Qubit Controller RF Generator Phase Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modulated RF generators struggle to achieve satisfactory integration and control signal quality in quantum computing systems due to the lack of phase locked loops (PLLs) and protocol handling functionalities within the qubits, requiring external synchronization and control.

Innovation Solution

A quantum processing system with a qubit controller that includes a radio frequency generation unit, a phase locked loop unit, a timing controller with an absolute timing register, and a sequencer to generate and synchronize modulated RF signals, effectively moving the PLL functionality from the qubits to the transmitter or receiver, ensuring coherent signal phase matching and compensation for drift effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external synchronization and control are used for modulated RF generators, then control signal quality can be maintained, but integration and system complexity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal qualityVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the phase locked loop functionality and protocol handling directly into the qubit controller, combining previously separate external synchronization components with the qubit control system. This integration maintains control signal quality while improving system coherence and reducing external dependencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary phase locked loop unit that acts as a mediator between the RF generation unit and the qubits. This intermediary component synchronizes the RF signals with the qubit operations, ensuring coherent control while managing the complexity of direct qubit-qubit synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If phase locked loops are moved from qubits to transmitter/receiver, then coherence control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal phase coherenceVSAvoidcontroller structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the controller into distinct functional units: an RF generation unit for signal production, a phase locked loop unit for coherence maintenance, and a sequencer for protocol handling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to maintain signal phase coherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The phase locked loop unit serves multiple functions: it synchronizes RF signals, maintains phase coherence across multiple qubits, and provides timing references for the sequencer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing complexity while improving coherence control.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables improved control over individual and multiple qubits, facilitating multi-qubit gates and maintaining coherence across a set of qubits, which is challenging in current quantum computing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a phase locked loop unit configured to maintain a reference clock for two or more of said electronic components of the RF generation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase locked loop:

Implementation Method 2

so as for the qubit controller to drive and/or read out said qubits via modulated signals generated by the synchronized components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11410068B2Quantum processing system including a modulated RF generator with synchronized components
Publication Date: 2022.08.09 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US11410068B2 patent drawing
  • US11410068B2 patent drawing
  • US11410068B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A quantum processing system may include one or more superconducting qubits and a qubit controller for controlling the one or more qubits. The qubit controller includes a radio frequency generation unit comprising electronic components, which are altogether configured to generate modulated RF signals. The controller also includes a phase locked loop unit maintaining a reference clock for two or more of the components of the RF generation unit, and a timing controller including an absolute timing register, the latter accessed by the reference clock, in operation. The qubit controller comprises a sequencer coupled to the timing controller to synchronize said two or more of said components by maintaining a coherent signal for said two or more of said components, the coherent signal phase matched to the one or more qubits, to drive and/or read out the one or more qubits via modulated signals generated by the synchronized components, in operation.