Booster
FreeFirmware for an RF power amplifier, including telemetry via MQTT and run-time configuration
FreeFree tier
About Booster
Booster is next-generation firmware (NGFW) for the Sinara Booster 8-channel RF power amplifier hardware. This complete rewrite addresses quality issues in the original firmware, aligns with the Sinara ecosystem projects (Stabilizer, Thermostat, ARTIQ), and ensures long-term maintainability. The firmware is open source under MIT or Apache-2.0 licenses, primarily written in Rust with some Python components. It supports runtime configuration and telemetry, enabling precise control and monitoring of RF amplification in experimental physics setups.
Key Features
Complete rewrite of original Booster firmware for improved quality and maintainability
Aligns with Stabilizer, Thermostat, and ARTIQ projects in the Sinara ecosystem
Open-source licensed under MIT or Apache-2.0 (dual license)
Primarily developed in Rust (89%), with Python components (9%)
Active development with latest release v0.6.0 (August 2024)
Supports runtime configuration and telemetry via MQTT (from existing data)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open-source with permissive dual licensing (MIT/Apache-2.0)
- Modern Rust implementation ensures memory safety and performance
- Part of established Sinara/ARTIQ ecosystem for quantum hardware control
- Actively maintained with frequent releases and public commit history
Cons
- Limited to Sinara Booster specific hardware; not general-purpose
- Niche application in experimental physics; limited community size (13 GitHub stars)
- Requires knowledge of RF amplifier hardware and ARTIQ ecosystem for effective use
Best For
Precise RF amplification control in experimental physics laboratoriesIntegration into ARTIQ-based quantum computing and atomic physics control systemsReal-time power amplification monitoring and telemetry for Sinara hardwareEducational and research environments requiring open-source RF amplifier firmware
FAQ
What hardware does Booster firmware support?
Booster firmware is designed specifically for the Sinara Booster, an 8-channel RF power amplifier in the Sinara open hardware ecosystem. The hardware is available from Creotech, QUARTIQ, Technosyste, and M-Labs.
Is Booster firmware open source?
Yes, it is open source and dual-licensed under MIT and Apache-2.0 licenses.
Who develops and maintains Booster?
The firmware is developed by QUARTIQ GmbH (as indicated in the copyright) and maintained as part of the Sinara ecosystem. The source code is hosted on GitHub at quartiq/booster.
What programming languages are used?
The firmware is primarily written in Rust (89% of codebase) with Python components (9%) for auxiliary scripts and testing.