Controlling Superconducting Qubits: From Classical Signals to Quantum Dynamics

Superconducting qubits operate at the boundary between microwave engineering and quantum mechanics, making their control fundamentally dependent on a tight integration of classical control electronics and quantum dynamics. This talk examines how carefully engineered classical electromagnetic waveforms — generated using high-performance DACs, digital and analog mixing stages, and filtering hardware — are converted into precise qubit gate operations. We will highlight how real-world non-idealities, including electronic noise, waveform distortions, and transmission-line losses, impact gate fidelity, and discuss engineering approaches to reduce their effects. The aim is to provide an intuitive, engineering-oriented perspective on how classical control systems drive quantum behaviour, supporting more effective design, troubleshooting, and optimization of superconducting qubit platforms.