DFF Clock Synchronization for Low-Jitter Quantum Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In superconducting quantum computers, the trigger signal generated by an FPGA chip often produces significant jitter relative to the clock chip, leading to synchronization challenges among various modules.
Innovation Solution
A clock synchronization system is introduced, which includes a quantum control processor (QCP) and N digital/analog mutual conversion devices. Each device has a frequency conversion module and a signal synchronization module with at least one DFF. The QCP generates a global synchronization signal and N reference clock signals, allowing the target clock signal to be relocked to a low-jitter reference clock signal using DFFs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trigger signal is generated by an FPGA chip to synchronize multiple modules, then the synchronization coverage is improved, but the signal jitter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clock synchronization module as an intermediary component between the FPGA trigger signal generation and the actual module synchronization. This module receives the trigger signal from the FPGA, processes it through a phase-locked loop (PLL) to generate a clean clock signal, and then distributes this synchronized clock signal to all modules. The intermediary clock synchronization module isolates the jitter-prone FPGA trigger signal from the precision-critical module operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving wide synchronization coverage and maintaining low signal jitter.
2Length of stationary object
If equal-length coaxial cables are used to connect the trigger signal to different ADC or DAC modules, then the signal transmission distance is extended, but the synchronization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical transmission system (coaxial cables carrying trigger signals) with a clock synchronization system based on electrical signal generation and distribution. Instead of transmitting synchronization information through physical cables of equal length, the system generates a centralized clock signal that is distributed to all modules. This substitution eliminates the need for precise cable length matching while maintaining synchronization precision, as the clock signal is generated simultaneously for all modules rather than transmitted through varying physical paths.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a clock synchronization system, including a quantum control processor (QCP) and N digital/analog mutual conversion devices, each digital/analog mutual conversion device including a frequency conversion module and a signal synchronization module that includes a D flip-flop (DFF). The QCP generates a global synchronization signal and reference clock signals; and transmits the global synchronization signal and a reference clock signal to the frequency conversion module and transmits the global synchronization signal to the signal synchronization module of each conversion device. The frequency conversion module performs frequency conversion processing on the reference clock signal to obtain a target clock signal, and generates a signal synchronization instruction according to the global synchronization signal; and transmits the signal synchronization instruction and the target clock signal to the signal synchronization module. The signal synchronization module performs, based on the global synchronization signal, signal synchronization on the target clock signal through the DFF.