Connecting to SHFSG by Zurich Instruments in Python

Instrument Card

The Zurich Instruments SHFSG Signal Generator produces qubit control signals in the frequency range from DC to 8.5 GHz with a spurious-free modulation bandwidth of 1 GHz. The SHFSG uses a double superheterodyne technique for frequency up-conversion, which eliminates the need for mixer calibration and saves time on system tune-up. Each SHFSG comes with 4 or 8 analog output channels with 14-bit vertical resolution. Controlled by LabOne, its APIs or the LabOne Q Software, the SHFSG supports quantum computing projects with sizes ranging from a few to several hundred qubits.

Device Specification: here

Manufacturer card: ZURICH INSTRUMENTS

Zurich Instruments Ltd. is a privately owned company developing and selling advanced test and measurement instruments equipped with software for dynamic signal analysis.

• Headquarters: Switzerland
• Yearly Revenue (millions, USD): 38
• Vendor Website: here

Connect to the SHFSG in Python

Read our guide for turning Python scripts into Flojoy nodes.

Flojoy

PROTOCOLS > SCPI

📄 IDN

Query a device's identity through the universal *IDN? SCPI command.

📄 MEASURE VOLTAGE

Query an instrument's measured output voltage, such as a DMM or power supply.

📄 SCPI WRITE

Write a SCPI command to a connected bench-top instrument and return the result.

QCodes

Here is an example Python script that uses Qcodes to connect to a SHFSG RF Signal Generator:

import qcodes as qc
from qcodes.instrument_drivers.zhinst import SHFSG

# Connect to the SHFSG RF Signal Generator
shfsg = SHFSG("shfsg", "dev1234")

# Print the available trigger inputs
print(shfsg.sgchannels[0].awg.available_trigger_inputs())

# Configure the RF output of channel 1
shfsg.sgchannels[0].configure_channel(
    enable=True,
    output_range=0,
    center_frequency=1e9,
    rf_path=True
)

# Enable the sequencer of channel 1
shfsg.sgchannels[0].awg.enable_sequencer(single=False)

# Load a sequencer program to channel 1
sequencer_program = """
    const AWG_CHANNEL = 0
    wave w1 = gauss(64, 0.1, 0.5)
    playWave(w1, AWG_CHANNEL)
"""
shfsg.sgchannels[0].awg.load_sequencer_program(sequencer_program)

# Enable the AWG output of channel 1
shfsg.sgchannels[0].awg.enable(True)

# Disconnect from the SHFSG RF Signal Generator
shfsg.close()

This script connects to a SHFSG RF Signal Generator with the name “dev1234” and sets up the RF output of channel 1. It then enables the sequencer, loads a sequencer program, and enables the AWG output of channel 1. Finally, it disconnects from the SHFSG RF Signal Generator.