Quantum computing, a phenomenon, which was impossible a decade back, is now on the verge of becoming a reality. Numerous tech giants — Google, IBM, Alibaba Group, Accenture, and more, globally are racing towards building the first quantum computer.
According to the experts, Quantum computing can potentially tackle problems even today’s supercomputer cannot cope with. To make it simpler, Quantum Computers can solve a problem within a minute, that would take conventional computer years to solve.
However, to build a stable and commercially viable Quantum Computer, various challenges must be conquered, regarding the scalability and the correction of computational errors.
This is where Qblox, a Dutch company comes into play. Based out of Delft, the company has developed the next generation of qubit control hardware named the ‘Cluster’ series.
Innovation award and €4.8M funding
Recently, the Dutch company announced that it has won CES 2021 Innovation Award honoree for the next generation of qubit control hardware – the Cluster series.
On the other hand, the company also secured €4.8M in seed funding from the European Innovation Council – Horizon 2020.
Current prototype limitations
At the heart of quantum computing are so-called quantum bits or ‘qubits’. The quantum processor is a ~ 1cm chip on which calculations are performed.
Qubits are fragile and extremely sensitive to imperfections in the control signals, making it highly complex to control even a handful of qubits.
Current prototype quantum computers use off-the-shelve electronics for this purpose, which has its limitations due to cost, size, and complexity.
How Qblox Cluster benefit companies?
In this regard, Qblox focuses on the control electronics, the ‘control stack’, of the quantum computer. It’s worth mentioning here that, control stack generates control signals and interprets algorithm outcomes.
According to the company, the new Qblox Cluster is a scalable and modular 19″ rack system that can control up to 20 qubits from a single device.
Integrating several functions into one device, the company squeezes bulky equipment into a single handy little box, improving cabling problems as well.
The Cluster enables Quantum computer developers with dedicated qubit control equipment that offers massive scalability, ultra-low signal noise, and low-latency feedback.
And by cascading multiple Cluster systems together, it leads to integrated quantum control capabilities for unprecedented numbers of qubits.
Spinoff of quantum technology institute
Qblox was founded in 2019 by Niels Bultink and Jules van Oven, and the spinoff of QuTech – the advanced research centre for Quantum Computing and Quantum Internet. It is a Dutch Quantum technology scaleup that offers patented solutions for scalable control of quantum computers. The company is on a mission to build the control hardware stacks that can manage the upcoming generations of quantum processors.
