Why in the news?

  • India unveils its first fully indigenously developed 32 bit microprocessor- The Vikram 3201 at Semicon India 2025 conference.

Vikram 3201 Chip

  • What is it?: India’s first fully indigenous 32-bit space-grade microprocessor designed for launch-vehicle avionics and space missions.
  • Background & Significance:
    • Evolved from the earlier Vikram 1601, a 16‑bit processor used in ISRO’s launch vehicles since 2009.
    • Represents a leap in India’s quest for technological self‑reliance in critical microelectronics for space.
    • Unveiled at Semicon India 2025 and presented to the Prime Minister, marking a symbolic milestone in India’s semiconductor mission.
  • Design & Development:
    • Designed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), developed and fabricated at ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh/Mohali using a 180 nm CMOS process.
    • First production lot was delivered in March 2025 and validated in space aboard PSLV‑C60 (POEM‑4).
  • Technical Specifications & Features:
    • Architecture: 32‑bit custom instruction set; supports 16/32‑bit fixed‑point and 64‑bit floating‑point arithmetic.
    • Performance: Operates at 100 MHz, under 3.3 V, power consumption < 500 mW, quiescent current < 10 mA.
    • Memory & Control: 32 registers (32‑bit wide), addressing up to 4096M words; supports 152 instructions; microprogrammed control.
    • Software Toolchain: In‑house Ada compiler, assembler, linker, simulator, IDE.
    • Environmental Robustness: Certified to withstand –55 °C to +125 °C, radiation, vibration – space‑qualified standards.
  • Applications:
    • Designed for navigation, guidance, control, and mission management in ISRO’s launch vehicles.
    • Extended applicability in defence, aerospace, automotive, and energy systems due to its rugged reliability.
  • Strategic Importance:
    • Embodies India’s semiconductor mission ethos- Self-reliance, innovation, and strategic autonomy.
    • Places India alongside global players using legacy 32‑bit processors in critical space missions (e.g., NASA’s RAD750, Europe’s LEON), albeit modern nations are moving towards 64‑bit and AI-enabled processors.