Quantum Machines Unveils OPX1000: A Cutting-Edge Processor-Controlled Platform for High-density Operations

In September 2023, Quantum Machines (QM) introduced the OPX1000, their latest and most advanced quantum control system to date. This groundbreaking controller boasts exceptional performance and channel density, solidifying its position as the industry leader. The OPX1000 is the third generation of QM’s processor-based quantum controllers, building upon the success of its predecessor, the OPX+. With expanded analog performance and increased channel density, the OPX1000 can now support the control of over 1,000 qubits.

However, QM’s vision for quantum controllers extends far beyond the OPX1000. Designed as a platform for orchestrating the control of large-scale QPUs (quantum processing units), the OPX1000 features 8 frontend module (FEM) slots, representing cutting-edge modular architecture for quantum control. In September 2023, QM introduced the first low-frequency (LF) module, and now they are thrilled to unveil the Microwave (MW) FEM, which adds even more value to their rapidly expanding customer base.

The development of Quantum Computing has brought about new requirements in the field. As a result, there has been a shift from bulky arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) systems to processor-based solutions. This shift led to the development of the Pulse Processing Unit (PPU), a dedicated processor for quantum pulse sequences. The PPU has been seamlessly integrated into the OPX framework, creating the first and currently only quantum error correction-ready controller.

The MW FEM, introduced today, offers an impressive array of features. It provides up to 8 analog output channels operating at 2 GSa/s (1 GSa/s for each quadrature) in standard mode. By combining the power of multiple PPU cores interconnected with all channels, it can even reach up to 4 GSa/s (2 GSa/s I and Q) in double rate mode. The module operates via direct digital synthesis (DDS) up to 10.5 GHz, reducing the number of components for a more scalable design that requires no calibration.

When it comes to analog performance, the MW FEM sets a new benchmark for controllers. It ensures the highest Qubit fidelities without any compromise. With phase noise below -125 dBc/Hz (at 6 GHz, 10 kHz offset), it boasts one of the lowest phase noise levels in the industry. The spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) is approximately 60 dBc over the entire frequency range, and the total harmonic distortion (THD) is kept above 40 dBc. These specifications, combined with the uniqueness of the PPU, allow users to fully exploit the potential of the QPU with ease. The MW FEM enables easily programmable mid-circuit measurement, dynamic circuits, and error correction schemes.

The OPX1000 is backward-compatible with its predecessors, OPX and OPX+. This means that users can seamlessly use codes written for OPX/OPX+ on the OPX1000, making it easier for many laboratories to scale up their experimental systems.

In addition to the MW FEM, the OPX1000 also offers other frontend modules (FEMs) for low-frequency and microwave control. These modules can work in synergy with one another, even in different chassis, making the OPX1000 a truly modular and scalable system.

The design of the OPX1000 promotes adaptability and integration, facilitating novel interactions between technologies and supporting various qubit types and quantum-classical workflows. Its modularity allows for easy hardware changes, upgrades, and adaptations while maintaining a stable foundation for the control system. It also features a high level of redundancy and interchangeability, making it suitable for use in high-performance computing (HPC) environments and larger architectures and workflows.

The OPX1000 is designed for scalability. With just one chassis equipped with 4 LF-FEMs and 4 MW-FEMs, it can operate a superconducting chip with 25 qubits. Scaling beyond the 25-qubit mark is straightforward, thanks to QM’s synchronization technology, QSync, which allows multiple OPX1000s to work together as one. For example, controlling 256 superconducting qubits would require 9 OPX1000s, while a quantum processor with 1000 superconducting qubits would only need 2.5 racks. This results in a significant reduction in power consumption and floor space utilization compared to competing solutions, making the OPX1000 the first data center-ready quantum controller.

The OPX1000 stands as the most advanced and scalable quantum controller available, driving quantum advantage through superior control. With its ability to drive thousands of qubits, adapt to any modality, provide a large bandwidth, deliver cutting-edge analog performance, offer unique real-time computational capabilities, and provide high redundancy and robustness, it truly is a scalable controller.

If you’re interested in learning more about the OPX1000, you can find the spec sheet here. Additionally, the OPX1000 and the new MW FEM will be showcased at the APS March Meeting in Minneapolis from March 3-8.

Technology Explained

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HPC: HPC, or High Performance Computing, is a type of technology that allows computers to perform complex calculations and process large amounts of data at incredibly high speeds. This is achieved through the use of specialized hardware and software, such as supercomputers and parallel processing techniques. In the computer industry, HPC has a wide range of applications, from weather forecasting and scientific research to financial modeling and artificial intelligence. It enables researchers and businesses to tackle complex problems and analyze vast amounts of data in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional computing methods. HPC has revolutionized the way we approach data analysis and has opened up new possibilities for innovation and discovery in various fields.

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Quantum Computing: Quantum computing is a type of advanced computing that takes advantage of the strange behaviors of very small particles. It's like having a supercharged computer that can solve incredibly complex problems much faster than regular computers. It does this by using special "bits" that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, which allows it to process information in a very unique way. This technology has the potential to make a big impact in areas like data security and solving really tough scientific challenges, but there are still some technical hurdles to overcome before it becomes widely useful.

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Qubit: Qubit is a unit of quantum information that is used in quantum computing. It is the smallest unit of information that can be stored and manipulated in a quantum computer. A qubit can represent a 0, 1, or both 0 and 1 simultaneously, which is known as a superposition. This allows quantum computers to process and store information much faster than traditional computers. The applications of qubits in the computer industry are vast, ranging from cryptography and artificial intelligence to drug discovery and financial modeling. By harnessing the power of quantum computing, businesses can solve complex problems faster and more efficiently than ever before.