Source: TH
Context:
On December 15, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the launch of DHRUV64, a fully indigenous microprocessor developed under India’s Microprocessor Development Programme. The chip is positioned to strengthen India’s domestic processor ecosystem and support applications across telecom, industrial automation, and embedded systems.
Who developed DHRUV64?
- Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under MeitY.
What is DHRUV64?
- A 64-bit, dual-core, 1 GHz microprocessor.
- Designed to run operating systems and support broader industrial applications.
- Aligned with India’s goal of reducing dependence on foreign chip designs and strengthening security, supply-chain resilience, and domestic capability.
What is Microprocessor?
A microprocessor is an integrated circuit (IC) that functions as the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer or electronic system. It acts as the brain of a device—processing data, performing calculations, and executing instructions that run programs.
Part of India’s Processor Ecosystem
Other indigenous chips linked to this ecosystem:
- SHAKTI – IIT Madras
- AJIT – IIT Bombay
- VIKRAM – ISRO
- THEJAS64 / THEJAS32 – C-DAC
What is DIR-V?
- RISC-V based Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme aims to develop an indigenous suite of processors.
- DHRUV64 is the third DIR-V chip, after THEJAS32 and THEJAS64.
- RISC-V offers an open, licence-free instruction set, enabling flexibility, lower cost, and broader design freedom.
Upcoming Indigenous Chips:
- DHANUSH: 1.2 GHz quad-core, probable 28 nm process node.
- DHANUSH+: 2 GHz quad-core, expected 14/16 nm node.
Government schemes supporting indigenous fabs & chip development:
- Chips to Startup (C2S) programme – ₹250 crore outlay
- Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme
- INUP-i2i Initiative – expanding nanofabrication access and training
- India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) – approved 10 projects in 6 States with investments worth ₹1.6 lakh crore
