Quantum Processor Controller with Parallel Feedback Decoding

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controller devices for quantum processors face challenges in achieving fast response times due to delays between data input from readout instruments and output instructions to control instruments, which can exceed the qubit lifetime.

Innovation Solution

The controller device incorporates parallel processing through address decoders and update decoders to handle input data from multiple channels concurrently, utilizing a register bank and feedback block for efficient data routing and processing, with features like address decoders, update decoders, and register update selectors to manage data validity and error detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If sequential processing is used in the controller device, then device complexity is reduced, but response time increases beyond qubit lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidcontroller device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller device is segmented into multiple independent address decoders, each dedicated to a specific input channel. This segmentation allows parallel processing of addresses from different channels simultaneously, reducing the overall response time without requiring a single complex sequential processing unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from sequential (one-dimensional) processing to parallel (multi-dimensional) processing by implementing multiple address decoders that operate simultaneously. This dimensional change in processing architecture enables the controller to handle multiple input channels concurrently, achieving response times within qubit lifetime while managing complexity through structured parallelism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If parallel processing with multiple address decoders is implemented, then response time is reduced within qubit lifetime, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelay timeVSAvoidcontroller device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller device is segmented into multiple independent address decoders, each dedicated to a specific input channel. This segmentation allows parallel processing of addresses from different channels simultaneously, reducing the overall response time without requiring a single complex sequential processing unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each address decoder is designed with a universal architecture that can handle address decoding for its designated input channel. This standardized multi-functional design allows the system to achieve parallel processing capability while reusing the same decoder structure across multiple channels, thereby managing complexity through design reuse rather than creating entirely unique circuits for each channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If fast processing is implemented to meet qubit lifetime requirements, then qubit state integrity is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequbit state integrityVSAvoidcontroller device manufacturability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The controller device is segmented into multiple independent address decoders, each dedicated to a specific input channel. This segmentation allows parallel processing of addresses from different channels simultaneously, reducing the overall response time without requiring a single complex sequential processing unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller device incorporates programmable feedback blocks that can be dynamically configured to implement different quantum error correction codes and processing logic. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the hardware to adapt to different quantum processor requirements while maintaining the fast parallel processing architecture, facilitating manufacturing by using standardized programmable components rather than custom-hardwired solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12585972B2Fast controller device for controlling a quantum processor

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 ZURICH INSTRUMENTS

AI summary

A system for controlling a quantum processor comprises a controller device having a plurality of input channels and output channels connected to qubit readout instruments and qubit control instruments. The controller device forms a register bank for receiving the data from the input channels, a feedback block for processing the data from the register bank, and an output interface for sending the results of the feedback block to the control instruments. For each input channel, the controller device comprises a mask generator with its own address decoder for processing the update messages on the input channels in parallel. Each update message comprises address data, data values for several registers and validity bits indicating if the data values are valid.