An FPGA-based Instrumentation Platform for use at Deep Cryogenic Temperatures

TL;DR

This paper presents a cryogenic FPGA-based instrumentation platform capable of operating at 4 Kelvin, enabling advanced signal processing near cooled devices, with broad potential applications beyond quantum computing.

Contribution

The authors developed and evaluated a cryogenic FPGA platform that functions beyond standard temperature limits, facilitating complex digital processing in extreme cold environments.

Findings

Operates reliably at 4 Kelvin with acceptable error rates.

Supports high-speed clocking and low latency processing.

Demonstrates broad applicability in cryogenic instrumentation.

Abstract

We describe a cryogenic instrumentation platform incorporating commercially-available field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) configured to operate well beyond their specified temperature range. The instrument enables signal routing, multiplexing, and complex digital signal processing at temperatures approaching 4 kelvin and in close proximity to cooled devices or detectors within the cryostat. The cryogenic performance of the system is evaluated, including clock speed, error rates, and power consumption. Although constructed for the purpose of controlling and reading out quantum computing devices with low latency, the instrument is generic enough to be of broad use in a range of cryogenic applications.