Superconducting Computer Memory

 

Executive Summary

 

Large-scale supercomputing installations use a tremendous amount of power.  An attractive alternative would be to develop superconducting computing, which would operate at cryogenic temperatures.  While superconducting logic circuits exist, a serious bottleneck is the lack of a superconducting computer memory.  A high-density, high-speed, ultra-low power, cryogenic computer memory is needed for use in conjunction with superconducting computer logic circuits. Our solution is a unique memory cell architecture that provides for a practical solution to superconducting computer memory. 

 

Description of Technology

 

Michigan State University has developed a Josephson magnetic memory system. The system includes a superconducting electrode that conducts a read current. The system utilizes a hysteretic magnetic Josephson junction that can store a binary value and convert superconducting pairs associated with the read current from a singlet-state to a triplet-state. A write circuit is magnetically coupled to the Josephson junction and configured to write the binary value in response to at least one write current and a read circuit configured to determine the binary value stored.

 

Key Benefits

  • Ultra-low power used within the memory cell
  • Compatible with cryogenic systems
  • Superconducting components have zero electrical resistance

 

Applications

  • Supercomputers

 

Patent Status: 

 

US Patent 9,013,916 jointly owned with Northrup Grumman

 

Licensing Rights Available

 

Non-exclusive licensing rights available

 

MSU Inventors: Norman Birge

 

Tech ID: TEC2012-0109

 

Patent Information: