QHub Quantum System Hub

Key Features

Scale your quantum system up to 448 microwave channels
Plug-and-play operation through automated instrument synchronization
Perform low-latency feedback between any instrument in <550 ns
Perform demanding quantum error correction algorithms through large processing power
Intuitive system control through LabOne Q

Price

Documents

The Zurich Instruments QHub enables scalable quantum processor control through automated synchronization and low-latency communication between all components of a Quantum Computing Control System (QCCS). It provides high-level software access to powerful real-time capabilities designed for the most pervasive use cases in quantum computing.

With 56 ZSync ports, the QHub supports systems with up to 448 microwave channels for precisely timed and stable gate and readout operations. Central data processing enables feedback methods that require global information of the system state, e.g. for quantum error correction, with a latency down to 550 ns including all signal processing.

Decoding algorithms can be efficiently implemented on a powerful FPGA core using a ready processing infrastructure accessible in Python. Optional direct programming of the FPGA provides the flexibility required in developing novel decoder algorithms.

QHub Quantum System Hub Video

QHub Quantum System Hub

Benefits

Proven system scalability

Up to 56 instruments can be synchronized through a QHub, leading to coordinated readout and control of up to 300 fixed frequency qubits using only SHFQCs, or up to 200 tunable-frequency qubits. New instruments can be added by plugging one cable without rework of the existing system.

Simplified feedback programming

The QCCS comes with the LabOne Q software interface that lets users control feedback operations on the system level. LabOne Q translates a user’s high-level sequence into real-time instructions for all components of the QCCS so they can operate in sync, with QHub at the center. A Python API gives users the full flexibility to integrate QHub into their own software.

High-fidelity feedback operations

Due to the star topology of the QCCS architecture, QHub is able to evaluate the global state of all the qubits that it controls. This enables feedback methods that require global knowledge of the system state, such as Quantum Error Correction. The low-latency global feedback is complemented with local feedback operations inside the SHFQC Qubit Controller with further reduced latency. The powerful FPGA core of QHub enables the user to create advanced closed-loop feedback algorithms, while achieving a low and deterministic latency.

Reliable synchronization

The ZSync interface distributes all clocks and timing signals needed to synchronize the system. Automated calibration procedures make the synchronization stable across reboots and changing environmental conditions. You can count on weeks of operation without the need for delay calibration.

QCCS instrumentation compatibility

QHub is compatible with any combination of HDAWG, SHFQC, SHFSG or SHFQA. It is not compatible with the UHFQA. For combinations of HDAWG and UHFQA, it is recommended to use the PQSC for synchronization and feedback.

General

Call us on +41 44 515 0410 or send a quick note with your contact details and preferred time slot. We are happy to schedule an online demo with our experts to discuss your requirements and check if there is a match with the QHub instrument capabilities.
All users receive support from Zurich Instruments independently of where the purchase took place. Local sales partners, where available, also provide first-level support in the local language. For extended support, instrument calibration or service, please check the Support page.

System Integration

The PQSC is the right instrument for a system of such size. It can synchronize and distribute feedback across 18 instruments – up to 144 RF channels. That is suitable for around 50 tunable transmon qubits, depending on the specifics of the qubit technology.
QHub is the right instrument for system a of such size. It can synchronize and distribute feedback across 56 instruments – up to 448 RF channels. That is suitable for around 200 tunable transmon qubits, depending on the specifics of the qubit technology.
No, a single device doesn’t require a QHub to run. It’s required for systems with two or more instruments.
Yes, QHub is a drop-in replacement of PQSC. Please note that UHFQA are not supported with QHub, and SHFQC or SHFQA should be used instead.
The UHFQA is supported only with PQSC and the HDAWG using a bridge. See PQSC Programmable Quantum System Controller for more details.
Yes, the SHFPPC is not directly connected to QHub, but it works with a Quantum Analyzer (SHFQC or SHFQA), which in turn can be connected to QHub.
Yes, QHub can synchronize to an external reference clock or provide one. Triggers and markers of the SHF/HDAWG can be used to receive or send digital signals with other instruments.

Functionality

ZSync is a Zurich Instruments proprietary interface to accurately synchronize instruments and enable low-latency feedback across them.
No! QHub performs all the necessary calibrations when a new instrument is connected through ZSync, and that ensures that the skew is always stable.
No, QHub generates and distributes a reference clock over the ZSync cables. QHub can optionally lock to an external 10 MHz reference clock and can provide an external copy of the internal reference clock on an SMA port.
One ZSync cable is provided with each SHF or HDAWG instrument. If you need more, please contact us through the Support page.
ZSync cables are always 3m (9.84') long. This ensures that latency is always consistent across instruments.
No, QHub comes always with 56 ZSync ports. If you need fewer ports, the PQSC might be a better alternative.
The HDAWG can run at 2.0 GSa/s when used together with QHub. This ensures accurate synchronization with the SHF instruments that always run at such rates.

Software

Yes, this instrument is operated from a computer connected 1GbE. The USB interface is provided for maintenance only. The computer sets the synchronization or feedback parameters of QHub. Once QHub is started, it operates autonomously and does not strictly depend on the computer anymore.
The main control and programming interface is provided by LabOne Q. It controls not only QHub, but the entire QCCS, including all the instruments attached to QHub as a single system. LabOne Q streamlines and automates time-consuming tasks such as optimizing instrument settings, generating and uploading waveforms, and synchronizing pulses between multiple instruments. Even with this control and measurement automation, users still have complete low-level access to the instruments. The LabOne Q software is produced by Zurich Instruments and upgraded on a regular basis, providing you with new features and functionalities for the instrument.
If you are already using Zurich Instruments devices with the LabOne Q software, the integration of QHub is straightforward; it’s just matter of declaring the new instrument and starting to use the new available channels like before. The LabOne Q software operates either as a standalone control software, or is integrated into most existing frameworks and control frameworks.

Supported peripheral devices	SHFQC, HDAWG*, SHFSG, SHFQA
Supported system architecture	Star architecture
Maximum output channel skew	< 1.6 ns
Output channel skew repeatability over restarts	< 200 ps
Real-time communication latency	< 90 ns

Interfaces	Input, Output and Sysref output
Input frequency	10 MHz
Input Amplitude	-10 dBm (200 mVpp at 50 Ohm) to +13 dBm (2.5Vpp at 50 Ohm)
Output frequency	100 MHz
Output amplitude	+4dBm (1.0 Vpp into 50 Ohm)
Connector type	SMA

Interface type	ZSync proprietary
Number of ports	56
Cable length	3 m

Trigger inputs	4
Trigger outputs	4
Output voltages	LVTTL (0 V low, 3.3 V high)
Input threshold	1 V
Connector type	SMA

Dimensions	449 x 460 x 145 mm (19" rack) 17.6 x 18.1 x 5.7 inch
Weight	8 kg
Power supply	AC: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz 120 W Maximum
Host connection	LAN/Ethernet, 1Gbit/s USB JTAG (over USB)

Quantum System Hub

Key Features

Price

Documents

QHub Quantum System Hub Video

Benefits

Proven system scalability

Simplified feedback programming

High-fidelity feedback operations

Reliable synchronization

QCCS instrumentation compatibility

Quantum computing applications

QCCS system specifications

Clock

Synchronization and real-time data exchange interface

Triggers

General

General

System Integration

Functionality

Software