PM unveils VIKRAM-3201 space processor by ISRO and SCL

PM Narendra Modi presented the VIKRAM-3201 space processor from ISRO to the nation at the ongoing Semicon India 2025. The processer was handed to him by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister, Electronics & IT.

The microprocessor was designed and developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of ISRO in collaboration with Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh, along with the KALPANA-3201 microprocessor.

VIKRAM-3201 is the first fully “Make-in-India” 32-bit microprocessor that is qualified for use in the harsh environmental conditions of launch vehicles. The processor was fabricated at the 180nm CMOS semiconductor fab of SCL. 

This processor is an advanced version of the indigenously designed 16-bit VIKRAM-1601 microprocessor, which has been flying in the avionics system of ISRO’s launch vehicles since 2009. A Make-in-India version of the VIKRAM-1601 processor was subsequently inducted in 2016 after the 180nm semiconductor fab was established at SCL, Chandigarh. 

VIKRAM-3201 and the VIKRAM-1601 has a custom Instruction Set Architecture, with floating-point computation capability and high-level language support for the Ada language. All the software tools such as the Ada compiler, assembler, linker, simulator along with Integrated Development Environment (IDE) are developed in-house by ISRO. 

A C language compiler is also under development for providing more flexibility to users in other domains. This is the first of its kind in India, and has enabled Atmanirbharata in the area of high reliability microprocessors and onboard computers for navigation, guidance, and control of launch vehicles. 

The initial lot of VIKRAM-3201 devices was successfully validated in space in the Mission Management Computer of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4) in the PSLV-C60 mission. 

This is also a huge self-reliance milestone for India. VIKRAM-3201 is the first indigenous processor built on 180nm RAD-hard flow. It features a custom ISA capable of communicating in ADA languages. It will be used for navigation, guidance, and control in space vehicles. It is a unique India-made solution for launch vehicles.

The ecosystem comprises KALPANA-3201 SPARC-V8 RISC. It is built on IEEE 1754 ISA, and is compatible with open-source software. It is built to be exported to global space organizations.