Introduction: A New Dawn for Indian Semiconductor Design

For the first time, India has not only launched rockets but also the processor brains inside them. The Vikram-32, India’s first indigenous 32-bit space-grade processor, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, is a monumental achievement. This chip is more than a piece of silicon—it’s a symbol of self-reliance, a catalyst for India’s burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem, and a cornerstone for advancing space technology. In a world where semiconductor supply chains are tightly controlled, Vikram-32 positions India as an emerging player capable of designing and deploying mission-critical processors for the harshest environments.

The Evolution: From Vikram-16 to Vikram-32

India’s foray into processor design for space began with the Vikram-1601, a 16-bit chip introduced around 2009. While groundbreaking for its time, the Vikram-1601 had limitations. Its 16-bit architecture restricted memory addressing and data handling capacity, and it lacked floating-point support, critical for complex computations in modern space missions. As India’s space program grew more ambitious—targeting lunar landings, interplanetary missions, and reusable launch vehicles—the need for a more capable processor became evident. Modern rockets demand real-time computation for trajectory corrections, onboard navigation, and guidance systems, tasks that outstripped the capabilities of the Vikram-1601. Vikram-32, a 32-bit processor, addresses these demands, offering enhanced computational power, floating-point support, and a robust architecture tailored for space.

Architecture & Design Choices

Instruction Set & Core Design

At the heart of Vikram-32 is a custom Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) optimized for deterministic performance in space. Unlike general-purpose architectures like x86 or ARM, which prioritize versatility, Vikram-32’s ISA is purpose-built for mission-critical applications where reliability trumps raw speed. The processor employs a simple pipeline to minimize error probability, ensuring predictable execution even under extreme conditions. It supports both fixed-point and floating-point operations, enabling real-time calculations for orbital mechanics and guidance algorithms. This focus on determinism and reliability makes Vikram-32 ideal for space environments, where a single glitch could jeopardize a mission.

Word Size & Processing Power

The shift to a 32-bit architecture is a significant upgrade from the 16-bit Vikram-1601. This allows Vikram-32 to address larger memory spaces, a necessity for handling the complex datasets involved in space missions. The processor’s enhanced word size enables it to perform sophisticated computations, such as those required for trajectory planning and onboard navigation. Clock speeds are carefully balanced to optimize power efficiency while maintaining stability, ensuring the chip can operate reliably in the energy-constrained environment of space.

Software Ecosystem

A processor is only as good as the software that supports it, and ISRO has developed a comprehensive in-house toolchain for Vikram-32. This includes a compiler, assembler, linker, and simulator, all tailored to the chip’s unique ISA. The primary programming language is Ada, a robust and safe language widely used in aerospace for its reliability in critical systems. Efforts are underway to add support for C, which could broaden the chip’s adoption in future applications. By developing its own toolchain, ISRO reduces dependence on foreign Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, aligning with India’s goal of technological sovereignty.

Fabrication Technology

Vikram-32 is fabricated at SCL Mohali using a 180 nm CMOS process. While 180 nm may seem outdated compared to the 5 nm nodes used in commercial chips, it is a deliberate choice for space applications. Larger process nodes are more robust against radiation, a critical factor in space where cosmic rays can disrupt electronics. The 180 nm process also offers lower power leakage and better tolerance for extreme temperatures, from cryogenic conditions in orbit to the heat of re-entry. Additionally, it is cost-effective for the low-volume production typical of space-grade chips. While Vikram-32 sacrifices cutting-edge performance, it gains mission-critical reliability, making it ideal for its intended use.

Radiation Hardening & Reliability

Space is a hostile environment, and Vikram-32 is built to withstand it. The processor incorporates on-chip redundancy to ensure fault tolerance, protecting against single-event upsets (SEUs) caused by cosmic radiation. Error Correction Code (ECC) memory support further enhances reliability by detecting and correcting memory errors. The chip is designed to operate across a wide temperature range, from the freezing cold of space to the intense heat of atmospheric re-entry. These features make Vikram-32 a robust solution for the unpredictable conditions of space missions.

Testing & Validation

Vikram-32’s reliability was proven in real-world conditions aboard the PSLV-C60’s POEM-4 module. This flight test validated the processor’s performance, radiation tolerance, and long-duration stability in the harsh environment of space. Passing these rigorous checks marks a historic milestone: Vikram-32 is India’s first flight-proven indigenous processor. The successful validation underscores ISRO’s ability to design and deploy processors that meet the stringent demands of space missions.

Applications of Vikram-32

Vikram-32 is a versatile chip with applications across India’s aerospace and defense sectors. It powers onboard computers for launch vehicles like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). In satellites, it handles control and navigation tasks, ensuring precise orbital maneuvers. Beyond space, Vikram-32 is poised for use in defense avionics and missile guidance systems, where reliability and autonomy are paramount. Looking ahead, the chip could be adapted for autonomous space robotics, enabling future missions to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Comparison with Global Space-Grade Chips

Vikram-32 holds its own against global counterparts like the RAD750 and LEON processors. The RAD750, developed by BAE Systems and based on the PowerPC architecture, is used in NASA missions and fabricated on a 130 nm process. However, it comes with a steep price tag—around $200,000 per unit—and is subject to U.S. export controls under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). The LEON series, developed by the European Space Agency and based on the SPARC architecture, is a staple in European space missions. Vikram-32 matches these chips in radiation tolerance and reliability, despite its larger 180 nm process node. Crucially, it frees India from ITAR restrictions, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical technology for its space program.

Why Architecture Choices Matter for India

The development of Vikram-32 is a testament to India’s growing prowess in processor design. By creating a chip tailored for space, ISRO has demonstrated that India can compete in specialized, high-stakes domains. The project also sets a precedent for fabless chip startups in India, showing that domestic expertise can deliver world-class solutions. The choice of a 180 nm process highlights the enduring value of legacy nodes for defense and space applications, even as commercial chips chase ever-smaller nodes like 3 nm or 5 nm. Moreover, Vikram-32 builds human capital in processor design, training engineers who could drive future innovations in areas like RISC-V or AI accelerators.

Future Roadmap

The success of Vikram-32 paves the way for more advanced processors. ISRO is exploring scaling down to 65 nm or 28 nm nodes for future chips, which would boost performance while maintaining reliability. Integrating the RISC-V ISA could enhance modularity and attract broader adoption. Dedicated AI accelerators on-chip could enable autonomous decision-making for lunar or Martian missions. Beyond space, Vikram-32’s successors could find dual-use applications in satellites, drones, and defense communication systems, expanding India’s technological footprint.

Conclusion/Final Thoughts

Vikram-32 is not just a chip; it’s a bold declaration of India’s entry into processor sovereignty. While it may not rival the performance of an Apple M3 or AMD Ryzen, it doesn’t need to—its battlefield is the vacuum of space, where reliability and autonomy reign supreme. The chip’s architecture, tailored for deterministic performance, radiation tolerance, and low power consumption, reflects a clear Indian strategy: prioritize mission-critical reliability, reduce dependence on foreign technology, and build a self-sustaining semiconductor ecosystem. As ISRO looks to the stars, Vikram-32 lays the foundation for a future where India not only explores space but does so with technology born on its soil. This processor is a stepping stone to greater innovations, proving that India’s semiconductor ambitions are as boundless as the cosmos itself.