An integrated device with high performance multi-function generators and Time-to-digital convertors

Abstract

A highly integrated, high performance, and re-configurable device, which is designed for the Nitrogen-Vacancy center based quantum applications, is reported. The digital compartment of the device is fully implemented in a Field-Programmable-Gate- Array. The digital compartment is designed to manage the multi-function digital waveform generation and the Time-to-Digital-Convertors. The device provides two Arbitrary-Waveform-Generator channels which operate at a 1 Gsps sampling rate with a maximum bandwidth of 500 MHz. There are twelve pulse channels integrated in the device with a 50 ps time resolution in both duration and delay. The pulse channels operate with the 3.3 V Transistor-Transistor logic. The FPGA-based Timeto- Digital-Convertor provides a 23-ps time measurement precision. A data accumulation module, which can record the input count rate and the distributions of the time measurement, is also available. A Digital-to-Analog-Convertor board is implemented as the analog compartment, which converts the digital waveforms to analog signals with 500 MHz low-pass-filters. All the input and output channels of the device are equipped with 50 Sub-Miniature version A termination. The hardware design is modularized thus it can be easily upgraded with compatible components. The device is suitable to be applied in the quantum technologies based on the N-V centers, as well as in other quantum solid state systems, such as quantum dots, phosphorus doped in silicon and defect spins in silicon carbide.