Vikram 32-bit Processor: A Milestone in India's Quest for Self-Reliance in Semiconductors
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science and Technology (Space Technology, Microprocessors, Semiconductor Technology); Government Schemes (India Semiconductor Mission); National Bodies (ISRO, VSSC, SCL).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers; Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Indigenization of technology and developing new technology (Aatmanirbhar Bharat in critical technology).
Key Highlights from the News
The new indigenous microprocessor chip 'Made in India' Vikram 32-bit Processor was unveiled by the government at the 'Semicon India 2025' conference.
This is a high-performance chip specifically designed for use in Launch Vehicle Grade space launch vehicles.
It was indigenously developed jointly by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh.
This is an upgraded version of the 16-bit VIKRAM1601 microprocessor, which has been used in ISRO's launch vehicles since 2009.
This achievement, as part of the India Semiconductor Mission, gives a major boost to India's efforts to achieve self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in semiconductor manufacturing.
Along with this, 31 other prototype chips developed by various IITs and NITs were also displayed, indicating a growing semiconductor ecosystem in the country.
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