IIT Madras and ISRO Unveil Indigenous IRIS Chip
IIT Madras and ISRO Unveil Indigenous IRIS Chip
Introduction
In a remarkable achievement for India's aerospace sector, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have successfully developed and booted the indigenous SHAKTI-based semiconductor chip named IRIS (Indigenous RISCV Controller for Space Applications). This development showcases India's commitment toward self-reliance under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, marking a significant milestone in high-performance semiconductor chip technology.
Overview of the IRIS Chip
The IRIS chip was envisioned and conceptualized by ISRO's Inertial Systems Unit located in Thiruvananthapuram. The design and implementation were carried out by IIT Madras, affirming the collaborative spirit of India's leading academic and research institutions.
Key Features of the IRIS Chip:
- Architecture: Based on the RISC-V architecture, known for its open standard that allows for customization and innovation.
- Fabrication: Produced at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Chandigarh, utilizing a cutting-edge 180 nm technology node.
- Packaging: Packaged by Tata Advanced Systems in Karnataka, ensuring robust and reliable technology suitable for space applications.
- Manufacturing and Assembly: The motherboard was manufactured by PCB Power in Gujarat and subsequently assembled by Syrma SGS in Chennai.
Applications
The IRIS chip is set to play a pivotal role in several domains, including:
- Space Exploration: Enhancing capabilities in the space sector, particularly for equipment that operates in challenging environments.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Providing efficient processing for IoT devices that require low power consumption and high performance.
A Step Forward for Atmanirbhar Bharat
This indigenous microprocessor represents a leap forward for India’s ambitions in self-reliant technology. By completely designing, fabricating, and deploying this semiconductor chip domestically, India positions itself as a burgeoning hub for high-performance tech development.
Benefits of the IRIS Chip:
- Reduced dependency on foreign semiconductor technologies.
- Enhanced security through domestic production of critical technology.
- Driving innovation in various sectors through affordable and efficient processing solutions.
The Journey Ahead
The IRIS chip is slated for flight testing soon, which will further validate its functionality and performance in real-world scenarios. This initiative by IIT Madras and ISRO not only strengthens India's capabilities in aerospace technology but also represents a significant boost to the semiconductor landscape domestically.
Conclusion
The successful booting of the IRIS chip is a testament to India's ingenuity and commitment to becoming self-sufficient in technology. As it readies for flight testing, this chip stands as a symbol of the collaborative efforts that can help propel India into the forefront of the global semiconductor arena.
For further insights and detailed coverage on this significant development, check out the following links: