Agile Analog, renowned for their analog IP innovations, joins forces with sureCore, specialists in ultra-low power embedded memory, in a significant stride within the quantum computing domain. This collaboration is dedicated to implementing a cryogenic control ASIC on the GlobalFoundries 22FDX process as part of the Innovate UK funded project titled “Development Of Cryogenic CMOS To Enable The Next Generation Of Scalable Quantum Computers.”
A key aspect of this initiative involves consortium members creating cryogenic SPICE models for the GF 22FDX process technology. Leveraging these models, sureCore has recharacterized standard cell and IO cell libraries, concurrently developing low-power SRAM, ROM, and Register File Compilers crucial for cryogenic IP libraries. These libraries are instrumental in the development of a test chip to measure performance at cryogenic temperatures.
Barry Paterson, Agile Analog’s CEO, highlighted the criticality of integrating control and measurement electronics operable down to 4 Kelvin in scaling quantum computing. He emphasized the significance of co-locating control electronics close to qubits within the cryostat, a fundamental factor for quantum computer scaling, particularly with the imperative to dramatically increase qubit numbers from hundreds to millions.
The collaboration aims to generate semiconductor IP capable of functioning at cryogenic temperatures, enabling quantum computing developers to design their own control ASICs, co-located with qubits in the cryostat. Paterson underlined the importance of integrating control and measurement within the cryostat, a pivotal step toward advancing quantum computers with millions of qubits.
Paul Wells, sureCore’s CEO, commended Agile Analog’s expertise and professionalism in this collaboration, emphasizing the significance of their skill sets in this quantum computing innovation endeavor.
