Patent attributes
A superconducting switching amplifier embodying the invention includes superconductive devices responsive to input/control signals for clamping the output of the amplifier to a first voltage or to a second voltage. The amplifier includes a first set of superconducting devices serially connected between a first voltage line and an output terminal and a second set of superconducting devices serially connected between the output terminal and a second voltage line. The first set and the second set of devices are operated in a complementary fashion in response to control signals. When one of the first and second sets is driven to a superconducting (zero resistance) state the other set is driven to a resistive state. In accordance with the invention, the devices of each set are laid out in a pattern and driven in a manner to enable all the devices of each set to be driven to a selected state at substantially the same time. In one embodiment, the devices in each set are superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Four sets of superconductive devices may be interconnected to function as a differential switching amplifier. The operating voltage applied to an amplifier may be varied to provide additional shaping of the output signal.
