Abstract: A Josephson quantizer is driven by a sinusoidal microwave generator whose output is combined with a digital two-level code representing a desired waveform. The result is to produce a bipolar drive signal of increased frequency and a bipolar Josephson output with voltage increased significantly. Output voltage is developed according to the relationship V=Nnmfs/KJ, where N is the number of junctions, n is the Josephson junction constant voltage step number, fs is the sampling frequency, m is an integer multiple of the sampling frequency and is ≧2, and KJ is the Josephson constant. The digital code generator receives the output of an improved modulator which incorporates a three-level to two-level transformation on the output of a standard three-level modulator in one embodiment. In a second embodiment, a modified two-level modulator produces a bit sequence where the polarity of the next bit is allowed to change only if there is an odd number of consecutive bits of the same polarity.

Abstract: A superconducting integrated circuit that uses a digital input to rapidly select any one of several thousand quantized output voltages. The voltages are generated directly by microwave synchronized Josephson junctions and are as accurate as the externally generated microwave frequency. The circuit makes possible fast voltage comparisons and the digital synthesis of ultra-accurate ac waveforms whose amplitude derives directly from the internationally accepted definition of the volt.

Abstract: This is a superconducting analog-to-digital converter for producing a digital output signal which is a function of an analog input signal. The analog-to-digital converter uses a nonhysteresis-shunted Josephson junction, an input superconducting inductor, and an output Josephson junction, connected in superconducting loop relationship. A flux proportional to an analog input signal is coupled into the input inductor and a constant bias current source connected such that the current divides between the nonhysteresis-shunted Josephson junction and the output Josephson junction with the bias current source providing a current of at least about the sum of the critical currents of said Josephson junctions to provide voltage pulses across the nonhysteresis-shunted Josephson junction even with a constant level of flux. A Josephson junction integrating counter circuit is connected to sense the ac portion of voltage across the output Josephson junction and the Josephson junction integrating counter circuit is gated.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter using superconducting interferometers connected in parallel, each interferometer being identical. The coupling of the analog signal to each successive interferometer is increased in the ratio of 1:2:4:8:16:32:, etc. The application of a pulsed power supply to the parallel connected interferometer generates output voltages on the interferometers. The output voltages are a Gray Code representation of the analog signal.

Abstract: A sampling circuit and method therefor including a first Josephson junction or producing a series of sampling pulses for activating a second Josephson junction that is receptive of both the analog current signal being sampled and a bias current. The first Josephson junction is continually triggered at a fixed time relative to the repetitive analog signal to provide a series of sampling pulses and before each sampling pulse the bias level to the second Josephson junction is changed until the sum of the current from the sampling pulse, from the analog signal, and from the bias source exceeds the critical current value of the second Josephson junction causing it to switch from one voltage state to another. The value of the bias current at the point of switching is proportional to the current in the analog signal.In one embodiment, the bias current is increased in a step-like fashion for each sampling pulse from the first Josephson junction until the critical value of the second Josephson junction is reached.