Triangle Quantum Computing Seminar Series: RISC-Q: a generator for real-time quantum control system-on-chips compatible with RISC-V

Abstract: Quantum computing imposes stringent requirements for the precise control of large-scale qubit systems, including, for example, microsecond-latency feedback and nanosecond-precision timing of gigahertz signals-demands that far exceed the capabilities of conventional real-time systems. The rapidly evolving and highly diverse nature of quantum control necessitates the development of specialized hardware accelerators. While a few custom real-time systems have been developed to meet the tight timing constraints of specific quantum platforms, they face major challenges in scaling and adapting to increasingly complex control demands-largely due to fragmented toolchains and limited support for design automation. To address these limitations, we present RISC-Q---an open-source flexible generator for Quantum Control System-on-Chip (QCSoC) designs, featuring a programming interface compatible with the RISC-V ecosystem. Developed using SpinalHDL, RISC-Q enables efficient automation of highly parameterized and modular QCSoC architectures, supporting agile and iterative development to meet the evolving demands of quantum control. Bio: Xiaodi Wu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and a Fellow at the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS) at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is also an Amazon Scholar with AWS Braket. His research focuses on bridging the gap between theory and practice in quantum computing through a full-stack, software-hardware-algorithm co-design approach that integrates both theoretical study and system building. Dr. Wu is a recipient of the Sloan Research Fellowship, the NSF CAREER Award, and the AFOSR Young Investigator Program (YIP) Award. --- Co-hosted by the Duke Quantum Center, the NC State Quantum Initiative, and the UNC Kenan-Flagler's Rethinc. Labs.