Presentation

The research activity of the Quantum Electronic Design Automation (QEDA) laboratory at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University focuses on the development and application of superconductor quantum circuits in advanced electronic systems. This includes the design and optimization of SQUIDs, cryogenic sensors, high-speed digital circuits and superconductor neuromorphic circuits.

As part of the research, the modelling and simulation of SQIFs, SQUIDs, bi-SQUIDs, and SQUID detectors are explored. One of the primary objectives is to develop an optimised design process for SQUID arrays and SQIFs that are constructed using conventional DC SQUIDs or bi-SQUIDs. Modelling and simulation tools are integrated into the design process to allow for accurate analysis of SQIF layouts using different fabrication processes

Additionally, the team explores the potential of superconducting electronics in neuromorphic computing, leveraging their superior speed and energy efficiency. The research seeks to understand neuron behaviours, emulate these behaviours, create superconducting building blocks, and design neuromorphic systems using these components. A major goal is to identify practical applications for these advanced systems in real-world scenarios. To achieve this, the team is constantly aiming to improve methods for designing and optimizing logic cells for digital circuits.

Publications

C. J. Fourie et al., “Results From the ColdFlux Superconductor Integrated Circuit Design Tool Project,” in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 33, no. 8, Nov. 2023, Art no. 1304926, doi: 10.1109/TASC.2023.3306381.

T. Hall, K. Jackman and C. J. Fourie, “Modeling and Simulation of Bi-SQUIDs and SQIFs Using InductEX-LVS and JoSIM,” in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 34, no. 3, May 2024, Art no. 1600406, doi: 10.1109/TASC.2024.3357789.
M. A. Jardine and C. J. Fourie, “Hybrid RSFQ-QFP Superconducting Neuron,” in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 33, no. 4, June 2023, Art no. 1302409, doi: 10.1109/TASC.2023.3248140.

L. Schindler and C. J. Fourie, “Application of Phase-Based Circuit Theory to RSFQ Logic Design,” in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 32, no. 3, April 2022, Art no. 1300512, doi: 10.1109/TASC.2022.3142278.

L. Schindler, J. A. Delport and C. J. Fourie, “The ColdFlux RSFQ Cell Library for MIT-LL SFQ5ee Fabrication Process,” in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 32, no. 2, March 2022, Art no. 1300207, doi: 10.1109/TASC.2021.3135905.