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ISRO Collaborates with IIT Madras to Develop Indigenous Semiconductor Chip 'IRIS.

Science and Technology | Dated: 13 Feb 2025

In February 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), based in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) based in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), indigenously designed and developed a semiconductor chip named "Indigenous (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) RISC-V Controller for Space Applications (IRIS)." IRIS has been built on the SHAKTI processor baseline.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - It is the third SHAKTI-based microprocessor chip successfully fabricated in India, following RIMO (2018) and MOUSHIK (2020).
  • - This achievement marks a significant milestone towards self-reliance in space and semiconductor technology, reinforcing India's commitment to the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar' initiatives.
  • - The 64-bit IRIS chip was conceptualized by IISU, designed by IIT Madras, and manufactured at Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh. It was packaged by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Perjenahalli (Karnataka), with the motherboard PCB manufactured by PCB Power India Limited in Gandhinagar (Gujarat). The motherboard was assembled and mounted by Syrma SGS Technology Limited in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), while the software was developed and successfully booted at IIT Madras.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Designed for ISRO’s command and control systems, satellite navigation, and other critical space functions. It is also suitable for computing systems needed for national security and strategic purposes.
  • (ii) Its versatility makes it useful in Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other advanced technological applications.
  • (iii) Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the 'Digital India RISC-V Microprocessor (DIR-V)' program, this project promotes indigenous microprocessor development. It is led by Dr. Veezhinathan Kamakoti, a professor at IIT Madras.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, ISRO collaborated with which institute to develop the indigenous semiconductor chip 'IRIS'?

Correct Answer: IIT Madras

🚀 Quick Recap:

About ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU)

  • Director : Padma Kumar E.S.
  • Headquarters : Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala