A General Network Equation to Unify the Analysis of Normal RLC Circuits
and Superconducting Josephson Junction Circuits
Abstract
Josephson junction circuits, such as superconducting quantum
interference devices (SQUIDs) and single-flux-quantum (SFQ) circuits,
have been successfully applied in both analog and digital electronic
domains. Their variables of macroscopic quantum phases are distinct from
that of the normal resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuits; their
flux-quantization law (FQL) involving magnetic flux couplings are not
well supported by the conventional circuit diagrams. This article
presents a general network equation to unify the analyses of both normal
RLC circuits and superconducting Josephson junction circuits. This
network equation uses the flux contributions of noninductive components
as variables to unify the definitions of Josephson junctions and normal
RLC elements, and unify the closed-loop law for both superconducting and
non-superconducting loops. It simplifies the analysis of the electric
circuits with various magnetic flux inputs, and is easily understood by
electronic engineers who are trained with the conventional circuit
theories.