SHFSG 8.5 GHz Signal Generator

Key Features

4 or 8 output channels, control of up to 8 qubits
Operation from DC to 8.5 GHz with 1 GHz bandwidth and free from mixer calibration. Contact us if frequencies >8.5 GHz are required.
Low phase noise and low spurious tones for high-fidelity gates
High output power for short gate pulses without external amplification
14-bit output at 6 GSa/s
Controlled through the LabOne^® QCCS Software, LabOne, or LabOne's APIs for Python, C, MATLAB^®, LabVIEW™ and .NET

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High-fidelity qubit operation

The frequency range from DC to 8.5 GHz enables a single SHFSG to generate a variety of single- and multi-qubit gates. The SHFSG's super-heterodyne frequency conversion scheme operates over a wider frequency band and with better linearity and fewer spurious signals than standard IQ-mixer-based methods. This means that the SHFSG generates spurious-free, stable signals without requiring its users to spend time on mixer calibration or system maintenance. Building on the performance of synthesizers specifically designed for qubit control, the SHFSG offers low phase noise and low timing jitter across the output frequency range, ensuring that qubit gate operations realize the full potential of the quantum processor in terms of fidelity. Each SHFSG contains 4 low-phase-noise synthesizers, corresponding to 1 synthesizer per channel in the SHFSG-4 variant and to 1 synthesizer per channel pair in the SHFSG-8 variant.

Advanced sequencer for efficient workflows

The SHFSG supports minimal use of waveform data even when complex signals are required. Users provide the desired signal in the form of a pulse description to the LabOne QCCS Software, which then automatically programs the SHFSG in the most memory-efficient manner. Even for many-qubit systems that rely on multiple SHFSGs, this approach ensures that complex tune-up and calibration routines are completed with a minimum of instrument communication time. Support of loops and conditional branching points further enables the implementation of quantum error correction and active reset, while real-time phase updates make it possible to implement virtual Z gates. With up to 98 kSa waveform memory per channel, the ability to handle up to 16k sequence instructions, and a sampling rate of 2 GSa/s, the SHFSG offers customizable multi-channel AWG signals for qubit control.

Scalable system approach

Each channel of the SHFSG has its own AWG core for creating phase- and timing-programmable waveforms, so that a single SHFSG-8 instrument can control 8 individual qubits. To carry out advanced protocols such as global error correction, several SHFSGs (for qubit control) can be combined with multiple SHFQAs (for qubit readout). The Zurich Instruments ZSync interface links the SHFSGs and SHFQAs to each other via the central PQSC Programmable Quantum System Controller; the LabOne QCCS Software optimizes communication across instruments, thus simplifying protocol execution. Up to 18 SHFSGs can be synchronized through a PQSC, leading to coordinated control of up to 144 qubits. SHFSGs that are synchronized through a PQSC can be programmed with the LabOne QCCS Software, with LabOne, or with its APIs for Python, C, MATLAB^®, LabVIEW™ and .NET – so that users decide how they wish to incorporate the SHFSG into a new or existing setup.

Signal Outputs

Number of RF outputs	4 (SHFSG-4 model) 8 (SHFSG-8 model)
Frequency range	DC - 8.5 GHz
Signal bandwidth	1.0 GHz
Output ranges (dBm)	-30 dBm to +10 dBm
Output impedance	50 Ohm
Number of synthesizers	4 (both models)
D/A conversion	14 bit, 6 GSa/s (after internal 3x interpolation)
Output voltage noise density	-135 dBm/Hz (1 GHz, 10 dBm, offset > 200 kHz) -140 dBm/Hz (4 GHz, 10 dBm, offset > 200 kHz) -144 dBm/Hz (6 GHz, 10 dBm, offset > 200 kHz) -144 dBm/Hz (8 GHz, 10 dBm, offset > 200 kHz)
Output phase noise	-90 dBc/Hz (6 GHz, carrier offset 1 kHz) -98 dBc/Hz (6 GHz, carrier offset 10 kHz) -100 dBc/Hz (6 GHz, carrier offset 100 kHz)
Output level accuracy	±(1 dBm of setting)
Spurious-free dynamic range (excl. harmonics)	74 dBc (1 GHz, 0 dBm) 66 dBc (4 GHz, 0 dBm) 60 dBc (6 GHz, 0 dBm) 65 dBc (8 GHz, 0 dBm)
Output worst harmonic component	-40 dBc (1 GHz, 10 dBm) -40 dBc (4 GHz, 10 dBm) -38 dBc (6 GHz, 10 dBm) -36 dBc (8 GHz, 10 dBm)

Markers and Triggers

Marker outputs	1 per channel, SMA output on front panel
Marker output voltages	0 V (low), 3.3 V (high)
Marker output impedance	50 Ohm
Marker output rise time	300 ps (20% to 80%)
Trigger inputs	1 per channel, SMA on front panel
Trigger input impedance	50 Ohm / 1 kOhm

Waveform Generation

AWG cores	1 per channel
Waveform vertical resolution	14-bit analog + 2-bit marker
Waveform memory	98 kSa per channel
Sequence length	32k instructions per AWG core
AWG sampling rate	2 GSa/s
Minimum waveform length	32 Sa

General

Dimensions	449 x 460 x 145 mm (19" rack) 17.6 x 18.1 x 5.7 inch
Weight	15 kg (33 lb)
Power supply	AC: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Supported clock frequencies (external or internal)	10 MHz or 100 MHz
Connectors	SMA on front and back panel for trigger, signals and external clock 32 bit DIO 1 ZSync 1 GbE USB 3.0 Maintenance USB

General

Call us on +41 44 515 0410 or send us an email with your contact details and preferred time slot. We will be happy to schedule an online demo to discuss your requirements and see whether there is a match with the SHFSG's capabilities.
The LabOne software is freely available from our Download Center, and it offers a single-click function to update the instrument firmware. The SHFSG can also be controlled with freely included APIs for Python, C, MATLAB^®, LabVIEW™ and .NET. The examples of Python APIs included with the software are tailored towards qubit manipulation and enable fast integration into other measurement frameworks. The LabOne software and APIs are produced by Zurich Instruments and upgraded on a regular basis, providing you with new features and functionalities on your instrument.
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 our Support page.

Functionality

Yes, a 4-channel configuration and an 8-channel one (SHFSG4 and SHFSG8, respectively) are available. Please note that the SHFSG4 cannot be upgraded to the SHFSG8.
The SHFSG readily supports modulation of the in-phase and quadrature internal oscillator by a dual-channel waveform signal. Based on this functionality, AM, FM, PM, and DSB can be performed. By contrast, the SHFSG does not support modulation by an external source.
The SHFSG has 1 marker per channel (4/8 in total). The markers are located on the front panel. Using any of the markers does not reduce the 14-bit resolution of the output.
Each channel has a trigger input on the front panel. A single sequence program can incorporate several trigger inputs, and can use the state of a trigger as an input for sequence branching.
Yes, up to 18 SHFSGs can be synchronized through a PQSC, leading to coordinated control of up to 144 qubits. SHFSGs that are synchronized via a PQSC can be programmed by the LabOne QCCS Software, by LabOne, or by its APIs for Python, C, MATLAB^®, LabVIEW™ and .NET: this affords flexibility in how best to incorporate the SHFSG into a new or an existing setup.
The fully featured SHFSG allows you to optimally control up to 8 qubits with single-qubit gates, or 8 pairs of qubits with two-qubit gates.
The SHFSG is best suited for qubits and other systems that can be controlled with microwave signals – for example, gate operations on superconducting circuits or hybrid superconducting/spin-qubit systems.
With every release of our LabOne software, we provide new tools and features. For example, fast resonator spectroscopy helps you to measure and characterize your readout line in a minimal amount of time. We also offer a library of Python notebooks and tutorials that help you setup and control your SHFSG as quickly as possible.

Hardware

No. The output of the SHFSG is designed to be directly usable for qubit manipulation, so long as the operation frequencies are within the bandwidth DC - 8.5 GHz. This is possible thanks to the superheterodyne frequency conversion scheme of the SHFSG, designed to bring stability and simplicity to qubit setups.
This depends on the specific application. The SHFSG can supply up to 10 dBm of output power, which allows for very short (5 ns) gates with superconducting transmon qubits.

System Integration

Yes, this instrument is operated from a computer connected via USB 3.0 or 1 GbE. The computer uploads waveform and sequence data to the SHFSG. Once the SHFSG is started, it generates its signal autonomously and does not strictly depend on the computer anymore.
If you rely on custom Python, C, MATLAB^®, LabVIEW™ or .NET software, the integration is straightforward with the LabOne APIs. Additionally, LabOne helps you to find the right API command for a given instrument setting thanks to its command log feature.
The SHFSG is intended to be interfaced with the PQSC through the Zurich Instruments ZSync link that provides both system-wide clock synchronization and data distribution. Furthermore, a 32-bit DIO VHDCI interface can be used to directly connect the SHFSG to other instruments of the QCCS for fast feedback, such as the HDAWG and the PQSC, or to third-party instruments.
No: the SHFSG can be controlled with a conventional computer. However, for optimal synchronization with other instruments of the QCCS, we strongly recommend using a PQSC.
No, the SHFSG can be used as a standalone system and provides everything needed to control multi-qubit systems, including frequency conversion up to 8.5 GHz. It can be triggered through an internal trigger source or with any conventional TTL signal generator.
Sometimes. The SHFSG is a specialized signal generator that covers many of the capabilities of a system comprising HDAWG and HDIQ. The HDAWG, however, has larger waveform memory. The HDAWG also offers a larger signal amplitude at DC than the SHFSG, which makes it suitable for flux bias pulses.
Yes. In a QCCS setup, the SHFSG is recommended for single-qubit control pulses and parametric two-qubit gates, whereas the HDAWG is recommended for flux-bias two-qubit gates.

8.5 GHz Signal Generator

Key Features

Variants

Price

Documents

Quantum computing applications

Supported qubit types

High-fidelity qubit operation

Advanced sequencer for efficient workflows

Scalable system approach

Signal Outputs

Markers and Triggers

Waveform Generation

General

General

Functionality

Hardware

System Integration