Introduction
In a significant breakthrough for India's semiconductor industry, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have jointly developed an indigenous semiconductor chip named IRIS (Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications). This SHAKTI-based chip is a testament to India's growing capabilities in semiconductor technology and aligns with the nation's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
The SHAKTI Microprocessor Project
The SHAKTI microprocessor project, led by Professor V Kamakoti at the Prathap Subrahmanyam Centre for Digital Intelligence and Secure Hardware Architecture (PSCDISHA), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Madras, is a pioneering initiative under the 'Digital India RISC-V' (DIRV) program. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, SHAKTI systems use RISC-V, an open-source processor technology, to develop high-performance, reliable, and fault-tolerant microprocessors for various applications.
Development and Features of the IRIS Chip
The IRIS chip was conceived by the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) in Thiruvananthapuram, designed by IIT Madras, and manufactured at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh. The chip packaging was done by Tata Advanced Systems in Karnataka, while the motherboard was made in Gujarat and assembled in Chennai. The software for the processor was developed at IIT Madras, where the chip was successfully booted.
Key features of the IRIS chip include:
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Fault Tolerance and Reliability: Designed for space missions, the IRIS chip includes custom modules like WATCHDOG timers and advanced serial buses, ensuring fault tolerance and reliability.
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Expandable for Future Missions: The chip can be expanded for future missions through multiple boot modes and hybrid memory extensions.
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Applications: The IRIS chip supports ISRO's command and control systems and other critical functions, making it suitable for a wide range of space applications.
Impact on India's Semiconductor Industry
The development of the IRIS chip marks a significant milestone in India's semiconductor industry. By achieving end-to-end development within the country, including chip design, fabrication, packaging, and software development, India has demonstrated its growing capabilities in semiconductor technology. This achievement reduces dependency on foreign semiconductor components and bolsters India's indigenous capabilities in chip design and fabrication.
Future Prospects
The IRIS chip is expected to play a pivotal role in future ISRO missions, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in space exploration. Additionally, the chip's applications extend beyond space technology to include the Internet of Things (IoT) and computing systems, opening up new possibilities for innovation and development.
Conclusion
The collaboration between IIT Madras and ISRO in developing the SHAKTI-based IRIS chip is a significant step towards self-reliance in semiconductor technology. This achievement not only supports ISRO's space missions but also advances the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. As India continues to innovate and develop its semiconductor capabilities, the future of the nation's technology landscape looks promising.
