[RFC] PYNQ-Quantum: Native Quantum Computing Support for RFSoC

[C-H-A-R-L-O-T-T-E-AI-Consulting-Corp]

[RFC] PYNQ-Quantum: Native Quantum Computing Support for RFSoC

Summary

We propose adding a pynq.quantum package to provide Python-native quantum computing support for RFSoC platforms. This would unify the fragmented quantum control ecosystem (QICK, QubiC, custom solutions) under PYNQ's overlay architecture.

Motivation

RFSoC platforms have become the de facto standard for quantum control:

• QICK (Fermilab) - 900+ stars, used by 100+ labs
• QubiC (LBNL) - Production at AQT/LBNL
• SpinQICK (HRL) - Spin qubit control

However, researchers face barriers:

1. No standard Python APIs for quantum control
2. Steep learning curve (Vivado, HLS expertise required)
3. Limited multi-board synchronization support
4. Each lab reinvents drivers and calibration tools

PYNQ's overlay system and Python-first approach could solve these problems.

Proposed Features

Core Package (pynq.quantum)

from pynq.quantum import QuantumOverlay, QubitController

# Load overlay (auto-detects board)
qo = QuantumOverlay(backend='qick')

# Control qubits
ctrl = QubitController(qo, num_qubits=4)
ctrl.set_qubit_frequency(0, 5.123e9)
ctrl.x90(0)
ctrl.measure([0])
results = ctrl.run(shots=1000)

Multi-Backend Support

Backend	Firmware	Status
QICK	Fermilab QICK	Proposed
QubiC	LBNL QubiC	Proposed
Generic	Custom HLS	Proposed

Multi-Board Synchronization (via ACCL-Q)

from pynq.quantum import QuantumCluster
from pynq.quantum.collective import allreduce

cluster = QuantumCluster(['192.168.1.10', '192.168.1.11'])
measurements = cluster.local_measure([0, 1, 2, 3])
syndrome = allreduce(measurements, op='XOR')  # <400ns latency

Pre-built Overlays

• ZCU111 quantum base overlay
• ZCU216 quantum base overlay
• RFSoC4x2 quantum base overlay

Questions for Discussion

1. Scope: Should this live in RFSoC-PYNQ or the main PYNQ repo?
2. Backend priority: Start with QICK, QubiC, or generic?
3. Overlay distribution: Ship pre-built bitstreams or build-from-source?
4. Community interest: Would QICK/QubiC maintainers collaborate?

Full RFC

See the complete RFC with implementation phases, API design, and testing strategy:
📄 PYNQ_QUANTUM_RFC.md

Related Work

• ACCL-Q PR #216 - Quantum collective operations
• strath-sdr/rfsoc_qpsk - RFSoC signal processing example
• PYNQ_RFSOC_Workshop - Existing RFSoC tutorials

Call for Collaborators

We're seeking:

• PYNQ maintainers for architecture guidance
• QICK/QubiC developers for backend integration
• Quantum researchers for requirements and testing
• FPGA engineers for overlay optimization

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Signed-off-by: ACCL-Q Team

[jogomojo]

Hi @C-H-A-R-L-O-T-T-E-AI-Consulting-Corp

Please feel free to reach out to me directly to discuss. You'll find my email in the commit messages for this repo.

[Core-Creates]

Hi @C-H-A-R-L-O-T-T-E-AI-Consulting-Corp

Please feel free to reach out to me directly to discuss. You'll find my email in the commit messages for this repo.

Unfortunately, your email is not showing up, however I have messaged you via LinkedIn.