Modular Hybrid Quantum Computing System Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hybrid programs are specific to individual quantum computers and cannot be reused across different quantum computers, limiting their versatility and efficiency, especially when dealing with heterogeneous quantum computing resources that use different models such as digital and analog quantum computers.

Innovation Solution

A modular computing system with symmetric upstream and downstream interfaces allows for the reuse of processing modules across various quantum computers, enabling the development of hybrid programs that can execute on multiple quantum computing models by connecting quantum processing modules and plugin modules, facilitating the integration of new quantum computers and heterogeneous resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hybrid program is developed specifically for a specific single quantum computer, then the program can be optimized for that quantum computer's hardware characteristics, but the program cannot be reused for another quantum computer and must be redeveloped from scratch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram optimization for specific quantum computerVSAvoidprogram reusability across different quantum computers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The software architecture is segmented into independent processing modules (quantum processing modules and plugin modules) that can be combined in different configurations. Each module handles specific tasks such as quantum circuit compilation, execution, or post-processing, allowing the same modules to serve different quantum computers through different combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processing modules are designed with universal interfaces that enable them to function across multiple quantum computer platforms. The upstream and downstream interfaces provide standardized communication protocols that allow the same module to interact with different quantum computer architectures (digital, analog, gate-based, annealing) without requiring platform-specific reimplementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If hybrid programs are tailored to specific quantum computers, then execution efficiency can be maximized for that platform, but development time and complexity increase when needing to support multiple quantum computer types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexecution efficiency on target quantum computerVSAvoidprogram development time for new quantum computers
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining standardized interfaces and processing modules that can be reused. The upstream and downstream interfaces are pre-configured with common data formats and communication protocols, so when a new quantum computer is introduced, only the specific quantum processing module needs to be updated, not the entire program.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The architecture allows parameter changes in the quantum processing module to adapt to different quantum computer characteristics (number of qubits, connectivity, available gates) while maintaining the same overall program structure. This enables optimization for specific platforms without redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the computing system uses heterogeneous quantum computing resources with different models, then resource utilization flexibility improves, but the complexity of managing and integrating different quantum computing models increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for heterogeneous quantum computing modelsVSAvoidintegration complexity of different quantum models
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plugin modules act as intermediaries between the standardized processing modules and the specific quantum computer hardware. These intermediaries handle the complexity of translating between different quantum computing models and the universal interface protocol, abstracting the heterogeneity away from the core program logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the quantum computing stack into separate concerns: universal processing modules handle algorithmic logic, while platform-specific quantum processing modules handle hardware interaction. This segmentation isolates the complexity of different quantum models to specific modules that can be independently optimized or replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4152219A1Computing system for executing hybrid quantum/classical programs
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 BULL SA
  • EP4152219A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4152219A1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP4152219A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a computing system (10) for executing hybrid programs, said computing system comprising: - hardware resources comprising quantum computing resources and classical computing resources (12), said quantum computing resources comprising one or more quantum computers (11); - software resources to be executed on the hardware resources; wherein the software resources comprise a plurality of processing modules (32, 33) comprising interfaces of two possible types referred to as upstream interface (30) and downstream interface (31), wherein said plurality of processing modules comprises: - at least one quantum processing module (32) for each quantum computer, wherein each quantum processing module comprises an upstream interface; - a plurality of plugin modules (33), wherein each plugin module comprises both an upstream interface and a downstream interface; wherein a hybrid program is built by connecting at least one plugin module and one quantum processing module.