Explained: Vikram-32 Chip

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Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently unveiled India’s first indigenously developed 32-bit processor called VIKRAM-32. The minister presented the microchip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the Semicon India 2025 conference. VIKRAM-32 microchip has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh. It is said to be specifically designed to withstand extreme conditions of rocket launches and space environments. 

VIKRAM-32 is the successor to the VIKRAM1601, a 16-bit microprocessor that has powered ISRO’s launch vehicles since 2009. The VIKRAM-32 (officially Vikram 3201) is India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured 32-bit microprocessor. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

It was developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, a part of ISRO, and fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali. It is intended for use in rockets, satellites, and other high-reliability systems.

The purpose of the VIKRAM-32 microprocessor is to power future Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) missions, including rockets and satellites. The 32-bit, space-grade chip is an indigenous (Made-in-India) replacement for older, imported systems, and is designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space, including temperature fluctuations and radiation. 

Explained: Vikram-32 Chip
Explained: Vikram-32 Chip

Key details about Vikram-32:

  • Successor technology: It is an upgrade of the 16-bit VIKRAM1601 processor, which ISRO has used in its launch vehicles since 2009.
  • Built for extreme conditions: The chip can endure a temperature range from -55°C to 125°C, ensuring reliability during rocket launches and in the harsh space environment.
  • Validated in space: The first batch of Vikram-3201 was successfully tested during the PSLV-C60 mission, proving its readiness for future space exploration.
  • Applications: Beyond space missions, processors like the Vikram-32 could also be used in other fields that require high reliability under tough conditions, such as defense, aviation, and industrial control systems.
  • Supports self-reliance: The chip marks a major step toward India’s self-reliance in semiconductor technology and strengthens the country’s overall space program.

Applications of VIKRAM- 32 Chip:

The Vikram-32 microprocessor, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has applications primarily in space technology; however, its rugged and reliable design makes it suitable for other high-stakes domains as well. 

Space applications:

  • Launch vehicle avionics: As a space-grade processor, Vikram-32 is designed to power the critical functions within rockets and satellites. It is an upgrade from the 16-bit VIKRAM1601 processor that ISRO has used in its launch vehicles since 2009.
  • Navigation, guidance, and control systems: The chip is capable of performing the complex mathematical calculations required for precise control of rockets and satellites in orbit.
  • Future ISRO missions: After being successfully validated in space on the PSLV-C60 mission, Vikram-32 is being integrated into more satellites and rockets. It is expected to serve as the “brain” for future missions, including advanced projects like Gaganyaan and lunar explorations. 

Terrestrial applications:

The extreme reliability required for space missions makes Vikram-32 suitable for other fields where robust performance under challenging conditions is critical.

  • Defence systems: The processor’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, and radiation makes it ideal for use in military-grade equipment.
  • Advanced automotive: Its dependability can be used in guidance computers and other high-reliability systems within electric vehicles and advanced automobiles.
  • Aerospace: Vikram-32 can be applied in the broader aerospace sector for avionics and secure communication systems.
  • Critical energy infrastructure: The chip can be used in industrial control systems for the energy sector, such as managing power grids, where high reliability is a necessity. 

Broader impacts:

The development of VIKRAM-32 is a major milestone for India’s push for self-reliance under its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative and the India Semiconductor Mission. Its creation: 

  • Reduces import dependency: Creating indigenous processors reduces India’s reliance on foreign-made microchips for critical national missions, strengthening technological sovereignty.
  • Strengthens the semiconductor ecosystem: The project encourages investment and innovation in India’s semiconductor industry, fostering a domestic ecosystem for design, manufacturing, and R&D.
  • Promotes technological leadership: It establishes India as a creator of advanced chips, positioning the country as a stronger player in the global semiconductor market. 

Difference from C and the impact of VIKRAM 32:

The earlier VIKRAM-1601 served ISRO well, but as missions get more complex, the need for higher precision and better computing power has grown. The shift from 16-bit to 32-bit architecture enables the new processor to handle larger amounts of data, support modern software, and perform faster and more accurate calculations. This makes it better suited for next-generation launch vehicles and space missions. The key features of VIKRAM-32 are:

  • 32-bit design: Provides faster processing and larger memory handling compared to the 16-bit predecessor.
  • Floating-point support: Enables complex mathematical calculations required for guidance, navigation, and control in real time.
  • High-level language compatibility: Supports advanced programming languages like Ada, making software development easier and safer.
  • Built-in interfaces: Comes with mission-critical communication ports such as MIL-STD-1553B, simplifying integration with avionics systems.
  • Made in India: Fabricated using SCL’s 180 nm CMOS technology, a reliable process for space applications.
  • Rugged and space-qualified: Tested to withstand high vibration, temperature extremes, and radiation exposure during launch and spaceflight.
  • Higher precision: With 32-bit and floating-point capability, it can process more accurate data for trajectory corrections and autonomous decision-making.
  • Better software support: Easier to program using modern tools, which also reduces the risk of errors.
  • Greater reliability: Fewer external components are needed since many interfaces are built into the chip.
  • Future-ready: Can support more advanced guidance and control algorithms for upcoming space missions.

Beyond rockets, processors like VIKRAM-32 can also find applications in defense, aviation, and industrial control systems, where reliability under harsh conditions is crucial. More importantly, the chip highlights India’s ability to design, build, and qualify high-end electronics within the country, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

The VIKRAM-32 marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward technological self-reliance. By replacing the older VIKRAM-1601, it brings more power, precision, and flexibility to ISRO’s missions. As it gets deployed in future launch vehicles and space systems, it will play a key role in supporting India’s expanding ambitions in space exploration.

Future Aspects for India with VIKRAM-32:

The Vikram-32 microprocessor is a strategic milestone that sets India up for greater self-reliance, technological leadership, and enhanced capabilities in its space, defense, and semiconductor industries. Its future significance goes beyond its immediate function in ISRO’s missions. 

Future of India's space program:

  • Enabling advanced missions: As the “brain” for future missions, Vikram-32’s advanced computing power will support complex endeavors like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, ambitious deep-space explorations, and advanced satellite constellations. Its ability to handle complex navigation, guidance, and control calculations is essential for these next-generation missions.
  • Ensuring mission security: The indigenous nature of the chip provides India with technological sovereignty. This minimizes the risk of backdoors, vulnerabilities, or supply chain interruptions that could compromise sensitive national security missions.
  • Driving future innovation: Vikram-32 is the first step toward a more advanced family of indigenous processors. India is already planning the development of more powerful 64-bit designs and processors built on smaller fabrication nodes. 

Growth of India's semiconductor industry:

  • Boosting “Atmanirbhar Bharat”: As the first Indian-fabricated processor at this scale and specification, Vikram-32 is a powerful example of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative in action. It demonstrates that India has the capability to both design and manufacture high-reliability microchips domestically.
  • Creating a domestic ecosystem: The development of Vikram-32 was supported by an entire ecosystem of indigenous software tools, including Ada compilers and integrated development environments. This ecosystem will accelerate innovation and empower local startups to develop their own chip designs.

Applications beyond space:

  • Defense systems: The military-grade standards and high reliability required for space make Vikram-32 ideal for use in military hardware, securing critical defense systems from external vulnerabilities.
  • Advanced transport: The chip’s rugged design is suitable for use in advanced automotive solutions, including guidance computers for electric vehicles, and avionics for the aerospace industry.
  • Critical infrastructure: Its reliability under extreme conditions also makes it a valuable component for industrial control systems, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors like energy management. 

    In a nutshell, the Vikram-32 microprocessor is more than just a component for rockets. It represents India’s emergence as a significant force in advanced technology, paving the way for a future of enhanced technological independence and innovation across multiple strategic sectors

Disclaimer: The above article is based on the following sources of information: The Times of India and The Indian Express.

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