66 -- Quantum Computer RFI

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. The National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) is seeking an RF Pulse Generator for Controlling Quantum Computing Experiment. The NIST Quantum Devices Group requires multiple copies of a specialized RF Pulse generator to be used for controlling quantum computing experiments. This instrument will generate programmed arbitrary sequences of microwave pulses with Gaussian envelopes and independent control of the amplitude and microwave carrier phase for each pulse in the sequence. With 200 MHz system clock, pulse start and stop times will be adjustable in 625 ps increments. Microwave leakage between pulses must be more than 100 dB down relative to pulse amplitude. System clock shall be adjustable from 50 MHz to 200 MHz. Each instrument consists of 3 major components, a sequencer board, a re-clocker board and a RF deck. Portions of this instrument and beta-level software for the sequencer board exist at NIST. The scope of work under this procurement includes fabrication of the remaining parts, integration with the existing components, test, repair, and delivery of 5 fully functional instruments plus designated spares. Specific tasks are: 1) Program and functional test (repair as required) 4 existing sequencer boards. This will involve integrating sequencer FPGA code developed by university collaborator (University of California), debug and test. Interact with university software developer as necessary to complete integration. 2) Program and functional test (repair as required) 7 re-clocker boards. 3) Identify and procure components, build and functional test (repair as required) 5 RF decks. 4) Assemble, integrate, and functional test above components (repair as required) delivering 5 fully functional systems plus 2 spare re-clocker boards. RF Deck Generic Specifications: 1) RF input frequency range 4-12 GHz. 2) Base plate: aluminum MIC-6 jig plate. 3) IQ mixer RF phase control with active input level shifting. 4) Miteq 4-12 GHz +20 dBm buffer amplifier. 5) Gaussian pulse shaper with active buffering and level trimming. 6) IQ mixer pulse modulator. 7) PIN diode switch with >90 dB isolation. 8) Mixers and amplifier in good thermal contact with base plate. Key RF Deck Functional Requirements - Custom ECL buffer meeting the following specifications: a) Output levels adjustable to set 'hi' or 'low' level near 0 V. b) Trim voltage input for fine adjustment of output levels. c) Output level thermal drift: <1mV over 25C - 85C. d) Input impedance: 50 ohms. e) Output impedance: 50 ohms. f) Rise time (20% to 80%): <200ps. Custom active level shifter meeting the following specifications:a)Converts unipolar input to bipolar output b)Trim voltage input for fine adjustment of output levels c) Gain: 2 d) Coupling: DC e) Bandwidth (-3 dB): >750 MHz f) Slew rate: 10V/ns g) Settling time (0.1%): <25ns h) Offset voltage thermal drift: <1mV over 25C - 85C i) Input impedance: 50 ohms j) Output impedance: 50 ohms NIST will provide schematic diagrams of existing hardware and access to the University of California-developed FPGA code. Vendor must supply 100base-F interfaced PC and all other software and test instrumentation necessary to complete the tasks. The PC and software are not deliverables under this procurement. Responses: Responses to this RFI must include must include test data supporting the responder's ability to meet the RF deck performance specifications as stated above. This data may be from a similar or substantially identical device. This RFI does not constitute an invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals or Request for Quotes. This is not a request for proposal and there is no solicitation available. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. No calls will be returned. In accordance with FAR 15.202(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Information should be sent to the attention of Michelle Sandoval, U.S. Dept. of Commerce/NOAA, Mountain Region Acquisition Division, Boulder, CO, 80305 or by email at michelle.sandoval@noaa.gov by close of business May 12, 2006.