Vikram 3201: India's Indigenous Microchip Revolution

Vikram 3201: India’s First Indigenous Microchip

1. What Is Vikram 3201?

Vikram 3201 is India’s first fully indigenous microprocessor designed for space applications. Developed by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory, it marks a major milestone in India’s self-reliance in semiconductor technology.

2. How Did the Name 3201 Come Up?

Vikram: Named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme.

32: Refers to its 32-bit architecture, which handles complex calculations better than older 16-bit processors.

01: Denotes the first model in this indigenous series, symbolising the beginning of India’s space-grade processor line.

3. What Are Its Main Features?

32-bit architecture: Efficient floating-point calculations and large data chunk handling.

152 custom instructions: Optimised for spacecraft operations.

Extreme temperature tolerance: Operates from -55°C to +125°C.

Low power use: Consumes less than 500mW, even lower than a smartphone charger.

4. How Does It Compare Internationally?

NASA’s RAD750: Used in Mars rovers, runs at 200MHz on 150nm technology.

Europe’s LEON processors: Used in missions like BepiColombo, operate at 50–100MHz on 180nm technology.

Vikram 3201: Runs at 100MHz on 180nm technology, with strong radiation resistance.

Example: Smartphones use 3–5nm chips, but these fail in space as they are vulnerable to cosmic rays. Space-grade chips like Vikram 3201 prioritise reliability over raw speed.

5. Why Is This Important for India?

Indigenous pipeline: From design to manufacturing, entirely Indian-made.

Strategic autonomy: Reduces reliance on foreign microchips for satellites.

Education link: Indian institutions are now designing chips that can fly in space.

6. Where Will It Be Used?

Satellites and spacecraft.

Deep space missions needing durability against high radiation and extreme temperatures.

Upcoming ISRO missions demanding reliable, space-grade electronics.