In a leap toward self-reliance in space technology, ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh have developed two 32-bit microprocessors—Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201—tailored for space applications.

These chips, handed over to ISRO Chairman V Narayanan by MeitY Secretary S Krishnan on March 5, mark a milestone in India’s “Make-in-India” initiative, bolstering high-reliability onboard systems for launch vehicles.

Vikram 3201, the first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor qualified for launch vehicles’ harsh conditions, was fabricated at SCL’s 180nm CMOS facility. Building on the 16-bit Vikram 1601—operational in ISRO’s avionics since 2009 and upgraded to a “Make-in-India” version in 2016—this processor proved its mettle in the PSLV-C60 mission’s POEM-4 module. Kalpana 3201, a SPARC V8 RISC chip based on IEEE 1754 standards, integrates seamlessly with open-source tools and ISRO’s in-house simulators and IDEs, tested with flight software.

Both microprocessors feature custom Instruction Set Architectures with floating-point capabilities and Ada language support, with all tools—compilers, assemblers, linkers, and IDEs—developed by ISRO. A C compiler is also in progress, promising broader utility. This achievement underscores India’s ‘Atmanirbharata’ in navigation, guidance, and control systems, reducing dependence on foreign tech.

The handover included four additional SCL-VSSC innovations: two Reconfigurable Data Acquisition Systems with 24-bit Sigma-Delta ADCs, a Relay Driver IC, and a Multi-Channel Low Drop-out Regulator IC, all enhancing avionics miniaturization. An MoU was also signed for miniaturized pressure sensors for wind tunnel testing, further deepening collaboration.

These developments, rooted in SCL’s 180nm fab—upgraded from 0.8μm since 2015—highlight India’s growing microelectronics prowess. While not cutting-edge by commercial standards, the 180nm node suits space’s rugged demands, powering missions like Chandrayaan-3 and SpaDeX. As ISRO eyes private-sector tie-ups and advanced nodes like 65nm, Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201 signal a robust foundation for India’s space ambitions.