A superconducting switching amplifier embodying the invention includes
superconductive devices responsive to input/control signals for clamping
the output of the amplifier to a first voltage or to a second voltage.
The amplifier includes a first set of superconducting devices serially
connected between a first voltage line and an output terminal and a
second set of superconducting devices serially connected between the
output terminal and a second voltage line. The first set and the second
set of devices are operated in a complementary fashion in response to
control signals. When one of the first and second sets is driven to a
superconducting (zero resistance) state the other set is driven to a
resistive state. In accordance with the invention, the devices of each
set are laid out in a pattern and driven in a manner to enable all the
devices of each set to be driven to a selected state at substantially the
same time. In one embodiment, the devices in each set are superconducting
quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Four sets of superconductive
devices may be interconnected to function as a differential switching
amplifier. The operating voltage applied to an amplifier may be varied to
provide additional shaping of the output signal.