Quantum processing unit (QPU)
양자 프로세서(QPU)
The core chip of a quantum computer, where the qubits sit. It is the counterpart of the CPU in an ordinary computer.
Overview
The big golden device you often see in pictures of quantum computers is mostly the cooling equipment. The actual calculation happens on a small chip hanging at the very bottom. That chip is the quantum processor. The qubits sit on the chip, and paths run between them so they can pass signals to each other.
In a phrase like "an X-qubit processor," the number of qubits is what stands out first. But just as important is how rarely the qubits go wrong and how well they are connected to each other. So a processor with fewer qubits but fewer errors can sometimes do harder calculations.
An everyday example
A class with more students does not always do better on the test. How accurate each student is, and how well they help one another, all have to come together.
Why it matters
Most news from quantum companies is an announcement that "a new processor has been released." Do not look only at the number of qubits. To judge real ability, look at how few errors there are and how the qubits are connected.
Also calledQPU, quantum chip, quantum processor