Superconductive convolver with junction ring mixers

Reible et al. (1983) have described the first demonstration of a superconductive convolver. This device makes use of a niobium microstrip line as a low-loss delay element and single, superconductive tunnel junctions as mixing elements. A convolver can provide the essential signal processing function in communications for wideband spread-spectrum waveforms. The present investigation is concerned with superconductive ring mixers with series arrays of tunnel junctions, which were developed and incorporated in a new convolver design. The operation of the superconductive convolver is discussed, and a description of the convolver design is provided, taking into account stripline structure and RF package, the junction ring mixer, and the output circuit. Attention is also given to device measurements and approaches for extending the time-bandwidth product.