Quantum Controller Frequency Generation With Phase-Continuous Hopping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional frequency generation methods in quantum computer control systems face limitations in precision and efficiency, particularly in maintaining phase continuity across frequency hops and supporting higher output sample rates, which can lead to increased latency and resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a quantum controller architecture that includes frequency generation circuitry with CORDIC circuits, phase generation, and S-matrix generation, enabling concurrent generation of multiple frequencies and phase continuity through timestamp-based phase calculations and matrix rotations, as well as upconversion and chirp generation capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional frequency generation methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate due to inability to maintain phase continuity across frequency hops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency generation precisionVSAvoidfrequency generation circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency generation process is segmented into discrete frequency hops, with phase continuity maintained across each hop boundary through timestamp-based phase calculations. This allows precise frequency control without requiring a completely complex continuous synthesis system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Timestamp values are pre-calculated and stored in advance to determine the correct phase for each frequency hop. This preliminary preparation of phase information enables precise frequency transitions without real-time computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If conventional frequency generation methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to increased latency and inability to support higher output sample rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput sample rateVSAvoidfrequency generation circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Phase information is pre-calculated and stored in timestamp values before frequency hops occur. This eliminates real-time phase computation latency, enabling higher output sample rates and improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or analog frequency synthesis mechanisms with a digital timestamp-based phase calculation system. This substitution enables faster operation and higher sample rates without the physical limitations of conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If phase continuity is maintained across frequency hops, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to timestamp-based phase calculations and matrix rotations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase continuityVSAvoidphase calculation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Phase values are pre-calculated and embedded in timestamp data before frequency transitions. This eliminates the need for complex real-time phase tracking and calculation mechanisms, maintaining reliability while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuously calculating phase information, the system uses copied timestamp values that contain pre-determined phase data. This copying approach ensures phase continuity without requiring complex active calculation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Productivity

If higher output sample rates are supported, then productivity improves, but loss of time increases due to increased resource utilization and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput sample rateVSAvoidprocessing latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

All phase calculation work is performed in advance and stored in timestamp values. When high sample rates are required, the system simply retrieves pre-calculated values without performing time-consuming real-time computations, thus avoiding increased processing latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The timestamp-based system serves itself by containing all necessary phase information within the timestamp data structure. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for additional processing resources and time when supporting higher sample rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11387820B2Frequency generation in a quantum controller

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 QUANTUM MACHINES

AI summary

A system comprises time-tracking circuitry and phase parameter generation circuitry. The time-tracking circuitry is operable to generate a time-tracking value corresponding to time elapsed since a reference time. The phase parameter generation circuitry operable to: receive the time-tracking value; receive a control signal that conveys a frequency parameter corresponding to a desired frequency of an oscillating signal; and generate a plurality of phase parameters used for generation of an oscillating signal, wherein the generation of the plurality of phase parameters is based on the time-tracking value and the frequency parameter such that the oscillating signal maintains phase continuity across changes in the frequency parameter.