Indigenous Shakti semiconductor chip:
- IIT Madras, in collaboration with ISRO, has developed an indigenous aerospace-quality Shakti-based semiconductor chip.
Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)
Backing and support:
- The development is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under its Digital India RISC-V initiative (DIRV).
- The initiative aims to boost the indigenous development of microprocessor-based products with enhanced security and visibility for users adopting RISC-V technology.
Key features and applications:
- The chip is built on the Shakti processor baseline, with a specific focus on space applications, making it suitable for use in aerospace and other strategic sectors.
- The semiconductor chip has potential applications across diverse fields, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and computer systems, addressing both commercial and strategic needs.
Strategic importance for ISRO:
- The development of this chip is part of ISRO’s broader effort to indigenize semiconductors, supporting its goal of self-reliance in space technologies.
- ISRO aims to reduce dependence on foreign technologies by developing domestic alternatives that can be integrated into space missions.
Make in India and self-reliance:
- ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan highlighted the chip’s role as a significant milestone in the Make in India initiative, focusing on semiconductor design and fabrication within India.
- This indigenous chip represents a step forward in India’s ambition to become a leader in semiconductor technology and enhance its capabilities in both defense and space sectors.
Broader implications:
- The development of the Shakti-based chip signals India’s growing capabilities in semiconductor design and fabrication, vital for future advancements in electronics, defense, and space technology.
- The successful creation of this chip may inspire further investments in semiconductor innovation and production, contributing to India’s technological independence.
