XCOM: Full Mesh Network Synchronization and Low-Latency Communication for QICK (Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit)

TL;DR

XCOM is a network system that achieves precise synchronization and low-latency communication across multiple quantum control boards, enabling scalable and reliable control for large quantum computing testbeds.

Contribution

It introduces XCOM, a scalable network that synchronizes quantum control hardware with 100 ps accuracy and provides deterministic low-latency communication.

Findings

Synchronization accuracy within 100 ps

Deterministic communication latency below 185 ns

Compatible with various qubit technologies

Abstract

Quantum computing experiments and testbeds with large qubit counts have until recently been a privilege afforded only to large companies or quantum technologies where scaling to hundreds or thousands of qubits does not require a substantial increase in quantum control hardware (neutral atoms, trapped ions, or spin defects). Superconducting and spin qubit testbeds critically depend on scaling their control systems beyond what a single electronics board can provide. Multi-board control systems combining RF, fast DC control, bias, and readout require precise synchronization and communication across many hardware and firmware components. To address this, we present XCOM, a network that synchronizes QICK boards and the absolute clocks governing quantum program execution to within 100 ps, free of drift and loss of lock. XCOM also provides deterministic, all-to-all simultaneous data communication with latency below 185 ns. Like QICK itself, XCOM is compatible with a broad range of qubit technologies and is designed to scale to large systems.