{"id":6615,"date":"2025-02-12T17:13:59","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T11:43:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/exams\/?p=6615"},"modified":"2026-02-24T12:49:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T07:19:53","slug":"iit-madras-isro-unveil-shakti-based-iris-chip-for-space-1109","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/iit-madras-isro-unveil-shakti-based-iris-chip-for-space-1109\/","title":{"rendered":"IIT Madras &#038; ISRO Unveil SHAKTI-Based IRIS Chip for Space"},"content":{"rendered":"<p dir=\"ltr\">The advancement of semiconductor technology within India reached a major goal by creating native semiconductor chips intended for aerospace missions. Through their partnership, IIT Madras (IIT Madras) along with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) created the IRIS (Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications) chip that utilizes SHAKTI microprocessor foundations. The program implements the &#39;Make in India&#39; and &#39;Atmanirbhar Bharat&#39; programs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfSJjmpOgPsAS-VRZnmZZ6hH3IjhYvAUf8bnuUi152R52VLy0daTpm_QZJhkE9_lhW9XQpnlDRgG67y88hNGy_ZKbsPTGZ7LXecMq9FjHXyUyLdCLFIczdD9eiqTYtUxCzEk1S-QA?key=I9gWAikSVxSBZ4pIxTCBnhae\" style=\"height:400px; width:700px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Indigenous Semiconductor Breakthrough<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The aerospace application field saw a major technological advancement for semiconductors within Indian borders.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">IIT Madras joined forces with the Indian Space Research Organisation to establish IRIS (Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The chip depends on SHAKTI microprocessor momentum while using RISC-V technology as an open-source solution.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">SHAKTI Microprocessor &amp; RISC-V Technology<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Professor V Kamakoti at IIT Madras PSCDISHA Center oversees the SHAKTI project.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">RISC-V functions as an open-source processor architecture that receives support through the &lsquo;Digital India RISC-V&rsquo; (DIRV) initiative.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The initiative works to establish an autonomous processor system for vital program requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Key Features of IRIS Chip<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This microprocessor system has been created specifically for command and control systems used by ISRO.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This processor benefits from design features that promote reliability and tolerate system faults so it works efficiently for space operations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The chip includes feature-specific built-in modules that integrate serial buses with WATCHDOG timers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Features multiple boot modes and hybrid memory extensions for future expansion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This domestically produced technology enables India to be independent in its semiconductor developments.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Expansion of &#39;Make in India&#39; and &#39;Atmanirbhar Bharat&#39;.<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The development team consisted of IIT Madras together with IISU Thiruvananthapuram.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The 180 nm technology node manufacturing process was implemented at Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) Chandigarh to produce the device.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The chip packaging process takes place at Tata Advanced Systems located in Karnataka state.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The manufacturing of the motherboard takes place in Gujarat before Tata Airports assembles it in Chennai.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Software Development &amp; Booting at: IIT Madras.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Indigenous Development of Semiconductors<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXd3qmm7BhScrNVBgmN-y9puevLlxorXJLY396Sl27tEOjgAh2T2qSPhJPMyGFYs_1mWuSgoj3aWP9Il1L2aopd-mts5YFSj1HKUtwW4SCvpUOYpc2Awo_BprGI2zvqx5xgGP-t0RA?key=I9gWAikSVxSBZ4pIxTCBnhae\" style=\"height:400px; width:700px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">What are Semiconductors?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Materials with conductivity between conductors and insulators.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Materials used in semiconductor chips include both pure elements silicon and germanium together with compounds of gallium arsenide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The resistance of materials lies between the values of insulators and conductors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The resistance value declines when the temperature rises.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Importance of Semiconductors<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Core of Modern Technology &ndash; Used in electronics, communications, automobiles, and medical devices.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Propels Emerging Technologies &ndash; Essential for AI, 5G, and autonomous vehicles.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Value of Global Trade with Semiconductors stands as the second highest after automotive and fuel sectors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Reduction in device scale and improvement in efficiency and cost-effectiveness happens through semiconductor assistance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Transformative Potential &ndash; Drives progress across industries such as aerospace, consumer electronics, and healthcare.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">India&rsquo;s Current Status in Semiconductor Manufacturing<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The R&amp;D sector for semiconductors exists in India because various international businesses operate research facilities inside the country.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Two strategic fabrication plants are operating in India for defense and space sector needs under DRDO&rsquo;s SITAR and SCL Chandigarh.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">India imports all its commercial chips from foreign vendors while China remains its primary supplier (100% imports) during 2020.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Significance of Indigenous Semiconductor Development in India<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">An independent supply chain enables India to lower its import dependence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The growing number of remote workers and internet users within India requires the development of indigenous semiconductors to meet their demand.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Manufacturing within India creates employment opportunities that also enhance electronics value chains and produce various positions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The indigenous production of semiconductors enables India to save import expenses and create more export opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Security benefits increase when processing happens locally because production takes place within the nation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Geopolitical Leverage gives India the ability to decrease Chinese imports while enhancing its international leadership position.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Increased Competitiveness &ndash; Enhances India&#39;s position in global semiconductor manufacturing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Challenges in India&#39;s Semiconductor Industry<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The capital requirements for starting a fab unit amount to between $5 to $7 billion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The investment process suffers delays and requires various government clearances to proceed because of bureaucratic inefficiencies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Unstable Power Supply &ndash; Requires uninterrupted power, available in limited regions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Advanced semiconductor technologies present technological barriers because they require high licensing expenses.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Structural problems exist in India because the availability of skilled workers is low land acquisitions take too long and tax stability remains unclear to foreigners.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Government Efforts Toward Semiconductor Industry Development<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The National Policy on Electronics from 2019 functions to develop Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) into a global hub for India.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Semicon India Programme receives INR 76,000 crore for semiconductor and display production.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Modified Semiconductor Fabs Scheme &ndash; Provides 50% fiscal support for semiconductor wafer fabrication.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Modified EMC 2.0 Scheme &ndash; Supports the establishment of Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">100% FDI in Electronics Manufacturing &ndash; Encourages foreign investment in the sector.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme &ndash; Provides financial incentives for domestic manufacturing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Way Forward<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Adequate Funding for R&amp;D &ndash; Support institutions for innovation in semiconductors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The SPF program should be rapidly deployed as a sovereign patent fund to buy domestic business patents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Manufacturers will join domestic markets when manufacturers receive guarantees of domestic purchasing requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The nation should provide support for semiconductor companies to acquire operational units based abroad.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Manufacturing facilities should start with packaging and testing procedures before establishing complete fabrication operations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The states should work together with the government to provide reliable power supply and clean water access.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Increasing demand for semiconductor chips will persist because the digital revolution maintains its fast pace. Self-reliance combined with economic development plus global leadership requires India to prioritize domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The implementation of appropriate funding measures and nationwide policy improvements will establish India as a prominent semiconductor industry force on a worldwide scale.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The advancement of semiconductor technology within India reached a major goal by creating native semiconductor chips intended for aerospace missions. Through their partnership, IIT Madras (IIT Madras) along with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) created the IRIS (Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications) chip that utilizes SHAKTI microprocessor foundations. The program implements the &#39;Make in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6616,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6615","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6615","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6615"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6615\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6633,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6615\/revisions\/6633"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6616"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6615"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6615"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6615"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}