Techniques relate to operating a quantum processing device is provided. The device includes at least two fixed-frequency quantum circuits coupled to a frequency-tunable coupler. The frequency of the coupler can be modulated so as to drive at least two selectively addressable energy transitions in the quantum processing device. The method includes modulating the frequency of the coupler so as to drive two first-order energy transitions. This is done so as to transfer (at least partly) an excitation of one of the quantum circuits to at least another one of the quantum circuits, via the tunable coupler. Related quantum processing devices are also provided.