In a major step towards achieving self-reliance in space technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have worked together to create and successfully launch an indigenous semiconductor chip called ‘IRIS’ (Indigenous RISC-V Microprocessor for Space Applications). This initiative supports the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission, which seeks to lessen reliance on foreign technology in essential sectors.
What is the ‘IRIS’ Chip and Its Significance?
The ‘IRIS’ chip comes from the ‘SHAKTI’ microprocessor initiative, which utilizes the open-source RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). This project, spearheaded by Prof. V. Kamakoti at IIT Madras, aims to develop customizable processors for a range of applications. Specifically designed for space applications, the ‘IRIS’ chip supports command and control systems and can also be applied in areas like the Internet of Things (IoT) and computing systems for strategic purposes.
How Was the ‘IRIS’ Chip Developed?
The ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) in Thiruvananthapuram has put forward a concept for a 64-bit RISC-V-based controller and worked together with IIT Madras to outline the specifications and design of the semiconductor chip. This design tackled the typical functional and computing needs of the sensors and systems currently employed in ISRO missions. To improve reliability, fault-tolerant internal memories were incorporated, and custom functional and peripheral interface modules were added to cater to the specific requirements of space systems.
What Makes This Development a Milestone in ‘Make in India’ Efforts?
The ‘IRIS’ chip’s development is noteworthy because it was entirely conceived, designed, and manufactured within India. The chip design and implementation were carried out by IIT Madras, fabrication was done by the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, packaging by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. in Karnataka, and the motherboard was manufactured by PCB Power in Gujarat. This end-to-end indigenous development exemplifies India’s capabilities in semiconductor design and fabrication, marking a significant milestone in the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
What Are the Future Prospects of the ‘IRIS’ Chip?
ISRO plans to conduct flight tests using products based on the ‘IRIS’ controller shortly to confirm its performance in real-world space mission scenarios. The successful deployment of this high-performance controller is expected to contribute significantly to future embedded controllers for space mission-related applications, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in space technology.
This collaboration between ISRO and IIT Madras not only showcases the nation’s growing expertise in advanced technology development but also sets a precedent for future industry-academia partnerships aimed at achieving technological self-sufficiency.
