The Pulse Processing Unit (PPU) is an advanced classical processor central to Quantum Machines’ Hybrid Control approach. By positioning classical computing resources as close as possible to the quantum hardware, the PPU enables real-time execution of quantum control protocols with minimal overhead, ensuring rapid comprehensive and frictionless operation.

Built into every OPX1000 front-end module (LF-FEM and MW-FEM) and OPX+ system, multiple PPUs operate as one, orchestrating control, readout, and calculations, handling data sharing and synchronization.

Unmatched Real-Time Processing Capabilities

The PPU is a 16-core classical processor designed for parallel, real-time quantum control operations. These cores can simultaneously generate and manipulate pulses to control, receive and process data from qubits, and execute real-time Turing-complete classical calculations. The result is ultra-fast feedback loops, enabling real-time adaptive control based directly on measurement outcomes. With the PPU technology at their core, OPX hybrid controllers can execute the most complex dynamic protocols and deliver unmatched performance. They significantly reduce sequence execution times, achieving speeds tens or even hundreds of times faster than other controllers.

  • Active reset latency < 160 ns
  • QPU utilization in Cross-Entropy Benchmarking (XEB) >97%

Unique External Acceleration

The NVIDIA DGX Quantum solution, co-developed with NVIDIA, establishes a direct high-bandwidth, ultra-low latency connection between GPU/CPU resources and the PPU. NVIDIA DGX Quantum is the first implementation of bounded-latency integration between CPU/GPU servers and QPUs, with full compatibility with NVIDIA NVQLink, the open architecture for hybrid quantum-classical supercomputing. This ultra-fast data link provides communication between the PPU and the CPU/GPU via QM’s OP-NIC, acting as real-time interconnect at speeds that are at least 1,000 times faster than conventional interfaces. Such integration significantly enhances advanced hybrid workflows critical for scaling quantum systems – including quantum error correction, accelerated calibration protocols, and emerging hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.

  • GPU/CPU – PPU data round trip latency <4 µs

Easy as Pseudo Coding

PPUs are programmed with QUA – an open-source programming language designed specifically to combine quantum control with classical computation and intuitive control flow. QUA provides pulse-level programming while remaining super easy to use and understand as pseudo coding. QUA is central to Quantum Machines’ hybrid development platform which includes a comprehensive library of ready-to-use control applications that significantly reduce development time. As part of this platform, QUA programs can also be seamlessly integrated and controlled through QUAlibrate, Quantum Machines’ automated, scalable calibration solution for quantum computers powered by OPX hybrid controllers.

Benefits

The New
Possible

Run complex dynamic algorithms that are impossible with other controllers.

Seamlessly
Scale

Multiple PPUs are programmed as one and operate together, synchronizing control, readout, and real-time processing.

Leverage Powerful, Unique GPU/CPU Acceleration

Sub-4 µs latency fuels hybrid quantum-classical computing via NVIDIA DGX Quantum.

Faster, Frictionless Development

Benefit from a hybrid development platform with QUA, QUAlibrate, and a vast library of control flows that save you time.