the first
plate of the connector.
7. The support structure of claim 6, wherein the flexible
interconnect of the superconducting system is clamped between the
first plate and the second plate of the connector, wherein the
flexible interconnect is coupled to a first multi-chip module (MCM)
and a second MCM of the superconducting system, wherein the
flexible interconnect in in thermal communication with the support
member.
8. The support structure of claim 7, wherein the flexible
interconnect is formed of a superconducting material operating in a
cryogenic environment, and the flexible interconnect is operating
at a higher temperature than the connector, such that heat from the
flexible interconnect dissipates to the support member via the heat
path.
9. The support structure of claim 5, wherein the connector
comprises: a first plate comprising a first plurality of
through-holes and a second plurality of through-holes for fasteners
to affix the first plate to the third portion of the connector
support rod; and a second plate comprising a first plurality of
through-holes for fasteners that fasten the second plate to the
first plate of the connector; a third plate comprising a first
plurality of through-holes and a second plurality of through-holes
for fasteners to affix the third plate to the third portion of the
connector support rod; and a fourth plate comprising a plurality of
through-holes for fasteners that fasten the fourth plate to the
third plate of the connector.
10. The support structure of claim 9, wherein the flexible
interconnect of the superconducting system comprises: a first
flexible interconnect that is clamped between the first plate and
the second plate of the connector; and a second flexible
interconnect that is clamped between the third plate and the fourth
plate of the connector, wherein the first flexible interconnect is
coupled to a first multi-chip module (MCM) and a second MCM and the
second flexible interconnect is coupled to the first MCM and a
third MCM.
11. The support structure of claim 10, further comprising an
extender arm, the extender arm comprising: a base extending in a
direction parallel to the wall of the support member; and a column
extending transverse to the base of the extender arm and parallel
to the base of the support member.
12. The support structure of claim 11, wherein the column of the
extender arm comprises a plurality of through-holes, the support
structure further comprising: a plurality of parallel alignment
connectors affixed to the column, wherein each of the parallel
alignment connectors comprises a plurality of pins to connect to a
pair of blades that each provide a heat spreader for
superconducting MCMs.
13. The support structure of claim 12, wherein a first blade of a
given pair of blades coupled to a given alignment connector is
configured to operate at a first cryogenic temperature and a second
blade of the given pair of blades is configured to operate at a
second cryogenic temperature, and the second cryogenic temperature
is higher than the first cryogenic temperature.
14. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the support member
further comprises a plurality of bobbin holes, wherein each of the
bobbin holes comprises a through-hole.
15. The support structure of claim 1, further comprising a printed
circuit board mounted to the base of the support member.
16. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit
board comprises at least one of a heater and a temperature
sensor.
17. A support structure for a superconductor circuit comprising: a
support member that is formed of thermally conductive material, the
support member comprising: 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; and a wall
extending transverse from the first surface of the base, the wall
comprising a plurality of through-holes; a plurality of connector
support rods, wherein each of the plurality of connector support
rods is affixed to the base of the support member via a respective
slot; and 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.
18. The support structure of claim 17, wherein the superconducting
system is a first superconducting system, the system further
comprising: an extender arm comprising: a base that extends in a
direction parallel to a surface of the wall of the support member;
and a column that extends in a direction transverse to the base of
the extender arm; a plurality of alignment connectors affixed to
the column of the extender arm, wherein each of the plurality of
alignment connectors includes a first set of pins for connecting to
a blade of a first superconducting system and a second set of pins
for connecting to a blade of a second superconducting system.
19. The support structure of claim 18, wherein movement of the
extender arm causes movement of the blade of the first
superconducting system and the blade of the second superconducting
system.
20. A system comprising: a first superconducting system, the first
superconducting system comprising: a plurality of blades; and a
plurality of superconducting circuits, wherein each superconducting
circuit is 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; a second
superconducting system, the second superconducting system
comprising: a plurality of blades; and a plurality of
superconducting circuits, wherein 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; a support
structure comprising: a support member that is formed of thermally
conductive material, the support member comprising: 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;
and a wall extending transverse from the first surface of the base,
the wall comprising a plurality of through-holes extending from a
first surface of the wall to a second surface of the wall; a
plurality of connector assemblies, wherein each connector assembly
comprises: 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; and an extender arm comprising: a
base that extends in a direction parallel to a surface of the wall
of the support member; and a column extending in a direction
transverse to the base; and a plurality of alignment connectors
affixed to the column of the extender arm, wherein each alignment
connector mechanically couples a given blade of the first
superconducting system to a corresponding blade of the second
superconducting system.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to superconducting. More
particularly, this disclosure relates to a support structure for
flexible interconnect of a superconducting system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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.
[0003] It was discovered that some cuprate-perovskite ceramic
materials have a critical temperature above 90 K (-183.degree. 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.
[0004] 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.
SUMMARY
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a support structure for a
superconducting system.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a support member for a
support structure of a superconducting system.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates am example of a support member for a
support structure of a superconducting system with a printed
circuit board (PCB) affixed to the support member.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a PCB that can be affixed
to a support member for a support structure of a superconducting
system.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a connector support rod for
a support structure of a superconducting system.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a connector assembly for a
support structure of a superconducting system.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a connector assembly
for a support structure of a superconducting system.
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a support structure that
includes connector assemblies that establish a heat path between
flexible interconnects and a support member.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a
support structure for a first superconducting system that
communicates with a second superconducting system.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an overhead view of a support structure
for a first superconducting system that communicates with a second
superconducting system.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a support structure with
an extender arm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] 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).
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a support structure 50 for
a superconducting system 52. The superconducting system 52 can
operate in a cryogenic environment, such as a region of the
cryogenic environment with a temperature of about 4 Kelvin (K) or
less. The superconducting system 52 can include a chassis 54 that
houses M of blades 56, where M is an integer greater than or equal
to two (2) that are slidable in grooves 57 of the chassis 54,
wherein only two (2) of such grooves 57 are labeled. Each of the M
number of blades 56 can operate as a heat spreader for a
corresponding superconducting circuit 58 (some of which are hidden
from view). In some examples, each superconducting circuit 58, or
some subset thereof, can be implemented as a multi-chip module
(MCM). The chassis 54 can be affixed to a thermally conductive
substrate 60 (e.g., a plank of conductive material).
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] FIGS. 2-7 illustrate components and assemblies of the
support structure 50 of FIG. 1. Moreover, FIGS. 2-7 employ the same
reference numbers to denote the same structure. Additionally, for
purposes of simplification of explanation, not all reference
numbers are introduced or included in the description of each of
the FIGS. 2-7.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a support member 100 of a
support structure (e.g., the support structure 50 of FIG. 1) that
is employable to implement the support member 76 of FIG. 1. The
support member 100 can be referred to as a pegboard. The support
member 100 can be formed of a conductive material, such as
aluminum. More particularly, the support member 100 can be formed
of aluminum 6061.
[0029] 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 FIG. 1) to be affixed to the
support member 100. That is, each boss 104 can be implemented as a
receptacle for a fastener that is employable to secure the PCB to
the support member 100. In the example illustrated, there are nine
(9) bosses 104, but in other examples, there could be more or less
bosses 104.
[0030] 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.
[0031] As explained herein, the slots 106 are shaped receive
fasteners that affix a connector support rod (e.g., the connector
support rod 72 of FIG. 1) to the support member 100. Further, the
slots 106 are elongated to allow relative movement of the connector
support rod in one axis (e.g., a horizontal axis).
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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 FIG.
1). In the example illustrated, there are four (4) through-holes
112, but in other examples there could be more or less such
through-holes 112. Further, the first wall 110 can include a notch
114 (e.g., a recessed portion) for hardware.
[0034] 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.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the support member 100,
wherein a PCB 150 is affixed to the base 102 of the support member
100 with fasteners 152 (only some of which are labeled). The
fasteners 152 can be implemented as mechanical fasteners, such as
bolts or screws. In the example illustrated, each fastener 152 is
implemented as a hex head bolt. Additionally, each fastener 152
extends through a through-hole in the PCB 150 (hidden from view)
and into a boss 104 (illustrated in FIG. 2) of the support member
100.
[0036] 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.
FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the PCB 150 that is hidden from view
in FIG. 3 (e.g. a backside). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the PCB 150
includes a first set of connectors 160 and a second set of
connectors 162. Each connector in the first set of connectors 160
and the second set of connectors 162 can protrude through one of
the holes 108 in the base 102 of the support structure illustrated
in FIG. 1. The connectors can be coupled to an external system via
a cable (not shown).
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a connector support rod 200
for the support structure 50 of FIG. 1 that is employable to
implement the connector support rod 72 of FIG. 1. The connector
support rod 200, as illustrated, includes four portions, a first
portion 202, a second portion 204, a third portion 206 and a fourth
portion 208.
[0038] 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 FIG. 2. In such a situation, the fasteners pass
through the through-holes 220 and into one of the slots 106 of FIG.
1. Due to the size of the slots 106, the connector support rod 200
can move on one axis (e.g., the horizontal axis) relative to the
support member 100 of FIG. 1 until the fasteners are tightened.
[0039] 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.
[0040] The fourth portion 208 includes a plurality of through-holes
222. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, there are four (4)
through-holes 222, but in other examples there could be more or
less through-holes 222. The through-holes 222 enable a connector to
be affixed to the fourth portion 208.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the connector assembly 250,
wherein a connector 251 is affixed to the fourth portion 208 of the
connector support rod 200 of FIG. 5. The connector 251 includes a
first plate 252 and a second plate 254.
[0042] 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 FIG. 5) in the fourth portion 208 of
the connector support rod 200. Additionally, the first plate 252
includes a second set of holes with fasteners 256 passing
therethrough and into through-holes hidden from view in the second
plate 254. In this manner, the second plate 254 of the connector
251 is affixed to the first plate 252 of the connector 251.
[0043] 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 FIG. 1.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a connector assembly 300,
wherein a connector 301 is affixed to the fourth portion 208 of the
connector support rod 200 of FIG. 5. The connector 301 includes a
first plate 302, a second plate 304, a third plate 306 and a fourth
plate 308. The connector 301 can be implemented as two instances of
the connector 251 of FIG. 6, wherein fasteners 320 affix the
connector 301 to the connector support rod 200. Moreover, the
connector 301 can clamp two (2) flexible interconnects 260 that can
be held to a position parallel to each other.
[0045] Referring back to FIG. 1, in addition to mechanical support,
by clamping each flexible interconnect 62 (or some subset thereof)
to a respective connector 70, a heat path is established between
the flexible interconnect 62 and the support member 76 of the
support structure 50. More particularly, the flexible interconnect
62 is clamped by the connector 70, which is affixed to a connector
support rod 72 and wherein the connector support rod 72 is affixed
to the support member 76. Moreover, the flexible interconnect 62,
the connector 70, the connector support rod 72 and the support
member 76 of the support structure 50 are in thermal communication.
Accordingly, because of the resultant heat path, heat built on the
flexible interconnect 62 (due to communication between two
superconducting circuits 62) can be dissipated at the support
member 76.
[0046] 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.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a support structure
400 for a superconducting system 402. The superconducting system
402 can be implemented in the same manner as the superconducting
system 52 of FIG. 1, wherein the chassis is omitted for visual
clarity.
[0048] 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 FIG. 1 and/or the slots 106 of FIG. 2. Additionally,
the support member 406 includes a plurality of bobbin holes 414
(e.g., through-holes) that seat electrical components, such as
heaters and/or temperature sensors (not shown).
[0049] 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.
[0050] The superconducting circuits 422 can be connected through
flexible interconnects 424, which can be implemented as the
flexible interconnects 62 of FIG. 1. Each flexible interconnect 424
is clamped by a corresponding connector assembly. FIG. 8
illustrates three connector assemblies that are affixed to the
support member 406 via a respective slot 410. More particularly,
the support structure 400 includes a first connector assembly 430,
a second connector assembly 432 and a third connector assembly 434.
The first connector assembly 430 and the third connector assembly
can be implemented as the connector assembly 250 of FIG. 6. The
second connector assembly 432 can be implemented as the connector
assembly 300 of FIG. 7.
[0051] 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.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a
support structure 500 for a first superconducting system 510 that
is communicatively coupled to a second superconductive system 520.
The first superconducting system 510 can operate in a first
cryogenic zone that is about 4 K or less and the second
superconducting system 520 can operate in a second cryogenic zone
that is about 77 K to about 75k. That is, the first superconducting
system 510 operates at a lower temperature than the second
superconducting system 520.
[0053] The first superconducting system 510 can be similar to the
superconducting system 52 of FIG. 1 and/or the superconducting
system 402 of FIG. 8. The second superconducting system 520 can
include a chassis 522 with J number of blades 524 installed
therein, where J is an integer greater than or equal to one. Each
blade 524 can operate as a heat spreader for a superconducting
circuit 526 (only one of which is labeled). Each superconducting
circuit 526 can include an MCM implemented with high temperature
superconducting (HTS) materials. Similarly, the first
superconducting system 510 can include a chassis 528 that houses a
plurality of blades 530 that each include a superconducting circuit
532 (e.g., an MCM), as described with respect to FIG. 1.
[0054] Further, FIG. 10 illustrates an overhead view of the support
structure 500 for the first superconducting system 510 that is
communicatively coupled to the second superconductive system 520.
FIGS. 10 and 11 employ the same reference numbers to denote the
same structure. Additionally, in FIG. 10, a top portion of the
chassis 528 of the first superconducting system 510 and the chassis
522 of the second superconducting system 510 has been removed for
visual clarity.
[0055] 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).
[0056] The support structure 500 can include features of the
support structure 50 of FIG. 1 and/or the support structure 400 of
FIG. 8. Thus, the support structure 500 includes a support member
540. The support member 540 can be implemented with the support
member 100 of FIG. 2 and/or the support member 406 of FIG. 8.
Additionally, connector assemblies 542 clamp and hold flexible
interconnects 544 of the first superconducting system 510 in a
manner described herein (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9).
[0057] 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 FIG. 10). Each alignment connector 558 can
include a first pin pair 560 and a second pin pair 562. The first
pin pair 560 are implemented as pins that protrude into a
through-hole 564 and a through slot 566 (e.g., a through-hole with
an elliptical base shape) included on a blade 530 of the first
superconducting system 510. Similarly, the second pin pair 562 are
implemented as pins that protrude into a through-hole 568 and a
through slot 570 (e.g., a through-hole with an elliptical base
shape) included on a blade 524 of the second superconducting system
520. Thus, each of the blades 530 (or some subset thereof) on the
first superconducting system 510 are rigidly connected to a
corresponding blade 524 on the second superconducting system 510.
Additionally, each of the blades 530 (or some subset thereof) on
the first superconducting system 510 and each blade 524 of the
second superconducting system 520 are rigidly connected to the
column 554 of the support structure 500. In this manner, during
installation at room temperature (e.g., temperatures greater than
273 K), the support structure 500 can be moved in a direction
indicated by the arrow 574 (e.g., in the horizontal direction).
[0058] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a support structure 600
that is employable to implement the support structure 500 of FIG.
10. Moreover, for purposes of clarity, the first superconducting
system 510 and the second superconducting system 520 are not
shown.
[0059] The support structure 600 includes a support member 610. The
support member 610 illustrated in FIG. 11 is implemented with the
support member 406 of FIG. 8. However, in other examples, another
support member, such as the support member 100 of FIG. 2 is also
employable as the support member 610. The support member 610
includes a wall 612 that extends in a transverse direction from a
base 614 of the support member 610.
[0060] 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 FIG. 11.
[0061] 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 FIG. 11 illustrates J number of alignment connectors
634, in some examples, there could be fewer alignment connectors
634. Each alignment connector 634 can include a first pair of pins
636 and a second set of pins 638, wherein FIG. 11 only labels the
pin pairs on one of the alignment connectors 634. The first pair of
pins 636 and the second set of pins 638 are employable to
mechanically couple a blade of a first superconducting system and a
blade of a second superconducting system, as illustrated in detail
in FIG. 10.
[0062] Referring back to FIG. 10 moving the support structure in
the direction 574 causes each of the blades 530 (or some subset
thereof) of the first superconducting system 510 and each blade 524
(or some subset thereof) of the second superconducting system 520
to move in concert. Accordingly, the communication channels 536 and
538 between the first superconducting system 510 and the second
superconducting system 520 are not moved relative to each other.
That is, the communication channels 536 and 538 each move along
with the corresponding blade 530 of the first superconducting
system 510 and the corresponding blade 524 of the second
superconducting system. Furthermore, moving in the direction 574
also causes the flexible interconnects 544 of the first
superconducting system 510 to move in concert with each respective
blade 530. Thus, moving the support structure 500 (at room
temperature) allows the blades 530 to be accessed while preventing
relative movement between such blades 530 that might otherwise
damage the flexible interconnects 544.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
* * * * *