Experimental Demonstration of a Superconductor SFQ-Based ADC for High-Frequency Signal Acquisition

Abstract

Superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) are among the most sensitive sensors, offering high precision through their well-defined flux-voltage characteristics. Building on this sensitivity, we designed, fabricated, and experimentally demonstrated a superconducting single flux quantum (SFQ)-based analog-to-digital converter (ADC) capable of detecting small variations in input current signals at high frequencies and converting them into SFQ pulse trains. To improve robustness and reduce errors, the design incorporates a majority circuit and two types of counters: asynchronous toggle flip-flop-based and synchronous cumulative-based, at the cryogenic stage. The counter collects the SFQ pulse train and converts it into a binary number, simplifying downstream digital readout. The circuits were implemented using the AIST CRAVITY (QuFab) HSTP process and successfully tested in our cryocooler system, validating both the design methodology and operation. This approach helps build a fully integrated system that combines digital SQUID functionality with cryogenic readout circuits on a single chip.