Layer model for gate-based modular quantum computers

This paper elaborates on a consensus view from the standardization body JTC22/WG3 on a layer model that offers a high-level hierarchical description of hardware and software modules to support the development of modular quantum computers. The group of lower layers covers multiple stacks, one for each hardware architecture, while the upper layers are defined around a common software stack. A hardware abstraction layer connects the two. The addition of a separate communication unit offers a robust separation between the stack and the outside world and allows controlled access for multiple users, as well as serving hybrid computing systems.