Date published: Nov. 4, 2025

computer chip glowing green

 

Summary: An RF System-on-Chip (RFSoC) digital controller integrates direct RF sampling, frequency conversion, and feedback. It eliminates analog mixers, enabling ultra-low latency, real-time RF field stabilization for particle accelerators and other advanced Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems.

Applications

  • RF System-on-Chip: The system design is generic and supports many RFSoC chips, including both 8-in-8-out and 16-in-16-out variants. 
  • Particle accelerator control
  • Ultrafast laser control
  • Phased array radar/lidar
  • Quantum computing control

Benefits

  • Substantial reduction in system complexity and cost 
  • Very low latency – ~300 nanoseconds end-to-end latency enabling real-time, in-pulse RF field stabilization
  • Built-in synchronous RF waveform: for all input and output channels in 0.25 ns resolution — suitable for high bandwidth system identification 
  • Synchronous digital RF modulation for all input and output channels — important for deterministic RF phase measurement and control 
  • Integrated, on-chip EPICS IOC – provides remote control via Gigabit Ethernet interface for operation

Background

Precise control of radio frequency (RF) fields is crucial for advanced industrial and scientific applications, such as radar systems and particle accelerators. Maintaining RF field stability and phase coherence is essential for optimal performance, requiring real-time feedback and high-resolution measurements.

Existing RF control systems often rely on complex, discrete analog components for frequency conversion, leading to higher latency and increased system complexity. This traditional architecture limits sampling rates and hinders the ultra-low latency required for effective in-pulse stabilization and real-time feedback.

Technology Description

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a monolithic, direct-sampling digital RF controller utilizing an RF System-on-Chip (RFSoC). This invention integrates direct RF sampling, digital frequency conversion, and feedback control, eliminating conventional analog frequency mixers. It supports multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) channels, arbitrary waveform generation, and features a modular RF frontend with high isolation and wideband, linear signal conditioning, all within a thermally optimized, EMI-shielded, rack-mount chassis.

This technology is differentiated by its comprehensive on-chip integration, which eliminates discrete analog frequency conversion modules, simplifying the system and reducing complexity. Its ultra-low, deterministic end-to-end latency enables real-time, in-pulse feedback control which was previously unattainable. The system achieves up to 7 Gsps sample-to-sample synchronization, approximately 300 nanosecond end-to-end latency, and 20 femtoseconds RMS additive phase jitter.

Development Stage

TRL 8: System completed and qualified through test and demonstration.

Inventors

  • Qiang Du 
  • Benjamin Flugstad 
  • Angel Jurado 
  • Victoria Moore 
  • Shree Murthy 
  • Keith Penney 
  • David Nett

IP Status

Patent pending

Opportunities

Available for licensing or collaborative research

Additional Information

“RFSoC based LLRF system design at ALS” Presentation, Low Level Frequency Workshop, Oct 16, 2025, https://indico.jlab.org/event/939/contributions/17436/ 

“Comparative Evaluation of Xilinx RFSoC Platform for Low-Level RF Systems” presentation, Low Level Frequency Workshop, Oct 16, 2025, https://indico.jlab.org/event/939/contributions/17481/