The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) have collaboratively…
…developed two cutting-edge 32-bit microprocessors, Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201, specifically designed for space applications . These microprocessors represent a significant step towards self-reliance in high-reliability space technology for India .
Vikram 3201 : It is India’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor qualified for use in the demanding conditions of launch vehicles . It is an advanced version of the 16-bit Vikram 1601 microprocessor, which has been operational in ISRO’s launch vehicles since 2009 .
This microprocessor can process 32 bits of data at a time, manage up to 4 GB of memory addresses, and execute 32-bit instructions . It supports floating-point computations and is compatible with high-level languages, especially Ada .
The fabrication of Vikram 3201 at SCL’s 180nm CMOS semiconductor fab aligns with India’s “Make India” initiative . The initial production lots of Vikram 3201 were successfully validated in space during the PSLV-C60 mission, proving its reliability for future space missions .
Kalpana 3201 : It is also a 32-bit SPARC V8 RISC microprocessor, based on the IEEE 1754 Instruction Set Architecture . It is designed to be compatible with open-source software toolsets and has been tested with flight software, making it versatile for various applications . Kalpana 3201 is optimized for efficiency and performance, focusing on simple and fast instructions .
The first production lots of both microprocessors were handed over to Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO . These developments enhance onboard navigation and control, and along with other critical devices like a Reconfigurable Data Acquisition System and a Multi-Channel Low Drop-out Regulator Integrated Circuit, contribute to the miniaturization of avionics systems in launch vehicles .
An MoU was also signed for the development of miniaturized unsteady pressure sensors for wind tunnel applications, further strengthening the collaboration between ISRO and SCL .
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