FPGA based Quantum Key Distribution Electronic System for Multipurpose Optical Setup and Protocols

Abstract The purpose of the FPGA electronic control system for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is to improve the analog electronic system in optoelectronic conversion. In the existence of the Mezzanine FPGA board, the main conversion of optical laser signal and optical detector signal can be improved. Mezzanine board can reduce the noise errors during the transmission and receiving a signal. Commonly, the optical signal needs to interface with an analog electronic system. This process requires the conversion process and interfacing with a digital signal to control the optical device and produce a good quality optical signal. The Mezzanine board can reduce the uncertainty during signal conversion and gives the digital capability to control the optical devices. The optical modulation signal for phase modulator control can achieve a full complete phase shift in the Mezzanine board. Plus, the voltage phase has capability up to 10 V with an accuracy of 2.4 µV. The time conversion for phase modulator can be extended in the Mezzanine board based on the digital control signal from FPGA. The system is capable to extend into multiple timing control to handle all the signal and to synchronize the signal in receiving, transmission or in between of the transmission. Thus, the system can handle one way or two-way QKD system accordingly.