Arbitrary Waveform Generators
Arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs) offer solutions to measurement challenges that require drive signals of higher complexity than that of standard periodic signals. The full freedom to define the shape of a signal sample by sample allows users to tailor spectral or temporal properties and engineer the response of a device under test. This is required in quantum technology, notably, where signal shapes are optimized to achieve maximum fidelity when manipulating quantum states, or in electrical engineering to test a device exposed to a real-world signal including noise and imperfections.
The speciality of a signal generator such as the Zurich Instruments SHFSG is the synthesis of high-purity signals with precise frequency and phase control. The SHFSG Signal Generator includes the key functionalities of an AWG to generate pulse shapes directly up to 8.5 GHz based on its double superheterodyne frequency conversion scheme. The SHFQC Qubit Controller includes both signal generator and readout capabilities to realize a tailored measurement solution for superconducting qubits. The HDAWG Arbitrary Waveform Generator, with its large waveform memory, can reproduce a large number of realistic experimental conditions in a single run. The UHF-AWG is an upgrade option for the UHFLI Lock-in Amplifier that combines pulsed signal generation and measurement in one instrument.
Features
Zurich Instruments' AWGs offer an intuitive programming experience through the LabOne® AWG sequencer programming language. It is possible to combine waveform shape definition and sequence instructions in a single, easily readable program. LabOne gives users straightforward access to advanced sequencing capabilities for looping, branching, and controlling signals dynamically in real time.
AWG envelope signals can be digitally mixed with oscillator signals, which removes limitations imposed by the strict sampling rate grid when working with sinusoidal carrier signals. With real-time control of the carrier phase, digital modulation enables the reuse of waveform envelopes and memory optimization even when the carrier phase needs to vary dynamically. The real-time precompensation capability of the HDAWG, for instance, makes it possible to account for signal path imperfections and ensure that the signals arriving at the sample are exactly as intended.
The SHFSG and the HDAWG are designed for scaling the channel number to 100 and beyond through automatic synchronization and a scalable software architecture. In connection with their low-latency sequence branching capabilities, this makes these instruments an excellent fit for large-scale quantum computing applications.
Videos
Blog Posts
Randomized Benchmarking in Seconds
on 20.05.2021 by Clemens Müller
Practical Active Qubit Reset
on 05.03.2021 by Andrea Corna
AWG Precompensation for High-Fidelity CZ Gates in Transmon Qubits
on 02.11.2019 by Chunyan Shi
Are Your Parametric Two-Qubit Gates Limited by the Driving AWG?
on 13.09.2019 by Jan Benhelm
How to Generate QAM Signaling with the HDAWG
on 25.11.2019 by Mehdi Alem
Generation of Single-Sideband Modulation by Arbitrary Waveform Generators
on 15.12.2017 by Mehdi Alem
Frequency Response Measurement with Chirps and Leakage-Free FFT
on 28.10.2016 by Bruno Küng