Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) of Chandigarh organized a handover ceremony for the first production lots of two 32-bit microprocessors designed for space applications. The event was attended by Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary and Chairman of ISRO and Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY. Developed in collaboration between Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and SCL, the microprocessors VIKRAM3201 and KALPANA3201 mark a milestone for indigenous space technology. The ceremony highlighted progress in aerospace and semiconductor sectors and demonstrated self-reliance in high reliability systems. Officials emphasized the significance of these developments for future launch vehicle applications and mission performance.
VIKRAM3201 is the first fully ‘Make-in-India’ 32-bit microprocessor qualified for harsh conditions in launch vehicles. Fabricated at the 180nm CMOS semiconductor facility at SCL, it is an advanced version of the 16-bit VIKRAM1601. The VIKRAM1601 has been used in ISRO’s launch vehicles since 2009 with an updated version inducted in 2016. This development features a custom Instruction Set Architecture with floating-point capability and high-level Ada language support. All essential software tools including the Ada compiler and simulator have been developed in-house by ISRO to support the processor’s operational requirements. These advancements reinforce India’s capability in designing mission-critical hardware for space.
KALPANA3201 is a 32-bit SPARC V8 RISC microprocessor based on the IEEE 1754 Instruction Set Architecture. It is designed to support open-source software toolsets and is accompanied by an in-house developed simulator and integrated development environment. The processor has undergone testing with flight software to ensure reliability for space missions.
In addition to the microprocessors, SCL handed over four other jointly developed devices that promote the miniaturization of launch vehicle avionics system. These include two versions of a Reconfigurable Data Acquisition System integrating multiple 24-bit Sigma-Delta Analog to Digital Converters, a relay driver integrated circuit and a multi-channel low drop-out regulator integrated circuit. Furthermore, an MoU was signed between SCL and VSSC for the development and delivery of miniaturized unsteady pressure sensors for wind tunnel applications. The agreement aims to advance sensor technology for dynamic pressure measurements and support future space mission requirements.
