ISRO and Semiconductor Laboratory Unveil Indigenous 32-Bit Microprocessors for Space Applications
On March 5, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh marked a significant milestone in India's space technology sector. They introduced two indigenously developed 32-bit microprocessors, VIKRAM3201 and KALPANA3201, tailored for space applications. In a ceremony held in New Delhi, these processors were handed over to Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, by Shri S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The development of these microprocessors was a collaborative effort between ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and SCL. Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, and Dr. Kamaljeet Singh, Director-General of SCL/MeitY, along with their respective teams, played pivotal roles in the design, fabrication, packaging, and qualification of these processors for launch vehicle applications.
VIKRAM3201: A Leap in Indigenous Microprocessor Technology
VIKRAM3201 stands as India's first fully "Make-in-India" 32-bit microprocessor qualified for the demanding environmental conditions of launch vehicles. Fabricated using the 180nm CMOS semiconductor fabrication process at SCL, this processor is an advanced iteration of the 16-bit VIKRAM1601 microprocessor. The VIKRAM1601 has been integral to ISRO's launch vehicle avionics systems since 2009, with a "Make-in-India" version introduced in 2016 following the establishment of the 180nm semiconductor fabrication facility at SCL.
Both VIKRAM3201 and VIKRAM1601 feature a custom Instruction Set Architecture, support floating-point computations, and are compatible with high-level Ada programming language. ISRO has internally developed all necessary software tools, including the Ada compiler, assembler, linker, simulator, and an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). A C language compiler is also under development to offer greater flexibility to users across various domains.
The VIKRAM3201's successful validation in space was achieved through its integration into the Mission Management Computer of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4) during the PSLV-C60 mission. This accomplishment underscores India's progress towards self-reliance in high-reliability microprocessors and onboard computers essential for the navigation, guidance, and control of launch vehicles.
KALPANA3201: Embracing Open-Source Compatibility
KALPANA3201 is a 32-bit SPARC V8 RISC microprocessor based on the IEEE 1754 Instruction Set Architecture. Designed for compatibility with open-source software toolsets, it also benefits from in-house developed simulators and IDEs. The processor has undergone rigorous testing with flight software, ensuring its readiness for deployment in space missions.
Advancements in Miniaturization and Future Collaborations
In addition to the microprocessors, four other jointly developed devices were presented, aiming to significantly miniaturize launch vehicle avionics systems. These include two versions of a Reconfigurable Data Acquisition System (RDAS) that integrate multiple indigenously designed 24-bit Sigma-Delta Analog to Digital Converters on a single chip, a Relay Driver Integrated Circuit, and a Multi-Channel Low Drop-out Regulator Integrated Circuit for high-reliability applications.
Furthering their collaborative efforts, SCL and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of ISRO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and deliver miniaturized unsteady pressure sensors. These sensors are intended for measuring dynamic pressure in wind tunnels, highlighting the ongoing commitment to advancing India's space technology capabilities.
