IIT Madras and ISRO Unveil IRIS Semiconductor Chip for Space and IoT Needs
Team Finance Saathi
12/Feb/2025

What's covered under the Article:
- IIT Madras and ISRO develop the IRIS semiconductor chip, based on the open-source RISC-V architecture.
- The chip features fault-tolerant memories and custom modules for space applications.
- Manufactured in India, the IRIS chip supports India's "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives.
In a major boost to India’s semiconductor technology and space research, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have successfully developed and booted an indigenous semiconductor chip, named RISCV Controller for Space Applications (IRIS). This made-in-India semiconductor is based on the Shakti processor and follows the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture, making it a key milestone in India's quest for self-reliance in advanced chip manufacturing.
A Step Towards Indigenous Space Technology
The IRIS semiconductor chip has been designed to meet the computing needs of space applications and extends its usability to other sectors such as the Internet of Things (IoT). It features fault-tolerant memories and custom-built modules, ensuring high reliability for space environments.
This state-of-the-art chip was manufactured at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Chandigarh and packaged by Tata Advanced Systems in Karnataka, reflecting India’s growing expertise in semiconductor fabrication and packaging technologies. The success of this project strengthens India's ambition to reduce its dependency on foreign semiconductor technology and aligns with the government’s "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Make in India" vision.
IIT Madras and ISRO’s Collaborative Effort
The development of IRIS was spearheaded by the Prathap Subrahmanyam Centre for Digital Intelligence and Secure Hardware Architecture (PSCDISHA) at IIT Madras, with extensive collaboration from ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit (IISU). This project demonstrates India’s ability to design, fabricate, and implement cutting-edge semiconductor technology domestically.
The successful booting of the IRIS chip marks a significant milestone in India’s semiconductor and space journey. With extensive testing planned, the chip is set to play a crucial role in ISRO’s future space missions. The success of IRIS also highlights India’s efforts in establishing an independent semiconductor ecosystem, fostering innovation, and advancing next-generation chip technology for both aerospace and commercial applications.
The Future of India's Semiconductor Industry
As India pushes forward in semiconductor innovation, projects like IRIS strengthen the country’s global standing in space technology and chip design. The successful development of this chip also paves the way for future advancements in secure, high-performance computing for aerospace, defence, and IoT applications.
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