Superconducting current control system with SQUID array

ChangeBridge: Patent Grants - AI & Computing (G06N)

Published April 7th, 2026

Detected April 8th, 2026

Summary

The USPTO granted Patent US12597925B2 to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation for a superconducting current control system. The invention comprises an inductive coupler and a SQUID array configured to control load current amplitude and control current to superconducting circuit devices. The patent contains 19 claims and covers technology applicable to quantum computing and superconducting electronics.

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What changed

The USPTO issued Patent US12597925B2 to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation covering a superconducting current control system using a SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) array. The system includes an inductive coupler with load and control inductors, and a current control element comprising multiple SQUIDs. The patent controls current amplitude through inductive coupling for superconducting circuit applications.

For competitors and technology developers in quantum computing, superconducting electronics, or defense systems, this patent reinforces Northrop Grumman's IP position in superconducting current control technology. Companies developing similar SQUID-based or superconducting control systems should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and consider potential licensing arrangements.

What to do next

Monitor for potential licensing opportunities
Review patent claims for freedom-to-operate analysis

Source document (simplified)

← USPTO Patent Grants

Superconducting current control system

Grant US12597925B2 Kind: B2 Apr 07, 2026

Assignee

NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION

Inventors

Cody James Ballard, Joel D. Strand, Thomas Bernhard Chamberlin

Abstract

One example includes a superconducting current control system. The system includes an inductive coupler comprising a load inductor and a control inductor. The inductive coupler can be configured to inductively provide a control current from the control inductor to a superconducting circuit device based on a load current being provided through the load inductor. The system also includes a current control element comprising a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) array comprising a plurality of SQUIDs. The current control element can be coupled to the inductive coupler to control an amplitude of the load current through the load inductor, and thus to control an amplitude of the control current to the superconducting circuit device.