Vikram-32: India’s First Indigenous 32-Bit
Microprocessor
1. Introduction
- Vikram-32,
officially named VIKRAM3201, is India’s first fully indigenous
32-bit microprocessor.
·
Designed with
precision at ISRO’s VSSC and crafted at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in
Mohali.
· Marking a historic moment, the indigenous advancement was showcased at Semicon India 2025 and presented in person to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
2. Significance of the Chip
- Marks
a milestone in India’s semiconductor self-reliance.
- Reduces
dependency on imported chips for space and defense applications.
- Demonstrates
India’s ability to move from being a consumer to a creator in the
global semiconductor ecosystem.
3. Technical Specifications
- Architecture:
32-bit with both fixed-point and IEEE-754 floating-point support.
- Speed:
Operates around 100 MHz.
- Power
Consumption: Less than 500 mW.
- Voltage:
Works on 3.3 V supply with very low quiescent current (<10 mA).
- Operating
Range: Reliable from –55 °C to +125 °C.
- Packaging:
Ceramic PGA package with 181 pins.
- Process
Technology: Fabricated using 180 nm CMOS
technology.
4. Software & Programming
- Supports
Ada programming language; C compiler under development.
- Complete
toolchain (compiler, assembler, simulator) developed in-house by
ISRO.
- Uses
a custom instruction set architecture (ISA) tailored for aerospace
needs.
5. Reliability & Validation
·
Built to survive extreme radiation and
temperature conditions of space.
- Successfully
validated in space aboard PSLV-C60 mission.
- Successor
to the VIKRAM1601 (16-bit) processor that has been in use since
2009.
6. Applications
- Space
Missions: Guidance, navigation, and control
systems for satellites and launch vehicles.
- Defense:
Reliable electronics for secure communication and missile systems.
- Aerospace:
Advanced avionics requiring rugged computing power.
- Automotive
& Energy: Future potential for
high-reliability systems.
7. Global Context
- While
commercial chips use 3 nm to 5 nm nodes, Vikram-32 uses 180 nm,
which is still the preferred standard for space-grade chips due to
durability and radiation resistance.
- Comparable
to established global space processors like RAD750 (USA) and LEON
(Europe).
8. Strategic Importance
- Boosts
India’s semiconductor mission and reduces technological dependency.
- Strengthens
Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in critical technologies.
- Positions
India alongside major players in space-grade semiconductors.
9. Future Outlook
·
Anticipated to develop into more potent
versions for intricate space travel.
- Potential
expansion into commercial and industrial sectors beyond ISRO.
- Symbolizes
the beginning of India’s journey into high-end semiconductor innovation.
✅ In
Summary:
More than just another semiconductor, Vikram-32 reflects India’s journey toward
autonomy and technological leadership. Its validated performance in space,
indigenous engineering, and future scalability firmly place the country
alongside global players.
