Getting from components to a full system is not trivial when setting up an experimental environment for quantum research. Moreover, ongoing developments and frequent updates in the field mean that users must continuously adapt their stack. Thus, “turnkeyness” remains a limited feature, posing entry barriers and increasing the resources needed for integration and operation.
In a commercial context it is the role of a Solution Provider to hide the complexity involved in connecting various subsystems behind well-chosen interfaces. At OrangeQS we think in systems, and the high level of abstraction reduces a complex cryogenic characterization setup to a system where the user “puts qubits in and gets data out”.
Figure 1: Abstraction of automated cryogenic test equipment: the user needs to insert qubits or other quantum devices and extracts the required data. Behind this simple interface, an ensemble of subsystems must work together in a well-defined and autonomous way, to earn the label of a “turnkey” solution.
In order to improve the ease of use of any product, it helps to think of it as a system with well-defined interfaces and user interactions. The figure above shows how OrangeQS’ automated test equipment is abstracted as a single system from the user perspective. The reality is usually not as simple and many times there are different types of users with different requirements. Especially in high-tech industries with small lot sizes this alters each system slightly different and customized.
The example of ASML as a successful solution provider suggests itself, since OrangeQS is a Dutch startup that builds equipment solutions for chip manufacturers too. Our advisor Jan van Schoot (Director of Systems Engineering at ASML) gave a workshop on the challenges operating as integrator and insights into ASML’s journey.
One of the most important tasks is to manage and organize a complex supply chain to the effect that each subsystem is optimized for the overall purpose while each component seamlessly integrates into the full system. This is different from using off-the-shelf components and requires strategic partnerships with different suppliers.
A second and equally important task of the solution provider is the workflow automation. By designing the full system to serve a specific purpose right from the start, it is possible to orchestrate workflows beyond the functionality of single components. In the case of OrangeQS, this relates to the software libraries SCQT and GRACE, together with our operating system Juice, which power our automated chip testing equipment. Naturally the solution provider is in the best position to develop such software programs to be interoperable with optimized hardware interfaces and configuration.
One prerequisite for improving the turnkey-ness and efficiency of a system is a well-defined and stable scope of interactions, since it reduces the flexibility with which it can be operated. Although quantum computing architectures are converging there is still uncertainty regarding chip types and modalities. To mitigate these risks our products are designed to allow for different access levels, to enable human intervention of expert users and extensive customer support to adapt to changing requirements.
To learn more about our system engineering approach and our turnkey systems for cryogenic chip characterization feel invited to reach out to our team.
