# Inside Quantum Computing Hardware with Šimon Marek | OnTrack

- Show: [OnTrack](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack)
- Published: 2026-01-13
- Length: 46m
- Episode: 330
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-13-inside-quantum-computing-hardware-with-simon-marek-ontrack
- Listen: https://podcast.altium.com/e/inside-quantum-computing-hardware-with-simon-marek-ontrack/

## Summary

Quantum hardware designer Šimon Marek explains that superconducting quantum chips are transitioning from research labs to commercial products, requiring hundreds of qubits for useful operations. He details how these systems function as complex microwave engineering problems, utilizing transmon qubits, Josephson junctions, and control electronics operating at 5-10 GHz. Marek outlines the fabrication workflow, from lump-element simulation to layout in tools like KiCad and EM simulation in Ansys HFSS, highlighting the use of aluminum on silicon or sapphire substrates. He emphasizes that traditional RF and PCB design skills, including impedance matching and shielding, are directly applicable to designing the FPGA-based control boards and cryogenic amplifiers needed for these systems.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-13-inside-quantum-computing-hardware-with-simon-marek-ontrack#t=0) Introduction: Quantum Hardware and Commercial Viability
- [1:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-13-inside-quantum-computing-hardware-with-simon-marek-ontrack#t=107) Šimon Marek's Background: From Arduino to Quantum Design
- [3:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-13-inside-quantum-computing-hardware-with-simon-marek-ontrack#t=212) Quantum Chip Architecture: Transmons, Josephson Junctions, and Microwave Control
- [7:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-13-inside-quantum-computing-hardware-with-simon-marek-ontrack#t=427) The Quantum Chandelier: Cryogenics, Packaging, and Scaling Challenges
- [15:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-13-inside-quantum-computing-hardware-with-simon-marek-ontrack#t=906) Quantum Chip Design Workflow: Simulation, Layout, and Fabrication
- [37:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-13-inside-quantum-computing-hardware-with-simon-marek-ontrack#t=2242) Control Electronics: FPGA Boards, RF Amplifiers, and PCB Design Guidelines

## Topics

- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- IBM (company)
- Google (company)
- KiCad (tool)
- Ansys HFSS (tool)
- CST (tool)
- Keysight (tool)
- Microwave Studio (tool)
- Elmer (tool)
- Balsam (tool)
- GlobalFoundries (company)
- Skywater (company)
- SiMOS LNA (product)
- SiMOS ALNA (product)
- AMD Zynq (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Quantum Computing: Sci-Fi Technology Requires Real-World Engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-02-13-quantum-computing-sci-fi-technology-requires-real-world-engineering) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Yonatan Cohen | Quantum Computing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-01-27-yonatan-cohen-quantum-computing) (Being an Engineer)
- [483: An Ion of the Highest Fidelity](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-08-23-483-an-ion-of-the-highest-fidelity) (Embedded.fm)
- [An Interview with Shahriar from The Signal Path - Quisquous Quivering Quadripole](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-12-18-an-interview-with-shahriar-from-the-signal-path-quisquous-quivering-quadripole) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Craig J Bishop](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-12-02-an-interview-with-craig-j-bishop) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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