A Historic Unveiling at Semicon India 2025
At the Semicon India 2025 conference, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented Vikram-32—also formally known as VIKRAM3201—to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking India’s inaugural step into designing and manufacturing its own space-qualified microprocessor. PM Modi underscored how semiconductors are the “digital diamond” of our age, signaling India’s ambitions in technological self-reliance.
Who Developed It—and Where?
Vikram-32 was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)—specifically, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and fabricated at ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali using a 180 nm CMOS process. This fabrication and packaging occurred at the Semiconductor Hub in Punjab’s Mohali. The chip was formally inducted for production in March 2025, even before its public showcase.
Technical Features & Space Suitability
Built with a 32-bit architecture, Vikram-32 handles larger data chunks and memory compared to its predecessor, the 16-bit Vikram-1601 (used since 2009). It supports floating-point calculations, crucial for complex guidance and navigation tasks in space.
Designed for extreme environments—especially radiation, temperature swings, and deterministic operation—the chip prioritizes reliability over raw speed, aligning with international best practices for space-grade processors. It is equipped with an Ada programming toolchain, and a C compiler is in development. Additionally, its mission control capabilities include MIL-STD-1553B interface support.
Proven in the Field
Proof-of-concept steps have already been taken—Vikram-32 was validated during the PSLV-C60 mission’s POEM-4 platform, demonstrating its operational readiness under real launch conditions.
India vs. Global Players
Comparable global models include the RAD750 (used by NASA on Mars rovers) and LEON (used in European spacecraft). Though older than consumer-grade chips, they excel in reliability. Vikram-32 is now in the same league of trusted, radiation-hardened processors.
Beyond Space—India’s Semiconductor Momentum
Vikram-32 is more than a space chip—it’s emblematic of India’s rapid evolution from chip consumer to chip innovator. Launched under the India Semiconductor Mission in 2021, India has seen impressive investments: dozens of semiconductor manufacturing projects approved, major fab units under development, and startups empowered through design-linked incentive schemes.
Its robust design makes the chip adaptable not only for space but also for sectors like defense, advanced automotive, and high-reliability energy systems.
Summary Table
| Feature |
Details |
| Name & Artifacts |
Vikram-32 (VIKRAM3201) |
| Developed by |
ISRO (VSSC & SCL) |
| Fabrication |
180 nm CMOS process, SCL Mohali |
| Architecture |
32-bit, floating-point capable |
| Programming tools |
Ada supported, C compiler in progress |
| Launch Validation |
Tested on PSLV-C60 |
| Applications |
Launch vehicle guidance, potential for satellites, defense, automotive, energy |
| Strategic Impact |
First indigenously made Indian space-grade chip, emblem of semiconductor autonomy |
Summary
Vikram-32 (VIKRAM3201) is India’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali. Unveiled at Semicon India 2025, the chip is designed for space missions, offering radiation tolerance, floating-point support, and reliable performance in extreme conditions. It was successfully tested on the PSLV-C60 mission. Vikram-32 marks a major milestone in India’s push for semiconductor self-reliance, with potential applications beyond space in defense, automotive, and energy systems.
