Vikram‑32: India’s Breakthrough in Space-Grade Microprocessor Technology

In September 2025, India marked a historic milestone with the unveiling of Vikram‑32, officially known as Vikram 3201—the nation’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor. Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) under ISRO and fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, this achievement represents India’s determination to achieve self-reliance in critical semiconductor technology. The chip was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during Semicon India 2025, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to technological sovereignty.

Vikram‑32 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, Vikram 1601, a 16-bit processor that has powered ISRO missions since 2009. This new processor enhances computational precision, speed, and reliability, making it suitable for complex aerospace operations while reflecting India’s growing expertise in semiconductor design and manufacturing.

The processor features a 32-bit architecture and supports floating-point operations, which are essential for precise calculations in space navigation and control | Financial Express

Design and Technical Excellence

Vikram‑32 is a 32-bit microprocessor with floating-point support, specially designed to meet the rigorous demands of space applications. The processor incorporates a proprietary instruction set tailored for ISRO missions, enabling advanced guidance, navigation, and control capabilities. It is fabricated using a 180 nm CMOS process, a mature technology that ensures robustness in harsh environments, including extreme temperature fluctuations and radiation exposure.

The processor comes with a comprehensive in-house software ecosystem, including compiler, assembler, linker, simulator, and development tools. While the processor currently supports the Ada programming language, development of C language support is underway, ensuring broader usability for mission-critical applications. Its environmental resilience, combined with a low-power footprint, makes it ideal not only for space missions but also for defense, automotive, and other high-reliability sectors.

Operational Validation and Impact

The first batch of Vikram‑32 chips was successfully flight-tested on the PSLV‑C60 mission, demonstrating its reliability and operational readiness. This validation establishes India among a select group of countries capable of producing space-grade processors that combine performance, precision, and durability. While global counterparts like the U.S. RAD750 and the European LEON processor prioritize reliability over raw computational speed, Vikram‑32 is India’s homegrown answer, optimized for both mission-critical performance and self-sufficiency.

Beyond its application in space, the processor’s rugged design allows its deployment in other sectors requiring high reliability, such as defense systems, advanced automotive technologies, radar systems, and energy infrastructure management. It is a key step in reducing dependency on foreign microprocessors and securing India’s technological autonomy.

Broader Semiconductor Ecosystem and Strategic Significance

Vikram‑32 is a centerpiece in India’s broader semiconductor ambitions, aligned with the India Semiconductor Mission and initiatives such as the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. These policy frameworks aim to strengthen domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing capabilities, creating an ecosystem that spans space-grade chips to commercial microprocessors.

Alongside Vikram‑32, ISRO and allied organizations are developing processors like KALPANA3201, a 32-bit SPARC V8 RISC processor, and collaborating with academic initiatives like the SHAKTI and VEGA projects to create open-source and commercial chip designs. Together, these efforts reflect India’s intention to build a full-stack semiconductor ecosystem that can compete on the global stage.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the milestone, India faces challenges in scaling its semiconductor capabilities. The use of a 180 nm process node, though robust, is behind the global cutting edge where 3 nm and below are mainstream. Developing advanced fabrication technologies, expanding electronic design automation (EDA) infrastructure, and nurturing high-skill talent remain critical priorities. Moreover, transitioning from specialized space-grade processors to mass-market consumer and industrial applications will require sustained research, investment, and infrastructure development.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s unveiling of the Vikram‑32 microprocessor represents a significant stride in indigenous technological capability, particularly in the field of space-grade semiconductors. Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre under ISRO and fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali, this 32-bit processor builds on the earlier Vikram 1601, enhancing computational speed, precision, and reliability for complex aerospace operations. Designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions and equipped with a dedicated software ecosystem, Vikram‑32 demonstrates India’s growing expertise in semiconductor design, while also offering potential applications in defense, automotive, and other high-reliability sectors. Its successful flight validation on PSLV‑C60 positions India alongside countries that have mastered mission-critical processor development.

Beyond space applications, Vikram‑32 underscores the strategic importance of developing a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem. Aligned with initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and PLI/DLI schemes, this achievement reflects India’s intent to reduce dependency on foreign microprocessors and foster a full-stack domestic semiconductor industry. The processor is part of broader efforts, including the KALPANA3201 and SHAKTI projects, to create both open-source and commercial chip designs. While challenges remain in advancing fabrication technology and scaling production, Vikram‑32 is a clear marker of India’s commitment to technological autonomy and its potential to influence diverse high-tech sectors in the near future.

(Sources: India Today, Financial Express, Times of India)