Qubit Control Electronics with Integrated NCOs for Stable RF Phase

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quantum computing systems face challenges with increased qubit numbers due to the need for extensive qubit control electronics, which occupy space, require costly cabling, and lack efficient frequency control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating built-in numerically controlled oscillators (NCOs) into digital to analog converters (DACs) to generate RF tones directly, eliminating the need for separate local oscillators and enabling automatic setup to maintain consistent phase relationships between RF pulses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate local oscillators are used for each qubit control electronics, then frequency control capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the local oscillator functionality into the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) by integrating a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) directly within the DAC chip. This integration eliminates the need for separate external oscillator components, reducing device complexity while preserving frequency control capability through software-programmable frequency generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The NCO-based DAC serves multiple functions: it acts as both a frequency generator and an analog signal output device. The single integrated component replaces what would traditionally require separate oscillator and DAC components, achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate local oscillators are used for each qubit control electronics, then frequency control capability is improved, but space and cabling requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency control capabilityVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the oscillator and DAC into a single integrated chip, the physical footprint is significantly reduced. The patent eliminates separate oscillator modules and their associated cabling, thereby reducing the overall space requirements for qubit control electronics while maintaining full frequency control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If free running oscillators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but phase stability between repeated quantum experiments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidphase stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the NCO frequency is locked to a stable reference clock signal. This feedback loop ensures that the oscillator frequency remains phase-locked across repeated quantum experiments, maintaining phase stability while keeping the device complexity low through software-based frequency control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary frequency setting and phase alignment during setup, where the NCO is configured with a stable reference frequency. This preliminary configuration ensures that phase stability is maintained throughout subsequent quantum experiments without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Area of stationary object

If built-in NCOs are integrated into DACs, then space and cabling requirements are reduced, but frequency control flexibility may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace requirementsVSAvoidfrequency control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The NCO within the integrated DAC is designed with dynamic frequency adjustment capability through software control. The patent implements flexible frequency synthesis where the NCO can be programmably configured to generate various frequencies, maintaining frequency control flexibility despite the integrated architecture and reduced space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260017546A1Configurable Qubit Electronics with Controlled Output Frequencies

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A system comprises a memory that stores and a processor that executes computer executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer executable components comprise a selection component that identifies a set of frequencies for an operating frequency (OF) of a free running oscillator of qubit control electronics corresponding to a qubit of a quantum system, and a waveform direction component that maintains a constant phase relationship between varying resonating frequency (RF) pulses output by the qubit control electronics.