Bidirectional Quantum Processor Interfacing by a 4-Kelvin Analog Signal Chain for Superconducting Qubit Control and Quantum State Readout

TL;DR

This paper introduces a cryogenic analog signal processing system at 4 Kelvin for superconducting qubit control and readout, enabling stable, high-fidelity quantum state manipulation and measurement.

Contribution

It presents a complete, simulation-validated cryogenic signal chain architecture bridging room-temperature controllers with quantum processors at millikelvin stages.

Findings

Successful end-to-end signal integrity demonstrated in simulations

I/Q phase error below 2 degrees achieved

Image rejection ratio exceeds 35 dB

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive cryogenic analog signal processing architecture designed for superconducting qubit control and quantum state readout operating at 4 Kelvin. The proposed system implements a complete bidirectional signal path bridging room-temperature digital controllers with quantum processors at millikelvin stages. The control path incorporates a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) for stable local oscillator generation, In-phase/Quadrature (I/Q) modulation for precise qubit gate operations, and a cryogenic power amplifier for signal conditioning. The readout path features a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) with 14 dB gain and 8-Phase Shift Keying (8-PSK) demodulation for quantum state discrimination. All circuit blocks are designed and validated through SPICE simulations employing cryogenic MOSFET models at 180nm that account for carrier freeze-out, threshold voltage elevation, and enhanced mobility at 4 K. Simulation results demonstrate successful end-to-end signal integrity with I/Q phase error below 2{\deg}, image rejection ratio exceeding 35~dB, and symbol error rate below $10^{-6}$. This work provides a modular, simulation-validated framework for scalable cryogenic quantum control systems.