IIT Madras and ISRO Collaborate to Develop Atmanirbhar Semiconductor Chip for Space Applications

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have achieved a significant breakthrough in semiconductor technology with the successful development and booting of an Atmanirbhar aerospace-quality Shakti-based semiconductor chip. This cutting-edge innovation aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance in space technology and semiconductor manufacturing.

Collaborative Effort Across Multiple Indian Institutions

This pioneering initiative was undertaken by IIT Madras in collaboration with ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), Thiruvananthapuram. The manufacturing process took place at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, while the chip packaging was carried out at Tata Advanced Systems in Karnataka.

This marks a major advancement under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission, ensuring that critical computing needs for space and other sectors are met with indigenous technology.

Key Features of the Indigenous RISCV Controller for Space Applications (IRIS) Chip

Built on the Robust Shakti Processor Architecture

The newly developed Indigenous RISCV Controller for Space Applications (IRIS) is built on the Shakti processor baseline, making it a versatile semiconductor solution. The IRIS chip can be effectively deployed in various domains, ranging from Internet of Things (IoT) applications to computing systems for strategic needs.

This initiative seeks to localize semiconductor technology for ISRO, ensuring self-reliance in command and control systems, essential space applications, and advanced computing needs.The project aligns with India's push for self-reliant space exploration and satellite technology.

Shakti Microprocessor Project: A Step Toward Indigenous Semiconductor Development

The Shakti microprocessor project, spearheaded by V Kamakoti at the Prathap Subrahmanyam Centre for Digital Intelligence and Secure Hardware Architecture (PSCDISHA), IIT Madras, played a crucial role in the development of the IRIS chip. Shakti processors are based on the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA), which enables the design of custom processors suited for Indian needs.

The project receives backing from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, under its Digital India RISC-V (DIRV) initiative. This initiative aims to boost the indigenous development of microprocessor-based solutions that ensure the highest levels of security and transparency for users adopting RISC-V technology.

ISRO’s Vision for an Indigenous 64-bit RISC-V Controller

The Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), ISRO, Thiruvananthapuram, conceptualized a 64-bit RISC-V-based controller tailored for space applications. The unit collaborated with IIT Madras in defining the technical specifications and designing the semiconductor chip.

The newly designed chip configuration caters to the common functional and computational needs of various ISRO sensors and mission-critical systems. The fault-tolerant internal memory integrated into the Shakti core further enhances reliability and robustness.

Key Functional Modules Integrated into the IRIS Chip

• Custom peripheral interface modules such as CORDIC (Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer), watchdog timers, and advanced serial buses
• Expandable architecture for future ISRO missions
• Multiple boot modes for enhanced flexibility
• Hybrid memory/device extension interfaces

The final design underwent rigorous software and hardware testing, ensuring a high-reliability, high-performance semiconductor solution for India’s space sector.

A Testament to India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is that the entire design, manufacturing, packaging, testing, and booting process was executed within India. The initiative stands as a testament to the country’s capability to develop and sustain a complete semiconductor ecosystem.

Key Contributions from Indian Organizations

• IISU, Thiruvananthapuram – Conceptualization and design definition
• IIT Madras – Chip design, implementation, and software development
• Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh – Manufacturing
• Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Karnataka – Packaging
• PCB Power, Gujarat – Motherboard fabrication
• Syrma SGS, Chennai – Assembly and mounting

Expert Insights on the IRIS Chip Development

IIT Madras Perspective

V Kamakoti, leading the Shakti microprocessor project, emphasized the importance of developing semiconductor chips within India. He stated:

“After RIMO in 2018 and MOUSHIK in 2020, this is the third Shakti chip we have fabricated at SCL Chandigarh and successfully booted at IIT Madras. That the chip design, fabrication, packaging, motherboard design and fabrication, assembly, software, and boot—all happened within India—is yet another validation that the complete semiconductor ecosystem and expertise exist within our country.”

ISRO’s Vision for Future Missions

V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, highlighted the success of the project and the roadmap for future applications:

“We at ISRO are very happy that the IRIS controller, conceived by IISU based on the Shakti processor of IIT Madras, could be successfully developed end-to-end with Indian resources. This marks a milestone in ‘Make in India’ efforts in semiconductor design and fabrication. I congratulate all the teams involved, especially the IISU team led by Padmakumar ES and the IIT Madras team led by Kamakoti. I am sure that this high-performance controller, realized as per our requirements, will contribute significantly to future embedded controllers for space mission-related applications. A product based on this controller is planned to undergo flight testing shortly, and its performance will be confirmed.”

Semiconductor Laboratory’s Role in Chip Fabrication

Kamaljeet Singh, Director General of SCL Chandigarh, expressed pride in SCL’s contribution to the IRIS-LV processor, stating:

“SCL is proud to be associated with IIT Madras and ISRO in the successful development of the IRIS-LV processor. The IRIS-LV processor is fully indigenous and fabricated in SCL’s 180 nm technology node, encompassing mask frame design, GDS preparation, and testing. Post-silicon design validation and extensive electrical testing at the wafer level were conducted at SCL in close collaboration with the IIT Madras team. SCL is committed to and continually working with academia and startups to facilitate and achieve Atmanirbharta in the realization of niche products.”

Conclusion

The successful development and deployment of the IRIS semiconductor chip by IIT Madras and ISRO underscore India’s growing strength in semiconductor technology. This achievement is a significant step towards self-reliance in space technology, further reinforcing India’s ability to develop, manufacture, and deploy critical semiconductor solutions for its space and strategic sectors.