Cluster

The Qubit Readout RF Module (QRM-RF) stands as the definitive solution for multi-qubit readout within the 2 to 18.5 GHz frequency range. It seamlessly integrates inputs and outputs, supplying all the necessary tools for multiplexed resonator readout, RF-reflectometry, and spectroscopy measurements. This integration simplifies complex experimental setups by consolidating multiple functionalities into a single module.

The QRM-RF merges internal up- and down-conversion stages and Q1 advanced sequence processors. This design enables the direct acquisition and generation of RF signals with a large variable gain and maintains a high Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) across the entire frequency range. The module’s onboard data processing capabilities facilitate complex integration functions, qubit state thresholding, and averaging to further enhance the QRM-RF's efficiency. Feedback applications can be managed by fast scalable feedback in ∼350 ns, facilitated by the LINQ protocol with all-to-all connectivity in the whole Cluster mainframe.

The Qubit Readout Module (QRM) is a massively scalable readout module that elevates measurements on various qubit platforms. It replaces conventional pulse generators, digitizers, and readout analyzers by combining 2 inputs and 2 outputs to execute reflectometry, transmission, photon counting, and spectroscopy experiments in a single module. Equipped with two analog outputs, two analog inputs, and four digital outputs, the QRM embodies the scalable philosophy of the Qblox Cluster. Its six Q1 sequence processors provide flexible and multiplexed signals to any output, facilitating rapid measurement analysis. Up to 120 processor cores can be integrated in a single 19” mainframe with all-to-all connectivity within ∼350 ns for efficient distribution of measurement outcomes for crucial quantum error correction algorithms.

The QRM generates readout pulses on the fly with real-time pulse parametrization, and the input signals are processed onboard to enhance efficiency in spectroscopy, transmission, and reflectometry measurements. The module’s excellent analog performance provides a low input noise floor, a broad input range (0.1 to 2 Vpp), and a 1 GSPS sampling rate. Each component has been meticulously selected and designed to ensure an extremely low offset and gain drift (<5 ppm/K). Supported by our SYNQ and LINQ protocols, QRM modules are the ideal readout instruments in the baseband regime as multi-purpose measurement equipment for various readout schemes.

The Qubit Control RF Module (QCM-RF) is a 2-channel direct-RF qubit control module for pulse generation within the 2 - 18.5 GHz frequency range. This module features six Q1 sequence processors and a high-end analog front-end with integrated upconversion, establishing the QCM-RF as an advanced solution for microwave control of qubits with high SFDR, ultralow noise, and great phase stability. With 2 analog and 2 digital outputs, the QCM-RF has the highest channel density on the market for the microwave regime, enabling up to 40 output channels in a single Cluster 19-inch mainframe. The SYNQ protocol assures synchronized start of all channels below 1 ns accuracy with picosecond jitter, while the LINQ protocol facilitates the generation of control pulses within ∼ 350 ns in response to triggers from readout modules.

The QCM-RF’s fully integrated architecture incorporates 6 Q1 processor cores to generate high-precision pulses in real-time by using waveforms from 16k wave memory and shaping the outputs by amplitude, offset, modulation frequency, and phase. I and Q pulses are defined in a 1 ns time grid, and their parameters can be updated on the nanosecond scale. The pulses are upconverted to the RF domain via the integrated local oscillator and IQ mixers with ultra-low noise and high stability for microwave control of qubits. Orders of magnitude speed-ups are achieved by avoiding software-controlled loops, repeated wave uploading, and external up-conversion stages.

The Qubit Control Module (QCM) is specifically engineered to be state-of-the-art in generating pulses in the baseband regime up to 400 MHz to replace conventional AWGs. The core of QCM’s technology lies in the Q1 advanced sequence processors and a high-end analog front-end to support quantum computing experiments. The highest channel density is assured with 4 analog outputs and 4 digital outputs per module, to form a massively scalable system by incorporating 80 AWG channels in a single 19” mainframe.

Pulses are generated in real-time by uploading waveforms in 16k wave memory and shaping the outputs by amplitude, offset, modulation frequency, and phase. Pulses can be defined in a 1 ns time grid, and the pulse parameters can be updated on the nanosecond scale. Orders of magnitude speedups are achieved by avoiding software-controlled loops and repeated wave uploading. The QCM module seamlessly unifies with other modules within the Cluster mainframe via our proprietary SYNQ and LINQ protocols. Synchronized start of all channels are guaranteed below 1 ns accuracy and the fast scalable feedback is achieved within ∼ 350 ns for active reset and error mitigation algorithms.