Coherent Waveform Generators With Multi-DAC Phase Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum information processing systems face challenges in maintaining synchronization and phase relationships of RF signals as the number of trapped atoms or atomic ions increases, requiring scalable and programmable coherent waveform generators to efficiently handle additional RF signals and optical beams.
Innovation Solution
A network is implemented for synchronizing multiple digital-to-analog converter (DAC) cards using a clock divider/replicator device and a start signal distribution network, along with direct digital synthesizers (DDSs) and table-based command systems to control optical beams for each qubit, ensuring synchronized and programmable waveform generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of trapped atoms or atomic ions is increased to scale up the QIP system, then the processing capacity and quantum computational power are improved, but the synchronization and phase relationships of RF signals deteriorate due to the increased number of electronics required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent DAC cards, each capable of generating RF signals for controlling specific atoms or atomic ions. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding individual cards rather than increasing the complexity of a single centralized unit, thereby maintaining synchronization across multiple independent signal generation channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Each DAC card is designed with universal functionality to generate and control RF signals for multiple atoms or atomic ions. The cards can be configured through a host system to control different qubits, allowing a single card design to serve multiple purposes and scale the system without requiring custom electronics for each atom.
2Productivity
If multiple DAC cards are used to handle additional RF signals for scaled-up QIP systems, then the system capacity is improved, but the phase relationships and synchronization between cards deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple DAC cards are synchronized by asserting an input SYNC pin across all cards simultaneously, causing their clock divider/replicator devices to hold outputs at known values and clear internal counters at the same time. This merging of synchronization control ensures that phase relationships are maintained across all cards in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a host-based configuration approach where the host system programs and coordinates the operation of multiple DAC cards. This feedback mechanism allows the host to monitor and adjust the operation of individual cards to maintain precise phase relationships and synchronization across the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If waveform information is provided by streaming from a network host, then the programmability and flexibility of the system is improved, but latency is introduced that deteriorates system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The DAC cards are pre-configured with waveform parameters and synchronization settings from the host system before operation begins. This preliminary configuration allows the cards to operate with minimal real-time communication delays, reducing latency while maintaining the ability to be programmed for different waveforms when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
The disclosure describes various aspects of a system with scalable and programmable coherent waveform generators. A network and digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) cards used by the network are described where each DAC card has a clock divider/replicator device with an input SYNC pin, a digital logic component, and one or more DAC components, and each output of the DAC components is used to control optical beams for a separate qubit of a quantum information processing (QIP) system. The network also includes a first distribution network to provide a clock signal to the clock divider/replicator device in the DAC cards, and a second distribution network to provide a start signal to the DAC cards, where the start signal is used by the digital logic component in the DAC card to assert the input SYNC pin when the start signal is asserted unless it is masked by the digital logic component.