India’s first 3nm chip design centres Renesas Electronics India Private Limited have been inaugurated in Noida and Bengaluru.

About Chip Technology

• Chip technology refers to the design and fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs) on semiconductor wafers.
• These chips are the core components of electronic devices, enabling processing, memory storage, communication, and control functions across industries like computing, telecom, healthcare, automotive, and AI.
• Working Principle: Chips work by integrating millions to billions of transistors on a small silicon substrate. These transistors act as electrical switches, processing binary data (0s and 1s) to perform complex tasks at high speed.

Classification Based on Node Size 

Chips are classified based on technology node size, measured in nanometers (nm), indicating the size of the smallest feature on the chip.

About 3nm Chip Technology

• Next-Gen Design Milestone: The 3nm (nanometer) chip represents the cutting edge in semiconductor design, offering significantly improved power efficiency and performance compared to previous 7nm and 5nm nodes.

• Higher Efficiency and Miniaturization: These chips allow for denser transistor integration, enhancing computational power while consuming less energy, crucial for portable and high-performance devices.
• Global League Participation: India’s entry into 3nm chip design places it among the few countries capable of contributing at this advanced level of the global semiconductor value chain.

Applications in Electronics and AI

• Wider Use Across Sectors: 3nm chips are critical in powering smartphones, laptops, servers, automotive systems, medical devices, and defense equipment, supporting India’s growing electronics manufacturing base.
• AI and High-Performance Computing: These chips are foundational for AI processing, machine learning applications, data analytics, and future-ready computing systems.
• IoT and Industrial Automation: Their integration enhances IoT networks and industrial automation, enabling faster and smarter data processing and connectivity.

About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

• ISM is a dedicated government initiative aimed at developing a robust semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem, positioning India as a global hub in electronics production and design.
• Launch:The ISM was launched in 2021 under the Semicon India Programme as part of the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision to boost domestic capabilities in advanced technology manufacturing.
• Objective: The mission serves as the nodal agency for implementing semiconductor and display schemes, focusing on the entire value chain.
• Significance
• • Comprehensive Ecosystem Development: ISM supports all stages of semiconductor development, including ATMP( Assembly, Testing, Marking, Packaging ) materials, and chemical supply chains, enabling self-reliance in critical electronics components.
  • Strategic Partnerships and Global Integration: India has signed key MoUs and Framework Agreements (FSAs) with countries like the USA, Japan, Singapore, and the EU to position itself as a trusted partner in the global supply chain.
  • Boost to Talent and Innovation: Over 270 academic institutions are equipped with advanced design tools and hardware kits, supporting the creation of a skilled workforce and semiconductor startups.
  • Public-Private Collaboration: Government initiatives like Chips to Startup (C2S) and Design Linked Incentive (DLI) schemes are promoting innovation through startups and academic-industry partnerships.
  • Investor Confidence and Industrial Growth: Global players like Renesas, Lam Research, and Applied Materials have invested in India, reflecting confidence in ISM’s vision and long-term potential.

Conclusion

India’s 3nm chip design launch not only boosts national innovation but also positions the country as a reliable partner in the global semiconductor ecosystem.