Design and Implementation of an SFQ-Based Single-Chip FFT Processor

We have been working on the development of a high-speed fast Fourier transform (FFT) processor using single-flux-quantum (SFQ) logic circuits. In our previous studies, we designed and demonstrated a 4-bit butterfly processor, a data-shuffling circuit, and a twiddle factor ROM for 4-bit 8-point FFT using the AIST 10 kA/cm² Nb advanced process 2 at maximum frequencies of 51.6, 59.5, and 51.5, respectively. In this study, to complete the FFT processor design, we designed and demonstrated residual component circuits called a rounding circuit and a data buffer at a target frequency of 50 GHz. We also designed and experimentally confirmed the operation of an SFQ-based single-chip FFT processor integrating all the component circuits.