Zurich Instruments Triples Channel Count of its Control Stack

Insider Brief

Zurich Instruments announced it has tripled the channel count of the first commercial quantum computing control system (QCCS).
The QCCS is designed with a central feedback architecture that provides low and equal latency between all endpoints to optimally support error correction technologies.
The system scale-up is enabled by the new QHub Quantum System Hub synchronizing up to 448 microwave channels.

PRESS RELEASE — Zurich Instruments supports quantum advantage and boosts the channel count of the first commercial quantum computing control system (QCCS) by a factor of three. As the latest generations of superconducting quantum processors begin to surpass the size of 100 qubits, quantum engineers can now rely on a fully integrated control stack to build quantum computers for first emerging applications. Contrary to many other commercial control solutions, the QCCS is designed with a central feedback architecture that provides low and equal latency between all endpoints to optimally support error correction technologies. The system scale-up is enabled by the new QHub Quantum System Hub synchronizing up to 448 microwave channels.

QHub is Zurich Instruments’ Quantum System Hub designed for real-time orchestration of all high-speed electronic components required to control a quantum computer. The instrument can be programmed by the user to optimize for rapid tune-ups and error correction, while the processing can be adapted to the specific algorithm and computer architecture used. With its 56 ZSync ports, QHub connects systems suitable for quantum processors with up to 300 superconducting qubits. “This will provide quantum computing researchers with a new solution to pursue the challenge of scaling up quantum computers. Through a dedicated interface, QHub enables precise and perfectly reproducible timing synchronization across components, ensuring that readout and gate operations on separate channels are aligned and stable in time down to the last sample.” says Andrea Corna, QHub product manager at Zurich Instruments.

QHub is the latest in a series of Zurich Instruments’ launches of the past few years, reinforcing the company’s commitment to being the leading instrumentation provider for quantum technology. Since the start of its quantum computing journey in 2018 with the world’s first commercial quantum computing control system, the company has left a major footprint with continuous product innovation. The company pioneered the instrument class of quantum analyzers dedicated to fast qubit readout, introduced the first microwave signal generator for qubit control, and created the first commercial controller for quantum-limited parametric amplifiers. With the SHFQC Qubit Controller presented to the market in 2022, the company offers a single-box microwave controller for quantum processors with up to 6 qubits, and thus optimally supports innovation in quantum research. The QHub is also a steppingstone towards next-generation quantum control solutions that provide the tailored performance, lowered cost per channel, and reduced footprint required for quantum processors with 1000 qubits and more.

Sadik Hafizovic, Zurich Instruments’ CEO, says “It is exciting to be part of the journey towards quantum advantage. We proudly serve numerous labs doing quantum research in different applications such as superconducting, spin qubit, and also NV centers, as well as demonstrating significant results in scaling the quantum control stack. The launch of the QHub is an important milestone on the road to 1000 qubits and demonstrates our commitment to deliver.”