In a major milestone for Indias space technology sector, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have successfully developed and booted an indigenous semiconductor chip named IRIS. This development marks a crucial step forward in India’s push towards self-reliance in advanced semiconductor technology, particularly in space applications. By reducing dependence on foreign chip imports, this achievement contributes significantly to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which aims to strengthen the country’s capabilities in critical technological domains. The IRIS chip is a part of the SHAKTI series of microprocessors, which are designed based on the open-source RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). It has been developed specifically for space applications and incorporates advanced features such as fault-tolerant internal memories, CORDIC (Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer) modules, and WATCHDOG Timers. These specialized components enhance the chip’s reliability and efficiency, making it well-suited for use in command and control systems of space missions. Given the extreme conditions that semiconductor components face in space, the IRIS chip has been engineered to withstand radiation and harsh environmental factors, ensuring robust performance in demanding mission scenarios.

A key highlight of the IRIS chip’s development is that the entire process, from design to fabrication and assembly, has been carried out within India, showcasing the nation’s growing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The chip was fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, packaged by Tata Advanced Systems in Karnataka, and assembled onto a motherboard manufactured by PCB Power in Gujarat. This marks an important achievement in India’s semiconductor ecosystem, demonstrating the country’s ability to develop and manufacture high-end electronic components independently. While the IRIS chip has been primarily designed for space applications, its versatility extends beyond the aerospace sector. It can also be deployed in Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial IoT applications, opening up possibilities for its use in a wide range of commercial and industrial domains. This flexibility highlights the potential for Indian-designed semiconductor solutions to be integrated into various industries, further reducing dependency on foreign technology and boosting domestic innovation.

Looking ahead, ISRO plans to conduct extensive flight tests using products powered by the IRIS chip to validate its real-world performance in space missions. These tests will be crucial in ensuring the chip’s reliability and efficiency in actual operational conditions. If successful, this development will further cement India’s position as a key player in the global semiconductor and space technology sectors. The collaboration between IIT-Madras and ISRO serves as a model for future partnerships between academic institutions and industry leaders, fostering innovation and strengthening India’s technological self-sufficiency.

Disclaimer: This Image is taken from The Hawk.