INDUSTRY FOCUS EDITOR’S INTERVIEW COULD CRYOGENICS BE THE ANSWER TO OUR THERMAL ISSUES?
Finding components that can function usefully in the cold and possess low enough power dissipation so as not to heat the system is a complex task. Here Michelle Winny, Editor of Electronics talks to Roy Phillips from Intelliconnect to find out about how the company is adopting the science of cryogenics to achieve this goal
M
ost famously the concept of being preserved by extremely low sub
degree temperatures might bring to mind the common myth of Walt Disney, where legend has it that he is being Cryonically preserved for a time when human ‘reanimation’ is possible. But of course this is just a myth and Disney was actually cremated. But this does not detract from the concept and actual practicability of cryogenics. This is an area of physics and science that is seeing increasing development and adoption in some highly specialised fields such as medical and is now even being adopted by the electronics industry. In particular companies such as Intelliconnect are taking a particular interest in this field. Roy Phillips, owner of Intelliconnect, a UK/US designer and manufacturer of RF connectors, components, adaptors and cable assemblies says, “Cryogenics is a science focusing on the behaviour of materials at extremely low temperatures (typically below -1800
c or 93 Kelvin but
often, in electronics, down to 2 Kelvin or below). These low temperatures are achieved using a variety of liquid gases.” There are several use cases for this process with increasing adoption as the technology matures. It’s particularly useful in the field of electronics including test and measurement, quantum computing, research and space applications. Phillips surmises the technical bits, “at cryogenic temperatures electronic signals ‘superconduct’, which means that a far higher data transmission speed is achieved as well as a far lower power usage. “This is because resistance reduces to very low levels in a cryogenic state,”. The company has been using this process to produce a range of products for several years now, “Intelliconnect has been involved in producing cryogenic RF cable assemblies and components for four years now. Working with a variety of end users including quantum computer operators, cryostat manufacturers (a cryostat is the device which creates and maintains cryogenic temperatures) and research establishments. We have created a variety of components and component termination techniques, which enable products to be used at cryogenic temperatures,” Phillips says.
much more difficult. Technically, the development of special components using exotic materials has been particularly testing as well as achieving highly demanding (and differing, dependent on the user) specifications have often caused us to be challenging the laws of physics! To support he uptake in this pioneering
Figure 1: cryogenics assembly
Figure 2:
Liquefied gases, such as liquid nitrogen and liquid helium, are used in many cryogenic applications
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY? From Intelliconnects point of view this capability is particularly transferable to its connector solutions. “Intelliconnect has developed methods and techniques of ‘joining the clever bits’ in a system which enables the user to work at extremely low temperatures with special superconducting cables made from Niobium Titanium, Cupro Nickel and Stainless Steel. Using clamp and ultrasonic soldering techniques we are able to offer customers methods of terminating to non-solderable metals. Additionally, we have developed other low temperature components to enhance system performance,” Phillips says. But of course such a highly complex process does not come without its challenges as Phillips points out, “Since electronics in cryogenics are at the cutting edge of research and technology, there are an enormous number of challenges to overcome both technically and commercially. The supply chain for specialised components and cables is not as robust as in a more mature industry. Consequently costs and supply issues are
industry area the company has developed a whole new brand, which it has recently launched. “As we are seeing significant growth in Cryogenics we decided to create our new CryoCoax brand. It is a highly specialised market niche which has required a huge amount of investment in equipment, marketing and people, says Phillips. But for Intelliconnect the work does not stop here as the company has been focusing on developing another range of new products as Phillips highlights: “As well as our market leading Pisces range of connectors, cables and adaptors and standard ranges, Intelliconnect is working with various research and educational establishments in wearable RF applications. We are also working with a major manufacturer of cochlear implants on a micro RF connector in the USA. The company is restless and continues to undertake new projects as Phillips advises: “Intelliconnect is currently working on many projects at various stages of development. We have a significant stake in the current refurbishment of radar in the Royal Navy fleet, we are working with a major US space corporation on the development of a new connector range as well as corrosion monitoring system for oil and gas applications. We are also working on several smaller development projects. As a forward thinking company there is still much more on the horizon as Phillips talks of plans for the future: “Our prime strategies currently are to develop our US operation particularly in terms of the defence industry, develop our European market (particularly in medical) in which, despite Brexit, there are some phenomenal opportunities and finally we are looking at potential acquisitions if the right one comes along.”
Intelliconnect
www.intelliconnect.co.uk T: 01245 347145
18 JULY/AUGUST 2018 | ELECTRONICS / ELECTRONICS
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