Quantum Computing: Advancements, Architectures, and Applications in Electronics and Communication Engineering

Abstract: The "Ultimate Computer" is a quantum computer, representing a significant technological advancement with global ramifications. It uses atoms, the smallest feasible objects, to calculate instead of tiny transistors. Only digital tape, composed of a string of 0s and 1s, can be utilized for computation by digital computers, which is insufficient to accurately represent the delicate waves of electrons. Many scientists believe we are on the brink of a new era, with shock waves akin to those generated by the invention of the transistor and microprocessor. As per Moore's law, computer power doubles every 18 months. Recently, IBM, Google, and IonQ have made substantial investments to transition the theoretical model of quantum computing into laboratories that demonstrate potential tangible architectures. These systems are now yielding observable quantum benefits for specific optimization, simulation, and cryptography challenges. This is exceptionally pertinent given the recent advances in quantum computing observed in the fields of electronics and communication engineering. This progress enables the development of quantum supercomputers, which could have significant and potentially disruptive implications for modelling nanoelectronic devices, enhancing signal processing, optimizing wireless communication networks, advancing information theory, and establishing quantum-secure communication protocols. The observed exponential increase in computational demands for electronics and communication systems has prompted the search for radically new information-processing paradigms. Focusing on its applications in electronics and communication engineering, this paper seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of quantum supercomputing. Compared to classical counterparts, quantum computers promise secure transmission, extremely high speed, and substantial storage capacity.