NEWS – At the Semicon India 2025 conference, India introduced its first fully home-made 32-bit microprocessor, called Vikram 3201. It was developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) along with the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh.

HIGHLIGHTS

What is the Vikram 3201?

• A microprocessor specially designed for rockets and satellites.
• Can survive extreme space conditions from –55°C to +125°C.
• An upgrade of Vikram 1601 (16-bit), which has been used in ISRO launch vehicles since 2009.

What Will It Do?

• Controls navigation, stability, and mission management in rockets.
• Performs fast calculations to keep spacecraft on course.
• Built to resist heat, cold, vibration, and radiation in space.

Key Features

• 32-bit architecture → handles more data with accuracy.
• 64-bit floating-point operations → helps in precise rocket trajectory.
• Supports Ada programming → widely used in aerospace systems.
• On-chip 1553B bus → ensures smooth communication with other rocket systems.

Tested in Space

• Already tested on PSLV-C60 mission.
• Powered the Mission Management Computer successfully.
• Production chips handed over to ISRO in March 2025.

Why It Matters

• Until now, India depended on foreign space processors.
• Reduces reliance on imports and improves Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance).
• Creates a full ecosystem with compilers, tools, and other electronics.
• ISRO also unveiled 4 new indigenous chips to reduce imports further.

Bigger Picture

• Launched at Semicon India 2025, which focuses on chip manufacturing and AI.
• India has 20% of the world’s chip designers, but is now building its own factories.
• Five new semiconductor plants are being set up under government schemes.