Methods for reducing errors in calibrated devices comprise detecting outliers, self-checking consistency of measurements, tuning device controls to target values, and absolutely calibrating devices via a first standard and cross-checking the results via a second standard. The first standard may be a calibrated current and the second calibration standard may be a calibrated frequency. A calibrated frequency may be a microwave signal applied to the body of a qubit. Qubit annealing controls can quickly lower and raise the tunnel barrier to measures the oscillation frequency of the qubit between two potential wells.