DHRUV64 microprocessor developed by C-DAC under the DIR-V program
Introduction to DHRUV64 microprocessor
DHRUV64 is India’s first indigenous microprocessor. It runs at 1.0 GHz and features a 64-bit dual-core design This processor is useful in various sectors, such as 5G, automotive, consumer electronics, and IoT. India uses 20% of the world’s microprocessors, so we will now be less dependent on imports. This processor is critical for national security and was developed by C-DAC It is part of the DIR-V program DIR-V stands for Digital India RISC-V. This program launched in April 2022. Its goal is to develop RISC-V-based processors RISC-V is an open architecture, so there are no licensing costs. This promotes innovation, which is driven by the MeitY ministry. C-DAC designs IP, SoCs, and tools, yet India has 20% of global chip design engineers DHRUV64 uses these This is part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Development Background
India has been working on semiconductors for a long time. In 2018, the SHAKTI processor was launched. IIT Madras developed it for defense and space applications The AJIT processor was launched the same year IIT Bombay developed it for industrial applications and robotics. VIKRAM was released in 2025, jointly developed by ISRO and SCL. It is for space missions. THEJAS64 also arrived in 2025, but C-DAC developed it for industrial automation The DHRUV64 is the next step. This is the third DIR-V chip. The first was THEJAS32, fabricated in Malaysia. The second was THEJAS64, manufactured at SCL Mohali.
Now, the DHRUV64 is here, followed by the DHANUSH and DHANUSH+ These are SoC variants. The government has launched several programs. The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was launched in 2021 with an investment of ₹1.60 lakh crore Ten projects are in six states, while Chips to Startups (C2S) launched in 2022 with a budget of ₹250 crore. 85,000 skilled people will be trained in 113 institutions. The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) was launched in 2021. It supports IC and SoC development, while the INUP-i2i program provides training More than 8,000 people have been trained under this program. There are 348 short-term and 220 mid-term R&D projects.
Key Features of DHRUV64 microprocessor
DHRUV64 has a speed of 1.0 GHz It performs quickly. It has a 64-bit dual-core processor, allowing two cores to work simultaneously, making multitasking easier. that is efficient and uses less power. It is reliable. Errors are reduced, and it’s based on RISC-V. RISC-V is open source There are no licensing fees, reducing costs. It can be used by startups and academia, and it utilizes modern fabrication technology. It’s similar to high-performance chips and integrates with various hardware Integration is easy It’s suitable for 5G infrastructure. It works in automotive systems, which is useful in consumer electronics like mobile phones and computers. It’s ideal for industrial automation and IoT devices, as it supports prototype development. It can test new architectures It’s low cost, and the industry can scale.
Design and Architecture
The DHRUV64 is indigenously designed, developed entirely by C-DAC. It’s 64-bit. Dual-core means two processing units operate in parallel. This increases speed, and it uses the RISC-V architecture It provides the RISC-V instruction set. It’s open source. While people from around the world contribute, India’s participation will boost innovation Furthermore, the design focuses on efficiency. Multitasking is improved. Reliability is high, yet it connects easily to external systems. The fabrication is modern. Despite the technology’s high-speed chips, it’s safe for defense and space applications There are no foreign backdoors Designed to suit Indian needs, the technical specifications include a 1 GHz clock speed, 64-bit processing, and dual-core. Power consumption details are not available, but it’s efficient.
Discussing applications
DHRUV64 will be useful in many areas, including 5G networks It will provide faster connections. It can be integrated into automotive control systems, enhancing safety. It can also be used in consumer electronics, such as smartphones and laptops, and in industrial automation to control machines It can also be used in IoT devices, such as smart homes, and is also useful in defense, satellite, and missile systems. Reliable in space missions Startups in the commercial sector can develop new products, and this processor is also affordable. Because of RISC-V’s fit for the Indian market, and its importance for India, DHRUV64 will make India self-reliant. Reducing imports will strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem Jobs will increase Skilled engineers will be produced, enhancing national security and securing critical sectors like healthcare, transportation, and the power grid. Foreign dependence will decrease.
Future Plans on DHRUV64 microprocessor
C-DAC is developing DHANUSH and DHANUSH+ These are next-generation RISC-V-based SoCs. The DIR-V program will continue for strategic and commercial use. As more RISC-V processors become available, more investment will be made in ISM for industry, strategic, and consumer technology Skills will increase through C2S, innovation through DLI, and R&D through INUP-i2i, making India a global semiconductor player The conclusion is that DHRUV64 is a milestone in terms of talent and infrastructure. It showcases India’s technological prowess Key features like 1 GHz speed and 64-bit design are useful, and the design is based on RISC-V The applications are numerous The future is bright India will become self-reliant.
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