Quantum computers promise to solve a certain set of hard problems that are intractable for even the most powerful current supercomputers such as large dimensionality optimization and simulation. Remarkable progress has been made in recent years in quantum devices, in which small quantum processors integrating a few tens of noisy quantum bits (known as NISQ devices) already exist. Some of them are available through the cloud and are capable of handling basic quantum algorithms. One of the last breakthroughs has been the demonstration of quantum supremacy by Google using a 54-qubit superconducting processor.

Building a universal quantum computer requires bridging quantum algorithms and quantum devices and therefore contributions from several fields of study, including Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering. In addition, the needs and challenges in the field of quantum computing are requiring now from an even more multidisciplinary engineering-oriented solutions that include microelectronic fabrication, circuit design, computer architecture, software engineering and computer science.

This special session will introduce the field of quantum computing to the electrical engineering community. It is aimed at the state of the art in quantum computing, emphasizing the main challenges such as improvement and scalability of quantum processors, classical control electronics and definition of a heterogeneous quantum computer architecture. Then, contributions in the different architectural layers of a quantum computer, as well as comprehensive design methodologies are expected.