Quantum Computer Noise Mitigation Circuitry for Signal-Specific Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quantum computing systems face challenges in mitigating signal noise in ion traps, where different functions require specific noise and heat tolerances, leading to suboptimal performance due to the need for filtering all signals based on the most stringent requirements, which can decrease the speed and bandwidth of other functions.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a signal generator, gain stage, and filter stage with active and passive filters, along with feedback circuitry, is used to generate pre-distorted signals that meet specific noise and heat tolerances for each function, optimizing noise mitigation and reducing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all signals are filtered based on the most stringent noise tolerances, then noise mitigation is improved, but the speed and bandwidth of other functions decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise mitigationVSAvoidspeed and bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing path by implementing separate filter stages for different signal types. Low-pass filters are applied specifically to RF signals while square wave signals bypass these filters. This segmentation allows each signal type to be processed according to its specific requirements, preventing the degradation of speed and bandwidth for time-sensitive operations while maintaining noise mitigation for RF signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different filtering characteristics to different signal types based on their specific requirements. RF signals receive aggressive low-pass filtering to remove high-frequency noise, while square wave signals use minimal filtering to preserve their sharp edges and timing information. This local quality approach ensures that noise mitigation is applied only where necessary without compromising the performance of other functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If filtering is applied to reduce noise, then signal quality is improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the filtering application to avoid unnecessary heat generation. By applying low-pass filters only to RF signals and not to square wave signals, the system reduces the overall power consumption and heat generation associated with filtering operations while maintaining signal quality where it is most critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial filtering action by selectively filtering only the RF signal component and leaving the square wave component unfiltered. This partial action approach achieves sufficient noise mitigation for RF operations without the excessive heat generation that would result from applying aggressive filtering to all signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If different noise tolerances are applied to different functions, then performance is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing architecture into distinct paths: one for RF signals with low-pass filtering and another for square wave signals without filtering. This segmentation, implemented through separate filter stages and selective signal routing, allows different noise tolerances to be applied to different functions while maintaining a relatively simple and modular system structure that is easy to implement and maintain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4040344A1Noise mitigation circuitry for quantum computers and corresponding methods
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 QUANTINUUM LLC
  • EP4040344A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4040344A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4040344A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, systems, or computer program products for providing a signal to an electrode of a quantum computer. In an example embodiment, the system comprises noise mitigation circuitry comprising a signal generator, a gain stage, and a filter stage. The signal generator may be comprised of a plurality of voltage sources. The controller causes the signal generator to generate a signal, and the signal is provided to the electrode through the noise mitigation circuitry to cause at least a portion of the system to perform a function.