ISRO and Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) of Chandigarh have developed 32-bit microprocessors VIKRAM3201 & KALPANA3201 for space applications.

• VIKRAM3201 is the first fully “Make-in-India” 32-bit microprocessor for use in the harsh environmental conditions of launch vehicles.

About Microprocessor

• A small electronic chip that functions as the brain of a computer or any other electronic system.
• It performs central processing tasks such as arithmetic operations, logic decisions, and data handling in digital systems.
• A multipurpose, programmable, clock-driven, register-based electronic device.
• Role of a Microprocessor
  • Reads binary instructions from a storage called memory.
  • Accepts binary data as input, processes data, and provides results as output.

Basic Functions of a Microprocessor

• Processing Data: Processes incoming data by performing operations like addition, subtraction, and comparison.
• Control Unit: Directs the operations of the system by interpreting and executing instructions from the memory.
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs mathematical calculations and logical operations.
• Data Movement: Moves data between registers, memory, and input/output devices.

Types of Microprocessors

• 8-bit Microprocessors: Can handle 8 bits of data at a time.
• 16-bit Microprocessors: Can handle 16 bits of data at a time.
• 32-bit Microprocessors: Can handle 32 bits of data at a time, more powerful and efficient.
• 64-bit Microprocessors: Modern processors capable of handling 64 bits of data. They offer enhanced performance and larger memory support.

Importance of Microprocessors in Modern Technology

• Computers & Laptops: Primary component enabling the processing and control functions in computers and laptops.
• Smartphones: ARM-based microprocessors are used in most smartphones due to their power efficiency and high performance.
• Embedded Systems: Used in consumer electronics, automotive systems, home appliances, and industrial equipment to enable control and processing tasks.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Integral to smart devices, enabling communication, data processing, and connectivity.

Microprocessors in Space Applications

• Reliability: Microprocessors for space missions must be highly reliable and capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions like radiation, temperature fluctuations, and physical shock.
• Space Missions: Microprocessors like VIKRAM3201 (developed by ISRO) are used in space vehicles for navigation, guidance, and control.

About VIKRAM3201 & KALPANA3201

VIKRAM3201

• India’s first fully indigenous 32-bit space microprocessor.
• Fabricated at CMOS Semiconductor Fab at SCL, Chandigarh.
• Successor to VIKRAM1601 (16-bit processor used in ISRO’s Avionics since 2009).
• Custom Features:
  • Floating-point computation capability.
  • Supports Ada programming language (compiler, assembler, linker, simulator developed in-house by ISRO).
• Space Validation:
  • Successfully tested in the Mission Management Computer of PSLV-C60 mission (POEM-4 module).
• Significance:
  • First-of-its-kind in India, promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-reliability microprocessors for space applications.
  • Used in navigation, guidance, and control of launch vehicles.

KALPANA3201

• 32-bit SPARC V8 RISC microprocessor.
• Based on IEEE 1754 Instruction Set Architecture (Most common standard for representing floating-point numbers is IEEE 754).
• Designed for compatibility with open-source software toolsets.
• Tested with flight software.

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