Energy-Efficient Superconducting Computing-Power Budgets and Requirements

• Published in: IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity Vol. 23; no. 3; p. 1701610
• Main Authors: Holmes, D. S., Ripple, A. L., Manheimer, M. A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.06.2013; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Circuit properties; Design. Technologies. Operation analysis. Testing; Digital circuits; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electronic circuits; Electronics; Energy efficiency; Exact sciences and technology; Hardware; Input-output equipment; Integrated circuits; Integrated circuits by function (including memories and processors); Josephson junctions; Memory management; R&D; Rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ); Research & development; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; single flux quantum; Studies; Supercomputers; Superconducting integrated circuits; Superconducting logic circuits; Performance evaluation; Supercomputer; single flux quantum; Superconducting logic circuits; Cache memory; Power system economics; Quantum logic; Refrigerator; Household electrical appliances; supercomputers; Cryogenic temperature; Quantum electronics; Superconducting integrated circuits; Computer hardware; Energetic efficiency; Rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ); Integrated circuit; Cryogenics; Electric power consumption; Minimum energy; Power markets; Open market; Low-power electronics; Large scale system
• ISSN: 1051-8223; 1558-2515
• DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2013.2244634

Large-scale computing system characteristics vary by application class, but power and energy use has become a major problem for all classes. Superconducting computing may be able to serve the needs of these systems significantly better than conventional technology. Recent developments in single flux quantum circuit technology for digital logic include variants with greatly improved energy efficiency. Concepts were investigated for computing systems capable of performance in the range from 1 to 1000 PFLOP/s. The concept systems were constrained to use existing commercial cryogenic refrigerators and Nb superconducting technology. In order to meet the performance goals, cache and main memory capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures will be required. Superconducting computing is shown to be potentially competitive on the basis of power and energy efficiency if key component technologies can meet specific goals. Potential advantages of superconducting computing are identified as well as areas requiring further development.