Purpose-Built for Quantum Measurement
Our stack combines AMD Xilinx RFSoC platforms with the custom SDK and custom RFMC daughter-cards to simplify quantum measurement and control workflows.
System Architecture
End-to-end signal flow from photon detection to quantum control
SPAD Detector
Single-photon avalanche diode captures individual photons
- Single photon sensitivity
- Fast pulse output
- Low-noise operation (device-dependent)
RFMC Card
Custom daughter-card for signal conditioning
- DC-coupled input
- 50Ω impedance
- Rogers 4350B substrate
RFSoC
AMD Xilinx platform for high-speed processing
- High-speed ADC/DAC
- Zynq UltraScale+
- Real-time processing
Control Software
Customized Quantum instrumentation control SDK
- Python API
- Pulse sequencing
- Real-time feedback
Technical Specifications
An early-stage, capability-focused view of our architecture vs common rack-style stacks
Detection
| Specification | Photoncore | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Timing Resolution | Low-jitter design | Varies by setup |
| Detector Compatibility | Designed for SPAD-class inputs | Often custom |
| Noise Handling | Signal-conditioning focused | Depends on stack |
Processing
| Specification | Photoncore | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Digitization | High-speed ADC/DAC via RFSoC | External instruments |
| Real-time Processing | FPGA-based | Often CPU/PCIe-bound |
| Feedback Path | Low-latency architecture | Higher integration overhead |
Integration
| Specification | Photoncore | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Single board | Equipment rack |
| Cost | Designed to reduce total stack cost | Often expensive |
| Software | custom SDK | Proprietary |
Custom RFMC Daughter-Card
Our proprietary RFMC (RF Mezzanine Card) provides the critical interface between SPAD detectors and the RFSoC platform, engineered for optimal signal conditioning and minimal timing jitter.
Rogers 4350B Substrate
High-frequency laminate material providing excellent signal integrity and controlled impedance at RF frequencies.
DC-Coupled Input
Direct coupling eliminates signal degradation from AC coupling capacitors, preserving pulse timing accuracy.
50Ω Impedance Control
Precision controlled impedance traces ensure maximum power transfer and minimize signal reflections.
EMI Shielding
Integrated electromagnetic interference shielding for clean signal acquisition in noisy environments.
Integration Benefits
A complete paradigm shift in how quantum measurement infrastructure is deployed
Replaces Entire Equipment Rack
Traditional quantum measurement setups require oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators, and custom timing electronics. Our integrated solution consolidates everything into a single board.
Low-latency Feedback Workflows
A low-latency signal path helps enable fast feedback workflows that many quantum control and characterization tasks depend on.
Software-Defined Flexibility
The custom SDK provides a Python-based interface for full control over pulse sequences, enabling rapid prototyping and experimentation without hardware changes.